In the volatile world of K-pop, few groups make it to the 10-year mark without losing members or momentum. But SEVENTEEN, the 13-member troupe under PLEDIS Entertainment, is an exception. Since their debut in 2015 with the EP 17 Carat, they have only grown stronger, becoming a rising global force — with no signs of slowing down.

On May 26, SEVENTEEN celebrated a decade together with HAPPY BURSTDAY, their fifth studio album. According to a press release, the LP represents an "explosive rebirth" for the group, expressing their desire to "embrace a fearless new era." The 16-song project honors their prowess in major fashion, featuring a solo track for each member and collaborations with Pharrell Williams and Timbaland. And with another tour and a new sub-unit in the works, SEVENTEEN is launching their next chapter with aplomb.

It's a fittingly massive celebration for the group, who have become one of K-pop's most beloved and record-breaking acts. Known as the "performance kings" and "most synchronized group" within the genre, SEVENTEEN have headlined stadiums and sold millions of albums worldwide — and two of their more recent achievements hint that their HAPPY BURSTDAY era may bring even more remarkable feats. They set the record for the best-selling K-pop album of all time with their 2023 EP FML (which has sold over 6.4 million copies as of press time), and made history as the first K-pop group to perform at Glastonbury Festival last June.

As they look ahead, SEVENTEEN reflected on some of the biggest moments from their first decade together. Below, DINO, JOSHUA, JUN, MINGYU, SEUNGKWAN, and THE 8 share 10 of their favorite career highlights so far.

DINO: Debuting as a member of SEVENTEEN is the most defining moment for me. If I hadn't been one of the 13 members, I wouldn't be who I am today. More than that, I wouldn't have met [our fans] CARATs. Not being able to meet them would have been the hardest part.

Being Nominated For Best New Male Artist At Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) (2015)

SEUNGKWAN: MAMA is such a major music award, so it was truly an honor for us to be recognized as [one of the] Best New Male Artist [nominees]. It felt even more meaningful because you can only get a Best New Artist Award once in your career. Receiving [the nomination] gave us so much strength, and I'm sure it brought a lot of joy to CARATs, too. 

Looking back now — 10 years in, and as artists who've gone on to win Daesang (Grand Prize) for Album of the Year at MAMA — it feels surreal. At the time, I couldn't have imagined any of it, which is what makes that memory even more special.

JUN: It was such a meaningful moment filled with gratitude for us. It felt like the first time our music and performance — everything we had worked so hard for — were truly recognized.

I remember being completely surprised and thrilled. When I saw the other members crying, I got choked up too. 

Most of all, I'm deeply grateful to CARATs. Thank you for continuing to support us with so much love — even now, 10 years later.

Hosting Their First Official Fan Meeting, 'SEVENTEEN In CARAT LAND' (2017)

JUN: I remember feeling a level of happiness I didn't know was possible. We had always poured our energy into preparing for the stage, but it had mostly been with the general public in mind. This time, knowing CARATs were coming just to see us sent us through the roof with happiness and excitement as we got ready for the fan meet. 

I can still clearly picture the faces in the crowd and hear their voices. It's one of those ecstatic feelings that stay with you — almost impossible to put into words.

Read More: Why 2015 Was A Transformative Year For K-Pop: BTS' Growth, TWICE's Debut & More Important Moments

Earning Their First Million-Selling Album With 'Heng:garæ' (2020)

DINO: We never imagined selling a million album copies in the first week. We've always focused on sharing music and performances we genuinely believe in, so it felt like it came as a natural outcome of that effort. 

Our desire to put our best foot forward with great music and performances — both to CARATs and to the wider public — has always been at the very center of what we do. I see this result as a form of recognition for the sincerity we've put in.

Breaking The Record For Highest First-Week Sales In K-pop History With 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN' (2023)

THE 8: It was hard to believe we had set a new record in K-pop history. Whenever we reach milestones like this, it reminds me of how much I want to be a lasting, positive influence — for our members, CARATs, and the wider public. I'm sure the other members feel the same. As artists, we want to keep evolving and creating stages that are even more dynamic and meaningful.

MINGYU: Receiving our first daesang at MAMA — the way we had always dreamed — was an unforgettable moment. It felt like we were recognized for everything we had worked so hard for over the years — and at the same time, like a driving force pushing us to keep going even further.

Memories of our journey with our members, our fans, and our families all flashed through my mind. That deep sense of gratitude has stayed with me, and it continues to motivate me to become someone who can live up to that moment.

SEUNGKWAN: It was such a special moment for us. Nissan Stadium is a massive venue, and standing on that stage made me realize how far we've come as a group. Seeing so many CARATs there gave us so much joy, and we had a great time together. I truly hope we can keep meeting even more CARATs in person, again and again.

JOSHUA: Last June, I had the honor of delivering a speech at the UNESCO headquarters on behalf of SEVENTEEN in our role as a Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. Standing there as the voice of our group was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. When the Director-General of UNESCO shared that our music, performances and the energy we bring as SEVENTEEN could be a source of strength for youth — it was both an honor and a powerful reminder of our potential impact.

What made it even more special was knowing that CARATs were with us in that moment. It inspired me to continue carrying that sense of responsibility into everything we do.

MINGYU: What I remember most is how incredible the crowd's reaction was. Seeing people on the other side of the world listening, singing along and enjoying with us — when all we were doing was simply sharing the music and performances we love — felt surreal and deeply humbling. When everyone sang our songs and danced with us, I felt this overwhelming joy.

Especially during "VERY NICE," jumping off the stage and joining the crowd — that moment was just pure fun. I'll keep doing my best to become an artist CARATs around the world can continue to be proud of.