Seventeen Carat bubble
Seventeen Carat profile
Seventeen Carat
Bubble
Interest
Seventeen Carat is the official global fan community of the K-pop group Seventeen, known for its highly engaged and organized supporter...Show more
General Q&A
CARAT is an international fan bubble centered around the K-pop group Seventeen, known for passionate support through coordinated digital and real-world activities.
Community Q&A

Summary

Key Findings

Collective Identity

Community Dynamics
CARATs share a strong collective identity, uniting through coordinated streaming, synchronized lightstick use (Carat Bong), and memorized fan chants unique to Seventeen performances.

Bias Language

Identity Markers
Insiders use specific jargon like "bias" and "OT13" that instantly signal membership and differentiate true CARATs from outsiders in social interactions.

Proactive Solidarity

Social Norms
The community displays global digital solidarity with anti-fan rhetoric, generosity to fellow fans, and rapid mobilization during comebacks, disproving outsider assumptions of passivity.

Debate Culture

Opinion Shifts
Active debates on line distributions and concepts keep the community culture evolving, making Seventeen Carat a dynamic space where insider opinions continually contest and shape fandom norms.
Sub Groups

International CARATs

Fans outside Korea who coordinate streaming, translations, and global support.

Local CARAT Chapters

Regional groups organizing offline meetups, viewing parties, and local projects.

Fan Artists & Creators

Members who produce fan art, edits, and creative content for the fandom.

Streaming & Voting Teams

Organized groups focused on coordinated streaming and voting efforts for Seventeen.

Event Organizers

Fans who plan and execute offline gatherings, cup sleeve events, and concert support projects.

Statistics and Demographics

Platform Distribution
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Twitter/X
24%

Twitter/X is a primary hub for K-pop fandoms, including CARATs, for real-time updates, fan coordination, and global trending events.

Twitter/X faviconVisit Platform
Social Networks
online
Instagram
14%

Instagram is widely used by CARATs for sharing fan art, photos, and following Seventeen's official and fan accounts.

Instagram faviconVisit Platform
Social Networks
online
YouTube
14%

YouTube is central for streaming Seventeen's music videos, watching official content, and engaging in comment-based fan discussions.

YouTube faviconVisit Platform
Content Sharing
online
Gender & Age Distribution
MaleFemale20%80%
13-1718-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465+20%45%25%7%2%0.5%0.5%
Ideological & Social Divides
Stream SpecialistsEvent CoordinatorsGlobal EldersCasual LurkersWorldview (Traditional → Futuristic)Social Situation (Lower → Upper)
Community Development

Insider Knowledge

Terminology
Fan meetingCaratland

Outsiders use the generic term fan meeting, but dedicated CARATs call their large-scale official fan gatherings 'Caratland', reflecting a unique community identity.

Fan chantCheering chant

While outsiders call them fan chants generally, members refer to the precise, practiced group chants as 'cheering chants', highlighting their coordinated support during performances.

Dance practice videoChoreography video

While outsiders casually say dance practice, CARATs refer to these as 'choreography videos', appreciating their crucial role in understanding Seventeen’s performances.

StreamingOfficial streaming projects

Casual watchers say streaming to watch or listen, but CARATs organize and participate in 'official streaming projects' as dedicated efforts to boost Seventeen's rankings.

Sub-unitTeam Hoshi/Team DK/etc.

Outsiders use the generic term sub-unit, but CARATs refer specifically by team names such as 'Team Hoshi' or 'Team DK', showing nuanced fandom knowledge.

Music show winsTriple crown

Casual observers say music show wins, but CARATs highly value a 'triple crown' which means winning three consecutive times on a music show, a celebrated achievement.

Light stickCarat bong

Non-members call it a light stick; CARATs use 'Carat bong', specific to Seventeen's fandom, symbolizing unity and identity at concerts.

Seventeen's fan colorCarat light color

Outsiders may not know, but CARATs recognize the 'Carat light color' as the distinct official color used in fandom light displays, reinforcing identity.

Official merchandiseCarat shop goods

Casual observers say official merchandise; insiders call them 'Carat shop goods' linking products directly with the fandom store and community support.

FansCARATs

Casual observers refer to group supporters as fans, whereas insiders proudly identify as 'CARATs', symbolizing their official, passionate membership and unity.

Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Carat, shine bright!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Insider
It's our way to say hello, celebrating how we support all 13 members and keep our fandom united and shining together.
Outsider
Oh, that’s a cool and poetic way to greet!
Cultural Context
This unique greeting both inspires pride and reflects the fandom's commitment to inclusivity and collective energy.
Inside Jokes

'Line distribution is life'

A recurring humorous complaint about how singing time is divided among members, highlighting passionate debates and the importance fans place on fairness in performance parts.
Facts & Sayings

OT13

A shorthand term signaling support for all 13 members of Seventeen, emphasizing inclusiveness and loyalty within the fandom.

Carat Bong

Refers to the official Seventeen lightstick used at concerts, symbolizing solidarity and fan identity when synchronized during performances.

Bias

The fan's favorite member of Seventeen; mentioning one's 'bias' is a key part of fan identity and conversation.

Streaming Party

Organized group events where CARATs collectively stream Seventeen's songs or videos to boost digital chart rankings.
Unwritten Rules

Always use respectful language when discussing members, even in critique.

Maintains fandom harmony and shows loyalty; harsh negative talk can cause conflict and is seen as disrespectful.

Participate in streaming parties especially during comebacks.

Shows dedication and helps the group’s digital performance; not joining can mark one as less committed by insiders.

No nickname battles between members’ fans.

Though fans have preferences, openly arguing over who is better or more popular is discouraged to keep unity within CARATs.

Use correct hashtags formatted by official or longtime fans on social media.

Ensures the fandom’s efforts reach wider attention and avoids fragmenting the community’s online presence.
Fictional Portraits

Jiwoo, 20

Studentfemale

A university student from Seoul deeply devoted to Seventeen, Jiwoo coordinates local fan meet-ups and streaming sessions.

Community supportLoyaltyPerseverance
Motivations
  • Supporting Seventeen's global success
  • Connecting with fellow CARATs for community and friendship
  • Participating in fan events and projects
Challenges
  • Balancing academic responsibilities with active fan engagement
  • Coordinating with international fans across time zones
  • Managing online conflicts within the fandom
Platforms
Discord serversTwitter fan communitiesLocal fan club meet-ups
comebackfancambiasstreaming party

Minho, 26

Marketing Specialistmale

Living in Busan, Minho enjoys Seventeen casually but is admired for his deep knowledge of their music and history within the fandom.

AuthenticityBalanceRespect
Motivations
  • Staying informed about Seventeen's latest releases
  • Engaging with quick, fun content related to Seventeen
  • Sharing music recommendations with friends
Challenges
  • Finding time to engage due to work commitments
  • Avoiding misinformation and rumors within fan circles
  • Keeping up with fast-paced fandom trends
Platforms
Reddit threadsInstagram comments
comebackunitfan chant

Sora, 35

Event Organizerfemale

Based in Tokyo, Sora manages large-scale international CARAT events and bridges cultural divides in the fandom.

InclusivityDedicationProfessionalism
Motivations
  • Creating inclusive, high-quality fan experiences
  • Promoting Seventeen’s global image positively
  • Helping new fans integrate into the community
Challenges
  • Navigating cross-cultural communication barriers
  • Handling logistical complexities of fan events
  • Combating burnout from continuous volunteer work
Platforms
Global fan Discord channelsOfficial fan cafeEvent planning forums
fan chantfancamlightstickvisual

Insights & Background

Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People

S.Coups

Leader of Seventeen; spearheads fan chants and drives community solidarity.
Team LeaderFirst GenCARAT Favorite
S.Coups
Source: Image by TV Ten / CC-BY-3.0

Woozi

Main producer/songwriter; CARATs rally streaming and cover projects around his compositions.
Behind The ScenesHitmakerProducer

Hoshi

Performance unit leader and choreographer; noted for signature formations that CARATs learn and share.
Choreo KingPerformance CoreIconic Moves

Mingyu

Visual and rapper; often central to trending edits and fan art drives.
Visual IconMeme SourceTrendsetter

DK

Main vocalist; fan‐led vocal cover challenges frequently spotlight his parts.
Power VocalFan Project

Jeonghan

Vocalist known for soothing tone; CARATs coordinate pastel‐themed fan events around him.
Angel VoiceAesthetic Muse

Joshua

Vocalist celebrated for English fluency; often bridges international CARAT subfields.
Global LiaisonBilingual

Seungkwan

Main vocalist and variety star; drives community fundraising and charity streams.
Charity HeartVariety Star

Vernon

Rapper contributed to writing; CARATs amplify his verses in remix projects.
LyricistUnderdog Story

Dino

Youngest member; leads youth‐oriented fan engagement and dance challenges.
MaknaeDance Energetic
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First Steps & Resources

Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1

Learn Seventeen’s Group Basics

2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Familiarize yourself with Seventeen’s members, music, and group history using official sources and fan guides.
Details: Start by learning the names, roles, and personalities of Seventeen’s 13 members, as well as the group’s sub-units and their musical style. Use official profiles, introductory videos, and fan-made guides to get a comprehensive understanding. This foundational knowledge is crucial for meaningful participation in the CARAT community, as discussions and fan activities often reference specific members, eras, or inside jokes. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the group’s size and content volume, but focusing on official introductions and beginner-friendly fan guides helps. Take notes, watch member introduction videos, and listen to a few title tracks to recognize voices and faces. Progress can be measured by your ability to identify members and understand basic group dynamics. This step ensures you can follow conversations and participate in community activities without feeling lost.
2

Join Official and Fan Communities

1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Sign up for official CARAT platforms and join active fan forums or social media groups to connect with other fans.
Details: Engaging with the CARAT community means joining both official and unofficial spaces. Register on the official fan platform (often linked from Seventeen’s agency or social media) to access exclusive content and announcements. Also, join active fan forums, group chats, or social media communities dedicated to Seventeen. Introduce yourself, observe community guidelines, and participate in discussions or polls. Newcomers may feel shy or unsure about etiquette; reading pinned posts and observing interactions first helps. This step is vital for staying updated, making friends, and learning about ongoing projects. Evaluate your progress by your comfort in navigating these spaces and your ability to contribute to conversations. Building these connections lays the groundwork for deeper involvement in fan activities.
3

Participate in Streaming Projects

2-3 hours (per project)Intermediate
Summary: Take part in coordinated streaming of Seventeen’s music/videos to support chart performance and group visibility.
Details: One of the most valued CARAT activities is participating in organized streaming projects during comebacks or anniversaries. Learn the basics of streaming etiquette—such as using official platforms, not looping the same song repeatedly, and following project guidelines. Find current streaming guides and schedules in fan communities. Beginners may struggle with technical details or understanding why certain methods matter; reading detailed guides and asking questions in forums helps. This step is important because collective streaming directly impacts Seventeen’s chart rankings and visibility. Track your progress by successfully completing a streaming session and understanding the rationale behind the rules. Consistent participation demonstrates commitment and is highly respected within the bubble.
Welcoming Practices

Welcome hashtags like #WelcomeNewCarat

Used to warmly integrate newcomers into the fandom, signaling openness and community bonding from the start.

Hosting online ‘intro to Seventeen’ guide sessions

Helps new fans learn chants, member info, and fandom norms, easing them into carat culture effectively.
Beginner Mistakes

Referring to only a few members and ignoring OT13.

Learn about all 13 members and show interest in each to avoid being seen as a casual or insincere fan.

Using unofficial hashtags that split fan attention.

Stick to the agreed official hashtags to keep fan streaming and voting efforts focused and effective.

Facts

Regional Differences
North America

Fans in North America tend to emphasize English-language social media content and often organize in-person meetups at concerts.

Asia

In Asia, CARAT communities integrate local languages in fan chants and coordinate with Korean events more directly, often engaging in large-scale banner and banner-light projects.

Misconceptions

Misconception #1

All CARATs only like certain members and ignore the rest.

Reality

CARAT culture strongly promotes supporting all 13 members (OT13), valuing each member equally as part of the group’s success.

Misconception #2

CARATs are passive and only consume content quietly.

Reality

CARATs actively organize streaming parties, social media campaigns, and real-world events, making them one of the most proactive K-pop fandoms.
Clothing & Styles

Merchandise hoodies and shirts with Seventeen logos or member references

Wearing official or fan-made merchandise visually marks someone as a CARAT, signaling dedication and belonging to the fandom.

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