If there’s anything K-Pop sensation SEVENTEEN has in spades, it’s intrepidity. At the time of their debut in 2015, group configurations were kept largely compact. With the exception of a few artistes, music then was largely produced by external composers and studios. And so the band’s conception felt remarkably novel: a 13-member, self-producing collective harbouring an inimitable sound and charisma. Ten years down the line, and it’s clear to see that this sense of daring persists with the launch of the group’s duo units. Think intriguing match-ups that convey a new dimension of SEVENTEEN; a fresh sonic profile showcasing each member’s particular strengths and charms. The latest of which being DK and SEUNGKWAN, the two vocal powerhouses of the team.
To some, the coming together of two lead vocalists could lead to potential overlaps. And yet that is not an issue for either party, both of whom possess a distinctive point of view and delivery. Speaking on the universal notion of love—and what it means to them—their mini album Serenade addresses the different facets of affection, devotion and intimacy. Lead single, ‘Blue’ is a heartbreaking ballad, melding DK’s clear, bell-like inflection with SEUNGKWAN’s gravitas while the more playful nature of ‘Prelude to Love’ and ‘Guilty Pleasure’ allows for their diverse vocal range to fully shine.
Ahead of the release of Serenade, Vogue Singapore sits down with DK and SEUNGKWAN to get the lowdown on what to expect, delving deep into their current perceptions of what love entails as well as the driving force behind their zeal and vigour for the stage.
1 / 10
Both of you are known to be the vocal powerhouses of SEVENTEEN. How did you feel when you first found out that you’d be working in a unit together?
DK: I felt genuinely happy and good about forming a unit with SEUNGKWAN! Stepping out as a duo of SEVENTEEN’s main vocalists, it gave me the motivation to create a truly strong, vocal-focused album together.
SEUNGKWAN: When I first heard about doing a unit with DK, I found myself thinking a lot about how we could show CARATs a different side of ourselves from what we’ve presented through BSS. As SEVENTEEN’s main vocalists, there was a sense of excitement in knowing that we could really lean into our vocals and express more through that strength.
2 / 10
What would you say is the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about one another while working on this album together?
DK: I already knew this to some extent, but working on this album together made me realize just how well SEUNGKWAN and I match. We share so many similarities in how we feel and approach things, which has made the whole process very comfortable and enjoyable.
SEUNGKWAN: Since this was an album for just the two of us, I think we paid attention to even the smallest details. There were so many decisions to make and discussions to have, and I’m really grateful that DK was always there by my side, thinking things through with me and talking everything out together.
3 / 10
You’ve both pushed out solo tracks for SEVENTEEN’s 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' album. Was it a similar experience for ‘Serenade’, and what do you think are the biggest lessons you’ve gleaned from both ventures?
DK: Because this album revolves around love, we worked primarily on tracks that express that theme and texture. But with our solo tracks, I tried to show sides of myself that I personally wanted to explore more. While we each followed our own hearts individually, we were careful not to lose sight of the overarching theme of love.
SEUNGKWAN: Every time I work on solo tracks, I’m reminded of how meaningful and challenging it is to fully express my thoughts and emotions through music on my own. It’s never easy, but it always feels like an important step in growing as an artist. While crafting ‘Dream Serenade,’ my solo track on this album, the melodies made me feel as if I were inside a dream, which naturally led me to write the lyrics around the theme of dreaming.
4 / 10
Is there a key feeling that you hoped to evoke amongst CARATs with the songs from Serenade, and which track do you think best achieved that?
DK: More than anything, I hope our sincerity comes through clearly! We prepared every track on this album with a lot of love and care, so I really hope listeners will give each song their full attention. Personally, my favourite track is ‘Prelude of Love’—I love how the lyrics and melody beautifully capture the fluttering excitement at the beginning of love.
5 / 10
Serenade is largely centered on the many expressions of love. Did working on this album alter any of your current perceptions of love, or did it simply strengthen your convictions on what you believe love to be?
SEUNGKWAN: I think the word love exists in so many different forms. The emotion I feel every time I meet CARATs who support and love us can also be called love; the performances where we pour our hearts out for CARATs are, in their own way, another form of love. Even the moments when DK and I open up to and lean on each other feel like love to me. All of these moments—where we give strength to one another—are what I believe love truly is.
6 / 10
A core theme of this album lies in simple yet powerful expressions of love. As band members of 10 years and counting, how do you show love towards one another on a daily basis?
DK: While preparing this album, I feel like I was able to approach the concept of love more deeply and learn what it means to us on a personal level. More than anything, it made me realise just how powerful the word love really is.
SEUNGKWAN: At this point, it feels like we understand each other even without words. I can really sense how much we both try to be considerate of one another, and just how close we’ve become. Whenever we rely on each other and share our honest thoughts, I always feel a deep sense of trust and gratitude.
7 / 10
Speaking of love, how would you say that both of you maintain your passion and joy for this line of work?
DK: My biggest source of motivation is definitely CARATs. Knowing that there are fans who look toward us with happiness and warmth is what gives us the strength to keep moving forward and living our lives with purpose. Because of that, I try to live each day working even harder.
SEUNGKWAN: My passion for music comes from wanting to create the kind of music I truly love, while my passion for the stage is driven by my desire to show CARATs great performances and enjoy these moments together. I constantly think about how I can show more diverse sides of myself and share even better music in the future to grow as an artist. Seeing CARATs cheer so loudly and enjoy our performances—from the very first opening—gives me an incredible amount of energy.
8 / 10
The album incorporates a strong storytelling element. What was your source of inspiration for some of these tales?
DK: I think I approached the songwriting process not only through my own experiences, but largely through imagination. For ‘Prelude of Love’, in particular, SEUNGKWAN and I would write lyrics little by little during our tour, imagining feelings of excitement and revising over and over. Since these lyrics infuse a part of us into the song, it feels especially meaningful to me.
SEUNGKWAN: Similarly, I think the inspiration could be drawn from my own experiences or from my imagination. Because we wanted to fully capture the emotional sentiment of our unit, I spent a lot of time discussing and refining the lyrics together with DK.
9 / 10
Is there a genre of style of music that you hope to explore in the future? If yes, what is it and why?
DK: Personally, I want to keep challenging myself in areas where I feel I’m lacking. I want to work on my weaknesses and continue approaching everything with a mindset of constant effort and growth!
10 / 10
Tell us about something you’d like to leave behind in 2025, and love to take with you in the wake of a new year.
DK: I hope I can learn to love even my small mistakes. Those imperfections are also a part of who I am, so starting next year, I want to treat myself with more love and care. I hope everyone can do the same for themselves too!
SEUNGKWAN: Looking back this year, it feels like I’ve been on a busy ride. In the midst of all that, I sometimes find myself wondering if I’ve overlooked the precious and valuable things around me. Next year, I hope to take better care of CARATs who love me, the people around me, and also myself—more than I did this year.
