Reunion and Risk at SEVENTEEN's 'NEW_' World Tour Opener Following Fireworks Incident

SEVENTEEN members reunited' in 'NEW_' world tour in Incheon, before military enlistment began.
A pyrotechnic accident injured two fans there.
SEVENTEEN's agency pledged full support and responsibility.

Last weekend, SEVENTEEN launched the highly anticipated start of their 'NEW_' world tour at Incheon's Asiad Main Stadium. The concert's first night was a spectacle of cutting-edge technology and powerful performances, notably capturing attention for its innovative use of holographic glasses that gave the fireworks display a mesmerizing, special effect. Fans were treated to a series of special stages, cementing the group's reputation for delivering unforgettable and dynamic shows.

However, the second night provided an emotional surprise that left the audience in tears. The tour began with only nine active members, as four are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service. In a heartwarming turn of events, the two members slated to enlist next, Hoshi and Woozi, made an unexpected appearance on the second night, proudly showcasing their new buzzcuts just a day before their enlistment on September 15.

"wonwoo, jeonghan, hoshi, and woozi 😭😭," tweeted fan.

"OT13 TODAY!!!! MY FAMILY IS COMPLETE TODAY 🥺😭🩷🩵," replied another.

"SEVENTEEN OT13 TODAY😭 4 IN THE AUDIENCE SEATS, 9 ON STAGE 😭😭😭," said fan.

Their arrival was met with an overwhelming wave of love and support. They weren't alone. Already-enlisted members Jeonghan and Wonwoo were also spotted in the audience, enjoying the show from their seats. The unofficial OT13 reunion was a poignant moment for the group and their fans, further highlighted by the attendance of producer Na PD, showcasing the strong bond he has formed with the members over the years.

Firework Incident Injures 2 Fans

Unfortunately, the opening concert was also marked by a distressing incident. During the finale of the September 13th show, a pyrotechnic effect went awry. Instead of firing upwards as planned, some of the special effect fireworks unexpectedly misfired and fell into the audience seating area. Videos and fan accounts quickly spread online, with one fan posting on X (formerly Twitter).

"I was seated in the N5 area on the second floor, and I was hit by the fireworks during ‘Eyes On You.’ Everyone be careful," she said.

"I think they need to readjust the fireworks… If anyone was hit by it, they’d be burned or their eyes could’ve been injure," another fan expressed concern.

In response, Pledis Entertainment released an extensive official statement on Weverse the following day. The agency confirmed that two audience members were injured in the incident.

"The two audience members who were confirmed to have been injured on site were treated immediately at the temporary clinic in the performance hall and then returned home."

While emphasizing that a professional company had set safety distances and conducted repeated inspections, the label determined the cause was a "defective product."

The statement went on to outline their commitment to responsibility, saying, "We will actively support the subsequent treatment procedures for the speedy recovery of those affected."

For the subsequent concert on the 14th, the agency pledged to "exclude the problematic product and conduct a more thorough safety inspection," adding, "We sincerely apologize once again for the concern and inconvenience caused by this incident, and we will continue to do our best to create a safer performance environment by prioritizing the safety of our audiences."

Thus, SEVENTEEN's tour began on a complex note, masterfully blending the immense joy of a heartfelt member reunion with the sobering reality of a safety lapse, all under the watchful eyes of their dedicated global fandom.

Source: X, Weverse, Chosun, News.nate, Koreaboo