In Monterrey, Mexico, a pivotal moment for K-pop took place as Seventeen headlined the prestigious Tecate Pa’l Norte festival. The festival, one of the biggest in northern Mexico, was electrified by the arrival of the Korean boy group. Fans, known as CARATs, filled the grounds, showcasing the growing K-pop presence in Latin America.
Seventeen’s performance at the festival marked their return to Mexico after five years. Their last visit was in 2020 during the “Ode to You” world tour. This time, they performed alongside global acts like Green Day and The Chainsmokers. Their appearance at Tecate Pa’l Norte was particularly significant because of the festival’s reputation. It ranks as the third-highest grossing music festival in the world, according to Billboard’s Top Boxscores.
The excitement was palpable as thousands of fans, identifiable by their pastel pink and blue outfits, eagerly awaited the performance. As the clock struck 8 p.m., the crowd erupted. The chants of “Seventeen” filled the air, marking a moment of unity for CARATs. Despite the festival’s international mix of music genres, the K-pop group’s performance quickly became the highlight of the night.
Seventeen’s performance was a testament to K-pop’s growing influence. The festival, traditionally dominated by Western artists, saw Seventeen’s fans stand out. Their synchronized chants and glowing light sticks lit up the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The CARATs, though many spoke Spanish, passionately sang along to Seventeen’s hits, including “Maestro” in Korean.
The group kicked off their set with the energetic track “Love, Money, Fame.” They followed with popular songs like “Left and Right,” “Snap Shoot,” and “HOT.” Despite the scorching 30-degree Celsius heat, the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned. Fans traveled from across Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, to witness Seventeen’s performance.
Seventeen’s versatility shone through as they performed as 11 members. They delivered a series of dynamic unit stages, each showcasing different aspects of their talents. The hip-hop unit performed “Water,” the performance unit dazzled with “Rain,” and the vocal unit took the stage with “Cheers to Youth.” The subunit HxW added their own flair with “96ers.”
While the festival format meant shorter interactions, Seventeen’s energy more than made up for it. Songs like “God of Music” and “Super” were fan favorites, leading to spontaneous singalongs. The group closed the night with “Very Nice,” a song that left fans buzzing. Though many hoped to hear it again, Seventeen’s performance left a lasting impact, transcending the typical festival atmosphere.
This concert marked a significant milestone for Seventeen and for K-pop’s expansion into global music festivals. The group had already performed at prestigious events like Glastonbury and Lollapalooza Berlin in 2024. Their performance at Tecate Pa’l Norte further solidified K-pop’s growing presence in Latin America.
K-pop’s influence in Mexico has been growing, with artists like RIIZE performing at Tecate Emblema earlier in 2024. Seventeen’s performance at Tecate Pa’l Norte serves as another indicator of the genre’s potential in the region.
For fans like Fany, a 21-year-old CARAT from Durango, this concert was a dream come true. “A lot of people will come if more K-pop groups are invited,” she said, reflecting the growing demand for K-pop in Latin America.
Even as the only Korean act in a lineup dominated by English-speaking artists, Seventeen’s performance bridged the cultural gap. “We’re happy to share our cultures, even if we speak different languages,” said Mingyu. Seventeen’s performance not only entertained but also sparked a cultural exchange between Korea and Mexico.
The night ended with Seventeen feeling grateful for the warm reception from their fans. “We were sad not to include Mexico on our tour,” S.Coups shared during a press conference. “But tonight, we’ll take in the energy from CARATs and hope to come back soon.”
With Seventeen’s successful performance at Tecate Pa’l Norte, K-pop has firmly established its foothold in Latin America. The group’s performance was a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and bringing people together. The night not only created lasting memories for fans but also ignited hope for future K-pop performances in the region.
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Seventeen’s performance
