Boy band Seventeen delivered a high-energy performance on Glastonbury’s main Pyramid Stage on Friday, making history as the first K-Pop group to perform at the iconic music festival in southern England. The 13-member group, dressed in coordinated shades of black, showcased their highly synchronized dance routines to upbeat hits like “HOT,” “Rock with you,” and “VERY NICE,” captivating thousands of music fans with one of Glastonbury’s most unique sets.
While Seventeen may be relatively unknown in Britain and at Glastonbury, which sells out before its line-up is announced, the South Korean group boasted the world’s best-selling album last year. After performing “SOS,” singer Joshua Hong expressed the band’s sentiment to the crowd, saying, “Even though the language, country, and culture are all different, we can still connect as one through music.”
Seventeen’s set drew a smaller crowd compared to the preceding acts, but those who came were enthusiastic, singing, waving, and dancing along, even if they were unfamiliar with the songs. Loyal Seventeen fans, known as “carats,” filled the front row, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Kiera Finn, 26, from Liverpool, who had never heard Seventeen before, shared her excitement: “It was really good, it was so much fun. The crowd was so good … It was kind of like, this is what Glastonbury’s all about, and everyone was just having fun.”
The K-Pop industry, renowned for its rigorous training in dance, singing, and language skills, has produced global sensations like BTS and Blackpink, who are increasingly appearing at Western festivals and garnering international followings. Seventeen’s performance at Glastonbury represents a significant step away from the festival’s traditionally hippie and rock ethos, embracing more diverse musical acts.
This year’s Glastonbury line-up also includes high-profile artists such as Dua Lipa, who headlined the Pyramid Stage later on Friday, alongside Coldplay, R&B singer SZA, and country star Shania Twain, among hundreds of other performers. Seventeen’s historic appearance highlights the festival’s evolving nature, welcoming a broader range of musical genres and cultures to its stages.
Overall, Seventeen’s performance at Glastonbury not only marked a milestone for the group but also showcased the festival’s growing inclusivity, offering a platform for diverse musical expressions and fostering a sense of global unity through music.
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