Seventeen made history as the first K-pop group to perform on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, with five members delivering a 30-minute medley of hits in Washington, D.C. The performance, taped in early November and released on November 24, 2025, featured raw, stripped-back arrangements without monitors or vocal enhancements. Member DK was absent due to losing his voice, but the group rose to the challenge amid an enthusiastic office crowd.
Performance Details
Seventeen's Tiny Desk debut featured members Joshua, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino, backed by a five-piece band including longtime collaborator Park Kitae. The set opened with the high-energy "Super" and included a medley of nine songs from their catalog, such as "Darl+ing," "_World," "To You," "HBD," "SOS," "Rock With You," "Clap," "Hot," and the encore "Very Nice" (also known as "Aju Nice"). The performance emphasized authentic vocals and harmonies in the cramped NPR office space, adhering to Tiny Desk's no-frills rules—no floor monitors, in-ears, or post-production touch-ups.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
During rehearsal about 45 minutes before taping, the members focused on fitting into the tight setup, with Vernon adjusting his position to stay in frame and mic distance for his softer rap delivery. Seungkwan led a group selfie, while playful moments included Dino staring at Seungkwan during ad-libs and Mingyu teasing the squished keyboardist. Executive producer Suraya Mohamed noted the challenges of accommodating a large group but praised their ability to deliver in the intimate setting. The audience, including NPR staff in tour jerseys, chanted before the group emerged, surprising them with energy. "We expected a more calm and quiet environment... because it’s an actual office," Vernon translated for Seungkwan, adding, "This is awesome. Thank you so much."
Context and Reactions
Taped shortly after the U.S. leg of their NEW_ world tour, the debut follows Seventeen's fifth album, Happy Burstday, released in May 2025 with production from Pharrell and Timbaland. The group recently collaborated on a remix of PinkPantheress's "Illegal" and released a duo mini-album by S.Coups and Mingyu in September. Encores included audience participation, like performing "HBD" for a fan's birthday, and nods to enlisted members Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Hoshi, and Woozi via a banner. Mohamed highlighted how the format pushes artists to new heights, and the warm reception left the members "grinning ear to ear."