SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan serenades CARATs with new song ‘Better Half’

JEONGHAN of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN may not be present on the ongoing “Right Here” World Tour, but the vocalist made sure that fans would feel his presence while he is away to fulfill his mandatory military service.

The group’s vocalist collaborated with Japanese band Omoinotake to release a new single, “Better Half,” on Monday, January 27.

The song’s title means “the other half of yourself who gives color to your life.” It explores the theme of long-distance relationships and expresses one’s unwavering love for their beloved even when they are apart. 

With his heavenly voice, Jeonghan melted the hearts of his fans, also known as CARATs, when he asked them to wait for his return. 

The K-pop idol enlisted in the South Korean military in September 2024, which is why he could not take part in the promotional activities of SEVENTEEN’s 12th mini album, “Spill the Feels,” and its ongoing “Right Here” world tour which included a two-day show in the Philippines on January 18 and 19.

The Philippine leg of the “Right Here” concert was held at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan, attended by thousands of Filo CARATs waiting for SEVENTEEN’s return to the country since its “Follow” tour in January 2024.

Before the concert, SEVENTEEN prepared a pre-concert experience for Filo CARATs through “CARAT Station Manila.”

Japanese version, music video

Jeonghan and Omoinotake first released the Korean version of “Better Half.” They then gifted the fans a Japanese version and an official music video of the song, which featured behind-the-scene clips of the artists’ recording session in a studio. 

The Japanese version of “Better Half” is included in Omoinotake’s second major album, “Pieces,” released on Wednesday, January 29. It contains 10 tracks, including “P.S.” and “Pieces.”

According to PLEDIS Entertainment, Jeonghan’s agency, “Better Half” immediately dominated the international and local charts hours after it was released on Monday. It topped the real-time chart of Bugs, a Korean music site, and entered iTunes “Top Song” charts in nine countries, including Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

CARATs’ promise

Reacting to “Better Half,” several CARATs promised Jeonghan that they would wait until he completes his military service and returns to the stage with other SEVENTEEN members.

“Oh my love I promise you, CARATs will always be here—waiting always,” one fan said on X (formerly Twitter).

A Filo CARAT, meanwhile said, “Better Half” made them miss Jeonghan even more.

“Miss ko na si Jeonghan at lumala dahil sa ‘Better Half’ stream niyo na,” they said.

Another Filipino fan shared the same feeling and told Jeonghan, “Missing you a little extra today my Yoon Jeonghan. Pinapaiyak mo na naman ako.”

Jeonghan is the first SEVENTEEN member to enlist in the military. 

While nothing has been announced yet, SEVENTEEN’s main dancer Hoshi has been hinting about his mandatory military enlistment during the Philippine leg of the “Right Here” world tour when he wore camouflage-patterned pants and did a military salute.