Seventeen's special unit BSS releases 'Teleparty' album

By Jonathan Hicap

BSS, the special unit of K-pop idol group Seventeen, made their comeback on Jan. 8 with the release of their second single album “Teleparty.”

Composed of Seungkwan, DK and Hoshi, BSS cemented their status as a powerhouse unit in the music scene, breaking records and making headlines with their signature energetic music, led by their hit track “Fighting (Feat. Lee Young Ji).”

“Teleparty,” a portmanteau of “telepathy” and “party,” is BSS’ invitation for a party connected with everyone through their telepathic empathy. Continuing on their mission of spreading happiness and positive energy, the trio step up as “ambassadors of youth” promising listeners release from daily struggles and encouragement to live in the moment.

BSS (Pledis Entertainment)

BSS also released the music video for their main track ““CBZ (Prime time),” a song that blends swing jazz and country music with their distinct style, delivering an infectious vibe that compels everyone to get moving.

It features cameos of Korean talents such as Uhm Jung-hwa, Jung Young-joo, Kal Sowon, and Moon Sang-hoon.

The music video showcases a celebration of youth as individuals from all walks of life—exhausted students and office workers, a distressed mother and a teenage daughter—join the unit in a joyful chant of “CBZ*,” conveying the uplifting message, “’Youth’ is anyone finding joy in the moment.”

“CBZ” is an acronym for “CheongBaZi” (literal translation: jeans), which is an abbreviated expression in Korea meaning “Youth is now”, commonly used in group chants to boost a sense of unity in celebrating youthfulness and cherishing the present.

“Thanks to the love from our fans, we were able to make a comeback as BSS. Since it’s already been two years since our last release, we’re bringing in even more energy to cheer everyone on. We hope this album will be your happy start to 2025,” said Seungkwan.

DK said, “We’ve filled the album with great songs including the lead single ‘CBZ (Prime time),’ full of youthful energy. BSS promise to always cheer for the youth of our listeners. We’ll give it our all for this release, so please stay tuned.”

According to Hoshi, "Being young doesn't guarantee youth, and being old doesn't deprive one of it. Anyone who finds joy in the moment is youthful. BSS will always be supporters of youth for our listeners. We hope this album brings strength and encouragement to many."

“Teleparty” also includes two other tracks–a New Jack Swing track “Happy Alone” that sings of treating oneself to a “party” after a tiring day, and an R&B love ballad “Love Song” that captures the longing to reconnect with the past.

All of the tracks have the three members on the credits for lyrics, along with Seventeen’s primary producers Woozi and Bumzu credited as composers.

Meanwhile, Seventeen will continue their “Right Here” world tour in Asia: Bulacan, Philippines (Jan. 18-19); Singapore (Jan. 25-26); Jakarta, Indonesia (Feb. 8-9); and Bangkok, Thailand (Feb. 15-16).