Let's Meet Again on a Winter Day When our Noses are Cold
Who would have thought that in less than a year, I’d be attending another Caratland? Just last July 2024, I was lucky enough to experience two days of Caratland 2024. So when PLEDIS announced the schedule for this year’s event, I was shocked - but little did I know, the reason behind it was so that Wonwoo could attend before his military enlistment.
PLEDIS confirmed that Wonwoo will begin his alternative military service on April 3, 2025. This means that Caratland 2025 marks his last public appearance before his enlistment, making this event even more emotional for CARATs.
Securing Tickets for Caratland 2025
I was beyond grateful to have secured tickets for both Day 1 and Day 2 during the pre-sale. My Day 1 ticket was under Play&Stay (which I’ll be writing about in a separate blog post), while my Day 2 ticket was a regular one.
Memorable Moments at Caratland 2025
OT12 Caratzone Photocards with PuzzleTeen Special Set
To celebrate SEVENTEEN’s 10th anniversary, this year’s Caratland photocards were released as a complete set (except for Jeonghan, who is currently serving in the military). In addition to this, SEVENTEEN introduced special PuzzleTeen photocards.
UPDATE: SEVENTEEN has launched their new mobile game, PuzzleTeen! It reminds me of Candy Crush, but with a SEVENTEEN concept. Safe to say, I am the target market.
Since the Caratzone photocards came as a set, there was no need for fans to trade on-site. While this was convenient, it also felt bittersweet. On-site trading has become a major part of concert and fanmeet culture in South Korea, and without it, some of the excitement was missing. Still, I’m very grateful to have received a full set!
My 10th Anniversary Caratbong Version 3
SEVENTEEN finally released a new version of the Caratbong, and this time, it features our official fandom colors: Serenity and Rose Quartz.
When Caratbong Version 3 was initially released, I’ll admit, I was disappointed. It was a downgrade from Version 2, as they changed the body to black. Many CARATs customized theirs with paint and stickers - including me! But now, the 10th Anniversary Edition brings back our beloved fandom colors.
Version 2 will always be the queen of Caratbongs, but this new one? It’s definitely the princess.
Interpark’s Face Pass: A New Ticketing Experience
I wasn’t planning to use Interpark’s Face Pass, but I ended up trying it - and it was surprisingly smooth! Once your face is registered in the system, all you need to do is scan your face at the entrance through a tablet. Your seat number appears on a screen, and they hand you your wristband without needing to show a ticket.
I didn’t record my experience for privacy reasons, but it was quick and seamless. However, I completely understand concerns about AI-generated images and privacy risks. If Face Pass isn’t for you, you can still opt for the traditional ticket verification process.
Spectacular Performances from SEVENTEEN
The setlist for Caratland 2025 was nothing short of amazing! I finally got to hear some of the songs I had been longing for:
Let Me Hear You Say – I’ve always wished to hear this live, and when it started playing, I was in shock! It’s not even my favorite song, but for some reason, I’ve always wanted to experience it in person.
Cheers – This is my TOTGA song. SEVENTEEN performed it at Be The Sun in Bulacan, but I couldn’t attend because of my friend’s wedding. So hearing it live for the first time—and as an OT12 performance no less—was an unforgettable moment!
My My – One of my all-time favorite SEVENTEEN songs. I first heard it live at their Love Fanmeeting in Japan, but I wasn’t able to record it due to strict policies. This time, I finally have a video of them performing it!
Leftover – I had high expectations that Wonwoo would perform this, and he did! Hearing Leftover live before his enlistment was an emotional experience. It may be a long time before I see him again, but I will definitely be waiting for him.
Mini Vlog
@annyeongruth FANMEET MINI VLOG | SEVENTEEN Caratland 2025 ✨💎 It’s already been a week since Caratland happened 🥹 And to be honest, I haven’t processed my emotions because I was so busy right after the fanmeet. But all I know is I’m happy I got to attend Caratland once again. I miss them already 🥹 #kpop #seventeen #세븐틴 #캐럿 #캐럿랜드 #caratland2025 #lifeinkorea ♬ Encircled SEVENTEEN - 𝒚𝒆𝒆𝒏🐰ྀི
Definitely from Cheers to Tears, my heart is experiencing a mix of happiness and sadness after Caratland 2025. With everything happening so fast (and me being so busy!), I haven’t had the time to fully process my emotions. I hope I can sit down soon, rewatch my fancams, and relive the magic of this special event. Until we meet again, SEVENTEEN! 💎
