SEVENTEEN’s powerhouse vocal duo DK and SEUNGKWAN are warming up a cold winter night with a dose of empathy. Their first mini album as a pair, “Serenade,” arrives today (Jan. 12) at 6 p.m. KST, weaving the theme of ordinary love into intimate, emotionally driven storytelling across six tracks.
The title track, “Blue,” captures the ache of “love that walks at different paces,” spotlighting DK and SEUNGKWAN’s soaring harmonies. The teaser for the music video, released a day earlier, stars Lee Yoo-mi and Noh Sang-hyun as lovers drifting apart, with Lee’s tearful gaze and Noh’s melancholy stare sending global anticipation sky-high. Across the project, the pair bottles up the quiet feelings that pile up in everyday life―and lets them pour out, track by track.
Ahead of release, the two shared a candid Q&A via PLEDIS Entertainment.
Q. How does it feel to release “Serenade”?
DK: “Serenade” puts the spotlight squarely on our vocals―it’s a chance to show a new side of us. We worked really hard on it. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to hear how CARATs take it all in.
SEUNGKWAN: Every album feels new, and this one was no different. I spent a lot of time reflecting―alone and in long talks with DK. We made this with CARATs in mind, so I hope it lands in your hearts.
Q. What did you focus on most while making the record?
DK: We poured a lot into recording “Blue.” It took time―on purpose. From early planning to the booth, we obsessed over the details: how to color the emotions, how our harmonies should lock in. Because we cared so much, finishing it felt especially rewarding.
Q. What should listeners pay attention to in “Blue”?
DK: It’s a winter-ready song that really lets our voices lead. Our members cheered us on, saying this was right in our lane.
SEUNGKWAN: It’s perfect for your commute home or a solo walk. If your day felt heavy for any reason, I hope this song offers even a small measure of comfort.
Q. First impressions of the “Blue” music video?
SEUNGKWAN: First, a huge thank-you to our actors. Their depth and restraint blend so well with the song’s mood. It’s dramatized like a short film―follow the story, and I think the emotions will hit even harder.
Q. Tell us about your solo tracks, which you helped write and compose.
DK: “Rockstar (DK Solo)” was inspired by the people close to me. Sometimes we take the ones beside us for granted, but I realized how much strength they give me in the simplest moments. I wanted to say thank you through a song―and share that warm feeling with anyone out there who finds comfort in someone, just like I do.
SEUNGKWAN: We often breeze past moments without recognizing how hard―or how special―they are. Looking back, those are the times that end up comforting us most. I wanted to capture that. With “Dream Serenade (SEUNGKWAN Solo),” I hope listeners recall their own warm memories and feel a little more at ease, even for a moment.
Q. As vocalists, what do you admire most about each other?
DK: SEUNGKWAN’s voice gives strength. When you hear him sing, your heart feels warmer―like you can make it through a tough day. You’ll hear that side of him throughout “Serenade.”
SEUNGKWAN: DK’s emotional range is huge. He can light up a room with a bright tone, then turn tender and grounding in an instant. His songs make you smile―and sometimes leave you wistful. That versatility is his superpower.
Q. When does love hit you the hardest?
DK: Onstage, when we meet CARATs. The stage is where SEVENTEEN and CARAT become one―it’s where their love for us and our love for them fill the same space. Sharing that emotion through song and performance is when I feel love and happiness most. Thank you always, CARATs!
SEUNGKWAN: When I think about “love,” CARATs come to mind first―the urge to give freely and cheer for someone you care about. And when I’m with our members. All 13 of us rang in the New Year together―even those on break lined up their schedules. It was pure joy, and it reassured me: we’ll keep thinking of each other and moving forward together.
Q. A message for fans who’ve been waiting for “Serenade.”
DK: We made this hoping it could be the reason you answer “Yes” to the question, “Were you happy today?” I hope our sincerity comes through―and that this music feels like warmth in the cold. We worked hard to meet your expectations, so please stay with us for what’s next!
SEUNGKWAN: While making “Serenade,” I kept asking myself what love really is. We poured those thoughts, feelings, and our honesty into this record for CARATs. I hope it feels like a worthy reply to the love you give us. Thank you, always.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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