SEVENTEEN’s Thunder Strikes Again: Fourth Music Core Trophy on June 7, 2025

On a vibrant summer afternoon, June 7, 2025, global K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN solidified their position at the top of the charts by clinching their fourth trophy on MBC’s Music Core with their electrifying title track “THUNDER.” Scoring an impressive total of 9,655 points, the group once again captivated audiences with their powerful performance and unrivaled stage presence. This latest win marks another milestone in SEVENTEEN’s illustrious career, reflecting both the group’s relentless drive for excellence and the unwavering support of their ever-growing fanbase, CARATs.

1. Performance Overview

   At precisely 3:15 PM KST on June 7, SEVENTEEN took the stage at MBC’s Music Core, joining a competitive lineup that included ENHYPEN, N.Flying, Dreamcatcher, UAU, KickFlip, ONEUS’s Hwanwoong, E’LAST, 20th Century Boy’z, HITGS, KIIRAS, UDTT, SMORZ, Kim Jang Hoon, and Jeong Hong Il. From the first beat of “THUNDER,” the 13-member group delivered a flawless performance, blending powerful choreography with striking visual effects. Their synchronized moves and commanding vocals created an electrifying atmosphere, immediately positioning them as frontrunners for the top spot.

2. Scoring Breakdown and Significance of 9,655 Points

   SEVENTEEN’s score of 9,655 on Music Core is a testament to their comprehensive appeal, encompassing digital streaming, physical album sales, broadcast frequency, and live voting. While MBC does not publicly disclose the precise weighting of each component, industry analysts estimate that digital streaming accounts for approximately 50 percent of the final score, with physical sales, broadcast points, and on-site voting each contributing between 10 and 20 percent.

   • Digital Performance: SEVENTEEN’s “THUNDER” has dominated Korean and international streaming charts since its release, amassing millions of streams on platforms such as Melon, Genie, Spotify, and Apple Music. Their digital strength alone likely contributed over 4,800 points to the total.

   • Physical Album Sales: With pre-order figures surpassing 1.2 million copies and first-week sales of over 800,000 units in South Korea, SEVENTEEN’s album sales bolstered their score by an estimated 1,500 points.

   • Broadcast Points: Frequent appearances on variety shows, radio programs, and news segments throughout May and June added roughly 1,500 points.

   • Live Voting and SMS: During the live broadcast, CARATs mobilized across multiple platforms to vote for SEVENTEEN, contributing the remaining points and pushing their total to 9,655.

   Achieving a score this high, especially on a program as influential as Music Core, underscores SEVENTEEN’s cross-generational appeal and their ability to consistently engage both domestic and global audiences.

3. Context Within SEVENTEEN’s Career Trajectory

   Since their debut in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment, SEVENTEEN has charted a remarkable ascent in the K-pop industry. From “Adore U” to “Left & Right,” and now “THUNDER,” the group has demonstrated both versatility and innovation. Their fourth win on Music Core comes on the heels of three prior victories for “THUNDER” on other music shows, as well as multiple awards from domestic ceremonies and international festivals.

   • 2015–2017: Debut and Early Growth: With self-produced tracks and innovative choreography, SEVENTEEN earned a reputation for artistic autonomy and quality performances.

   • 2018–2021: Global Expansion: High-charting albums, arena tours in Asia and North America, and collaborations with Western artists established them as a global force.

   • 2022–Present: Musical Maturity: Recent releases showcase deeper lyrical themes, refined vocal lines, and experimental sounds, culminating in the powerful EDM-infused single “THUNDER.”

4. The Significance of “THUNDER”

   Composed and produced by members of SEVENTEEN’s in-house production team, the renowned Performance Team and Vocal Team, “THUNDER” represents the group’s musical evolution. The track features a dynamic blend of intense electronic beats, siren-like synths, and explosive drop sections. Lyrically, it conveys themes of empowerment and catharsis, capturing the energy of a storm that breaks through silence.

   Critics and fans alike have praised “THUNDER” for its ambitious production values and the members’ unwavering performance spirit. Dance routines integrate military-inspired formations with contemporary street-style flair, highlighting each member’s strengths. The music video further amplifies the song’s impact with high-contrast visuals, choreographed sequences in industrial settings, and storm imagery.

5. Impact on Fan Community and Social Media Reception

   The win triggered a wave of celebrations across social media platforms. On Twitter, the hashtag #SEVENTEENTHUNDER trended worldwide within minutes of the broadcast’s end. Fan videos, reaction edits, and congratulatory messages flooded YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Weibo. CARATs organized live viewing parties in major cities, while official merchandise featuring “THUNDER” imagery saw record sales.

   In addition, SEVENTEEN’s management announced plans to release behind-the-scenes footage of the Music Core performance on their official YouTube channel and Weverse community platform, further strengthening fan engagement.

Conclusion:

SEVENTEEN’s fourth win on MBC’s Music Core for “THUNDER” is more than just another trophy—it is a powerful affirmation of their artistic growth, global influence, and the steadfast loyalty of their fans. As the summer season unfolds, the group shows no signs of slowing down. With upcoming world tour dates, new music projects on the horizon, and continued innovation in both sound and performance, SEVENTEEN is poised to electrify audiences once again, like thunder rolling across the sky.