SEVENTEEN Secures Fourth Victory for “THUNDER” on Music Core
In a dazzling display of chart dominance, South Korean boy group SEVENTEEN clinched their fourth win for the electrifying single “THUNDER” on MBC’s weekly music show Music Core, amassing an impressive total score of 9,655 points. The June 7 broadcast not only celebrated SEVENTEEN’s continued success but also featured a diverse lineup of performances from established acts to rising talents across the K-pop spectrum.
SEVENTEEN’s “THUNDER” achieved its fourth trophy, underscoring the track’s longevity and sustained fan support. With 9,655 points, “THUNDER” ranks among 2025’s top-performing singles on broadcast music shows. Performances from ENHYPEN, N.Flying, Dreamcatcher’s sub-unit UAU, USPEER, KickFlip, ONEUS’s Hwanwoong, and more provided a genre-spanning showcase. The win reflects SEVENTEEN’s global influence, the effectiveness of their fandom CARATs’ coordinated efforts, and evolving trends in K-pop programming. As “THUNDER” continues its chart run, anticipation grows for SEVENTEEN’s next creative and promotional moves.
SEVENTEEN debuted under Pledis Entertainment in May 2015 as a 13-member team divided into three sub-units: Hip-Hop Unit (S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon), Vocal Unit (Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, Seungkwan), and Performance Unit (Jun, Hoshi, The8, Dino). The group’s self-producing concept—where members write, compose, choreograph, and produce their own music—set them apart from peers. Early releases like 17 Carat and Boys Be established a loyal fanbase, known as CARATs.
In 2016, their first full-length album Love & Letter debuted at #1 on the Gaon Album Chart. In 2018, You Make My Day earned SEVENTEEN’s first music show wins in South Korea. The 2020 album Heng:garæ peaked at #1 on Billboard World Albums, and the digital single “Left & Right” expanded their global audience. The 2021 release Attacca featured the hit “Rock with You” and consolidated their sonic identity. During the 2023–2024 period, their FML and Seventeenth Heaven tours sold out arenas in Asia, Europe, and North America.
By 2024, SEVENTEEN had amassed over 10 million monthly Spotify listeners and achieved multiple Billboard chart entries. Their self-produced ethos influenced a new generation of K-pop acts, while their dynamic concerts—replete with synchronized choreography, interactive stages, and high production values—cemented their reputation as top-tier performers.
“THUNDER” blends EDM-infused trap with rock elements. Produced by member Woozi alongside hit-makers Bumzu and MosPick, the track features a tempo of 128 BPM in D minor, creating an urgent, stormy atmosphere. It includes heavy synth bass, rhythmic hi-hats, distorted guitar riffs, and orchestral strings in the chorus, following a standard pop structure with an intro, two verses, a pre-chorus build-up, an explosive chorus, a bridge with rap break, and a final chorus.
The lyrics use storm metaphors to convey passionate intensity and the unstoppable force of young love, resonating with fans as anthems of youthful rebellion and unity. The bridge’s rap verse, performed by S.Coups, Mingyu, and Vernon, injects energy with punchy wordplay about breaking limits. Social media buzz saw #THUNDER trending on TikTok and Twitter as fans shared dance challenges and reaction videos. Concert performances have seen CARATs using synchronized lightsticks to mimic lightning strikes, enhancing the theatrical experience. Fans like @Starlight_Carat have described the drop in “THUNDER” as giving chills—perfect for live shows.
Music Core awards points based on several components: 40% from digital sales (streaming & downloads on Gaon, Melon), 10% from album sales (physical copy shipments), 20% from broadcast score (MBC radio & TV airplay), 10% from pre-vote (online votes prior to airing), and 20% from live vote (SMS voting during the broadcast). Compared to other music shows like Music Bank (KBS) and Inkigayo (SBS), Show! Music Core’s unique edge comes from its live vote component that allows real-time fan engagement, creating high-stakes finales and dynamic broadcasts.
Few 2025 releases have sustained four-week-in-show runs. Comparable milestones include BTS’s “Dynamite” in 2020 with 10 music show trophies across five weeks and IU’s “Celebrity” in 2021 with three consecutive wins on Music Core. The proliferation of global streaming has lengthened promotion cycles, prompting artists to plan multi-month campaigns to maximize digital points. The June 7 lineup, ranging from rock band N.Flying to experimental sub-unit UAU, reflects K-pop’s embrace of diverse sounds and hybrid genres.
SEVENTEEN’s sustained success with “THUNDER” demonstrates the power of self-producing idols in today’s market. Their involvement in every production stage resonates deeply with fans seeking authenticity. The live vote element on Music Core has turned fan communities into strategic operations involving timed streams, voting blitzes, and coordinated social campaigns.
Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN is slated for two new MBC variety programs in July, providing an opportunity to showcase their personalities. Additional US arena shows are announced for late 2025, following sold-out performances in Los Angeles and New York. With “THUNDER” still active on charts, SEVENTEEN could surpass 10,000-point milestones on other music programs and secure their first daesang nomination at year-end award shows. The success of “THUNDER” and their self-producing model may inspire emerging idol groups to seek greater creative control, potentially reshaping training and production practices across the industry.
SEVENTEEN’s fourth Music Core win for “THUNDER” with 9,655 points is more than a trophy—it’s a confirmation of their artistic vision, the dedication of CARATs worldwide, and the shifting dynamics of K-pop’s global reach. As the group transitions to the next phase of their career—new shows, tours, and musical explorations—the thunderous impact of this single will echo throughout 2025 and beyond.
Sources include MBC Music Core Official Website, Gaon Chart, Seoul Sound Interview with Kim Hye-jin, and K-Pop Watch Analysis by Park Joon-seo.
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