A Korean industry article discussing the formula behind successful large-member idol groups cited Seventeen as a representative success story.
The article stated that despite being a 13-member group, Seventeen has maintained both its unit structure Hip-Hop Team, Vocal Team, and Performance Team and its identity as a full group. Rather than allowing individual members and the team to move in separate directions, Seventeen has utilized its unit system to keep both connected.
The article further described this hybrid system as a key survival strategy during military enlistment periods. It highlighted BSS, whose single "Fighting" achieved eight music show wins, and Jeonghan x Wonwoo's single album "THIS MAN," which recorded 787,046 first-week sales, setting the record for the highest first-week sales among all K-pop units.
The article also noted that Seventeen continues to actively operate units such as DK x Seungkwan and S.Coups x Mingyu. According to the article, this flexible structure has enabled the group to maintain album sales and global chart power without interruption even during periods when some members are absent, proving through both numbers and talent that large-member groups can have a sustainable long-term model.
One industry official quoted in the article also stated that groups like Seventeen appear to use their unit system wisely, creating a win-win situation where members can develop their individual identities while still strengthening the team as a whole.
m.entertain.naver.com/home/aโฆ