GOT7 credits fans, or Ahgases, as ‘driving force’ in 11-year career
GOT7 —Image: Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment
For GOT7, the support of their dedicated fans (also known as Ahgases) motivates them to keep moving forward as a group for 11 years.
GOT7—consisting of Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom—debuted in January 2014 with their first mini-album “Got It?” The group has grown significantly since then, and confidently moved forward as a seven-member unit.
It’s known among K-pop fans that a group reaches uncertainty in their seventh year. This means that a group will either disband (as a standard K-pop contract lasts for seven years, or they will continue together.
“Our fans who support us are the driving force behind our continued unity,” Youngjae said of their relationship. “We still enjoy being together as a group, too.”
“As I approach my 12th year in my singing career and as a member of GOT7, I always try to take responsibility for everything. The team is one, so I think taking care of and protecting myself is equivalent to taking care of and protecting the team,” he continued.
Article continues after this advertisementOn ‘Winter Heptagon’
“Winter Heptagon,” which was released on Monday, January 20, is a celebration of their career. It includes nine tracks, namely, “Python,” “Smooth, “Our Youth,” “Remember,” “Darling,” “Tidal Wave,” “Out The Door,” “Her,” and “Yours Truly,” which according to Jackson, were produced by each member of the group.
“We have high expectations for it, as it not only features GOT7’s music [and] the distinctive musical colors each of us represents. I am especially grateful to our leader, who guided us to be here together,” Jackson further explained.
The album also represents the group as “chameleons” who can shine on their own and come together as a group. “‘Winter Heptagon’ represents the idea that while each of us can shine on our own, we shine even brighter when we come together in winter. We came up with this idea because we actually debuted in winter,” Jay B said.
“The lead track, ‘Python’ is characterized by hip-hop beats with minimal sounds and hooky melodies. It is a bit heavier compared to GOT7’s usual bright and refreshing songs. We also reflected a lot on our musical identity and concluded that we are like chameleons, capable of adapting to any direction,” he continued.
The septet initially planned to release an album “earlier” but was delayed due to “certain circumstances” delayed production.
“We actually wanted to return earlier, but it took some time due to certain circumstances. We are working hard to meet our fans after such a long time, and we can’t wait to spend some fun time with them on stage,” Mark said.
Following the album’s release, GOT7 said they’re excited to meet fans in South Korean music shows and their upcoming “Nestfest” concert. “We will do our best in every way so that we and our fans can look back on this time and the concert as ‘hot and happy’ moments in the future,” said Jinyoung.
“We will meet our followers through various content that we have been preparing, and we are excited for its release. We cannot wait to meet our fans soon,” he added.