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K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN made history as the first Korean pop group to perform on the prestigious Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2024.
The 13-member boy band captivated the UK audience with a dynamic one-hour set, showcasing their versatility and global appeal.SEVENTEEN’s performance featured a carefully curated mix of their hit songs, including ‘MAESTRO,’ ‘Rock With You,’ ‘Very Nice,’ and several others from their extensive discography.
The group demonstrated their musical range by presenting different sub-units, allowing each member to shine in their respective roles. Notably, members Joshua and Vernon performed an English pop-rap duet, highlighting the group’s linguistic diversity and their efforts to connect with international audiences.
The Glastonbury crowd, known for its eclectic taste and openness to diverse musical genres, responded enthusiastically to SEVENTEEN’s high-energy performance. The group’s synchronized dance routines, powerful vocals, and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impression on festival-goers, many of whom were experiencing K-pop live for the first time.
This groundbreaking appearance at Glastonbury came shortly after SEVENTEEN’s appointment as the inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Youth by UNESCO. During a ceremony held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the group accepted this prestigious role, cementing their status as global cultural ambassadors. As part of their commitment to this new responsibility, SEVENTEEN pledged a substantial $1 million donation towards a global grant supporting youth well-being and creativity initiatives.
The group’s success in the UK and France highlights K-pop’s growing influence in Europe. Despite South Korea ranking seventh in global music markets, SEVENTEEN’s presence at major European events signifies a significant moment for K-pop’s expansion in the region. Industry experts predict that this performance could pave the way for more K-pop acts to feature at prestigious European festivals and events in the future. SEVENTEEN’s leader, S.Coups, expressed the group’s gratitude and excitement about their Glastonbury debut, stating, “Performing at Glastonbury has been a dream come true for us. We’re honored to represent K-pop on this iconic stage and share our music with a new audience.”
Performing at Glastonbury has been a dream come true for us. We’re honored to represent K-pop on this iconic stage and share our music with a new audience
S.Coups
The group’s appearance at Glastonbury also sparked discussions about the globalization of music and the breaking down of language barriers in the industry. As SEVENTEEN member Joshua expressed to the Glastonbury crowd, “Though the language, country, and culture are all different, we can still connect as one through music.”
Though the language, country, and culture are all different, we can still connect as one through music.
joshua
This sentiment underscores the universal appeal of SEVENTEEN’s music and their potential for further growth in Europe and beyond.Music critics have praised SEVENTEEN’s Glastonbury performance for its polished production, infectious energy, and the group’s ability to engage with a diverse audience.
Many noted that the performance could mark a turning point for K-pop’s reception in the UK music scene, potentially opening doors for more collaborations between K-pop artists and British musicians. As SEVENTEEN continues their European tour following their Glastonbury triumph, the music industry watches with keen interest.
Their success at one of the world’s most renowned music festivals, coupled with their new role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors, positions SEVENTEEN at the forefront of K-pop’s global expansion. The group’s journey serves as a testament to the growing international appeal of K-pop and its potential to bridge cultural divides through the universal language of music.
SEVENTEEN brought K-pop closer to Europe after major moments at Glastonbury Festival and UNESCO headquarters. pic.twitter.com/f4Swwo3arW
— Forbes Entertainment (@ForbesEnt) June 30, 2024