With BTS preparing for a highly anticipated reunion and a potential full-group comeback next year, the spotlight may soon be back on the global K-pop giants. However, as of now, another group has taken the crown. The Hollywood Reporter has named SEVENTEEN the “world’s most successful K-pop band,” a remarkable feat for a group that continues to break records. Despite BTS’s hiatus due to military enlistment, SEVENTEEN’s rise has been meteoric, with the 13-member boy band now ranking among the top three globally in album sales. They have managed to outsell icons like Kendrick Lamar while sharing the stage with pop juggernauts like Taylor Swift.
SEVENTEEN’s phenomenal success
Formed in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment and managed by the HYBE label, SEVENTEEN has achieved unparalleled success, redefining what it means to be a global K-pop powerhouse. The group—consisting of S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The 8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino—has captivated audiences worldwide with their innovation and dedication to performance. Their Asia tour (2023–2024) raked in a staggering $98.4 million from just 24 shows, making it the highest-grossing K-pop tour of the year.
SEVENTEEN has not only claimed the K-pop throne but has also secured a place among the biggest global music acts. As the group celebrates their 10th anniversary with their latest album, Happy Burstday, Seoul has become a city drenched in SEVENTEEN mania, with ads, banners, and fan merchandise flooding the streets. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, SEVENTEEN topped album sales worldwide in 2024, only behind Taylor Swift and Drake, solidifying their position as the music industry’s new force to be reckoned with. The name “SEVENTEEN” is derived from the phrase “13 members + 3 units + 1 group.” It reflects the unique structure of the band, where the 13 members are divided into three distinct sub-units—vocal, hip-hop, and performance. These units come together to form a single, unified group, showcasing their diverse talents while maintaining a cohesive identity.