A Magical Night of Connection and Culture: Experiencing SEVENTEEN NEW_ World Tour Finale in the Philippines
2026-03-28The final stop of SEVENTEEN’s NEW_ world tour in the Philippines was more than a concert. It was a meaningful cultural experience that highlighted the global influence of K-pop and the deep connection between artists and fans.
Photo Credits: Mary Lourdes Lagera
Last March 21, 2026, at the Philippine Sports Stadium, the concert gathered thousands of fans, known as Carats, who came together to celebrate music, creativity, and shared passion. From the grand opening stage with Bad Influence showcasing different and new SEVENTEEN to the more than an hour encore, the performance reflected SEVENTEEN’s versatility, artistry, dedication, and evolving musical identity.
The atmosphere outside the venue already set the tone for the evening. Carats arrived mostly in coordinated outfits inspired by SEVENTEEN style, music videos and even the group’s official colors, Rose Quartz and Serenity, transforming the space into a vibrant expression of fandom culture. Lamppost banners featuring the members in the area, creating a welcoming atmosphere where attendees could take photos and connect with fellow Carats.
Photo Credits: Mary Lourdes Lagera
One of the most notable aspects of the experience was the sense of community. Even for those attending alone, the event naturally created opportunities for interaction. The exchange of fan-made freebies, a well-loved tradition in K-pop culture, allowed fans to share small tokens of appreciation with one another. This practice reflects how K-pop extends beyond music into meaningful social connections.
The concert began with high-energy performances of HBD and Thunder that immediately hyped the Carats. As the show progressed, each segment revealed a different dimension of SEVENTEEN’s artistry, from powerful group stages to more personal solo performances where the members shine in their different ways.
Photo Credits: Mary Lourdes Lagera
Filipino Carats added their own cultural touch to the concert through enthusiastic participation. Unique expressions, such as during the tour chant with the gesture of thumbs up while pinky finger also raising like gestures of hand calling, then Carats shouted the widely recognized “Eyyy,” were embraced by the members, highlighting the dynamic interaction between Kpop artists and Carats. These exchanges demonstrate how K-pop concerts serve as platforms for cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation.
The one that stood out as well was the dynamics of Filipino Carats and SEVENTEEN that made me feel like I was in live Going Seventeen or GoSe, the group’s variety show. The Caratbong 8 time, a mini segment where Dino, Seungkwan, Mingyu and S.Coups and even their dancers showed their freestyle dance moves.
The production value further elevated the experience. Confetti effects during Jun, Joshua, and DK’s solo and HBD, Domino, Darling, Love Money Fame, and Eyes on You performances and large-scale fireworks displays during the last songs like Rock With You and Eyes On You created a visually immersive environment that complemented the music. The Philippines, known for its grand celebrations, provided an ideal setting for such a spectacular finale and having their own music festival style kind of concert.
Photo Credits: Mary Lourdes Lagera
Another memorable aspect of the concert was its spontaneity. In addition to the official setlist, SEVENTEEN performed several unexpected songs like Beautiful, Mansae, Wave, Clap, March,
Don Quixote, LEft and Right, Water, 20, Super, Gam3 Bo1, Wait, Together, and even unit songs which are For You by CxM, Blue by DxS, Fighting by BSS with special appearance of Pi Cheolin (Dino’s popular alter ego from GoSe) and the highly anticipated Dino’s part in Snapshoot which Filipino Carats enthusiastically sang along to.
Filipino Carats prepared fan projects that included butterfly shaped handbanners with the message: “Our past, our present, and our future—it’s always only SEVENTEEN”. It was really beautiful when Mingyu instructed the Carats to shake it, it’s like fluttering.
Also big banners saying: “SEVENTEEN FOREVER” and “SEVENTEEN, let’s be together for a long, long time”. Which the members really love and kept saying during the encore.
The encore, featuring multiple renditions of “Very Nice,” became a shared moment of joy between the artists and the audience. Also there's like a waterbomb festival segment where it started when Carats’ did the Water dance step for hiphop unit’s song that ended up with members showing the carats with water.
The concert lasted approximately three hours and forty minutes, offering an extended experience that surpassed expectations. During the closing remarks, the members expressed their gratitude saying tagalog words like “Magkikita tayo ulit” (We will see each other again), “Mahal Kita” (I love you) and “Salamat po” (Thank you), creating an emotional conclusion that resonated deeply with attendees. Also reassuring Carats that they will stay as 13 and will come back next tour as a whole 13 members.
Bottom: (left to right) SEVENTEEN Members posing with Filipino Carats, and SEVENTEEN members before starting the concert.
Photo credits: Pledis Entertaiment and Applewood Philippines
More than just entertainment, the SEVENTEEN NEW_ concert illustrated the global reach of Korean popular culture, or Hallyu. For many Carats like me, attending SEVENTEEN’s concert was not only a memorable event but also a reminder of the positive impact of K-pop. It serves as a source of motivation, happiness, inspiration, comfort, and connection in everyday life. As SEVENTEEN concluded their world tour in the Philippines, the experience left a lasting magical impression to me and other Filipino Carats as well.
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