Outside, the weather was blazing and humid. A typical Thai summer. But inside the photo studio, our skin prickled from the chill of the air-conditioner. That day, S.Coups (에스쿱스), the leader and member of SEVENTEEN, was to come in for a shoot and interview.

Born Choi Seung-cheol (최승철), S.Coups enrolled with entertainment company, Pledis Entertainment and debuted with SEVENTEEN in 2015. With pipes to go along with a commanding stage presence, S.Coups was the anchor that marshalled SEVENTEEN to become one of the most successful groups in K-pop history.

In 2023, S.Coups suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which was so severe that he was exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military service. The injury caused S.Coups to miss out on most of SEVENTEEN’s 2023 tour, and the singer had to undergo reconstructive surgery and a long rehabilitation.

Following recovery, S.Coups returned to SEVENTEEN in March 2024, but the musician would make a splash on the fashion front with a custom jeogori-inspired outfit from BOSS at the Met Gala last year.

Esquire chatted with S.Coups about almost everything. From his relationship with BOSS to his co-workers and fans, the entertainer opens the door into his world.

ESQUIRE: How do you relate yourself to the identity of BOSS?

S.COUPS: I believe I encapsulated the spirit of BOSS’s slogan, “Be Your Own BOSS”. With the confidence and ambition to take charge of my own life and move toward my dreams. I think there are many people who view this self-driven energy positively.

ESQ: Are there similarities to being the leader of SEVENTEEN and being a BOSS ambassador?

SC: Leading a group as large and diverse as SEVENTEEN requires charismatic leadership that unites the team. Beyond just fronting the band, my core value lies in creating a foundation where the entire team can achieve continuous growth. This attitude of “responsible growth” aligns with the ethos of BOSS.

ESQ: How do you prep for every show?

SC: Before going on stage, I stretch to awaken my senses; to get into the best state for performing. I also have a personal routine: applying a fragrance right before I step out. Wearing a scent that I like helps ease the tension and start the show with a refreshed mindset.

ESQ: At what occasion would you wear BOSS?

SC: I’d choose BOSS for major events where I want to make a lasting impression for a global audience. Its unique silhouette creates a distinct presence in any setting, elevating my self-confidence.

ESQ: What do you usually wear?

SC: In my daily life, I prefer wearing more comfortable and functional clothing. I pursue that “effortless” look with a natural vibe by pairing a simple, well-fitting T-shirt with an oversized silhouette. Since BOSS offers such a diverse range of products, it’s always fun to style them depending on the occasion.

ESQ: You are no stranger to the fashion world. How does fashion play a part in your life?

SC: As an artist, fashion is an extension of my music and another medium to express who I am. I see it as an important part of the process to visually convey the imagery and musical message I want to project.

Given the nature of my job, when I need to express the mood of a particular song, I tend to choose a look that best embodies that concept. However, in everyday life, I feel most like myself when I’m dressed simply. To me, that relaxed look conveys my authentic self; it is the best expression of who I am.

ESQ: You had a concert in Thailand recently. What do you think of your Thai fans?

SC: The passion of the Carats (that’s what SEVENTEEN fans are called) was as hot as Thailand’s weather—I truly enjoyed it.

Since it was an outdoor show, I was worried the fans might get tired, but seeing them cheer passionately until the end actually gave me so much strength.

I think I’m the one who was recharged by their incredible energy.

ESQ: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects in being an artist?

SC: I’m always eager to show my fans my all as soon as possible… but I can’t help feeling anxious during the preparation process. Despite that, I feel a great sense of fulfilment when fans cheer for us [when we are on stage].

I feel the most rewarded as an artist when members of Carat and I, all become one on stage; experiencing that powerful synergy.

“As an artist, fashion is an extension of my music and another medium to express who I am. I see it as an important part of the process to visually convey the imagery and musical message I want to project.”
—S.Coups

ESQ: What does it feel like when you’re on stage?

SC: When it’s dark and the moment when the lights come up to flood the stage, and the cheers erupt—it’s pure magic. From the perfect chemistry with my teammates to the spectacular effects to those intimate moments of eye contact with fans… all of these moments are precious to me.

ESQ: As an artist, what do you strive for?

SC: Just as we have done over the past decade, my highest ambition is to continue sharing enjoyable moments with the Carats for a long time to come. At the same time, I also want to solidify a deeper musical world of my own as an artist through solo activities and across various projects.

ESQ: Who are your heroes?

SC: My career idols are undoubtedly our members. As we build SEVENTEEN, I feel the immense synergy we create together. It’s far greater than what I could achieve alone, in every single moment. We are one another’s closest colleagues and a source of positive motivation. 

Watching [my SEVENTEEN teammates] helps push me to keep growing and to become a better person, both as an individual and as an artist.

ESQ: What do you do in your free time, that is if you have any?

SC: Since I’m often on the go, I prefer to spend my downtime at home as much as possible. I like to focus entirely on resting and recharging my energy so I’m ready to keep going.

ESQ: How do you cope when you feel upset or down?

SC: When I feel heavy-hearted, I spend time with people close to me to share my concerns. Talking and laughing together helps clear my mind. It gives me the strength to start again.

ESQ: What do you wish to say to your fans who will be reading this article?

SC: Thank you for always being there for us and giving us such passionate support.

Let’s keep having fun together and make many more happy memories for years to come. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photography: Sutthiwat Sangkong
Fashion Editor: Dome Songprakon
Hair: Jungho Lim
Makeup: Gayoun Son
Photography Assistants: Chatchawan Sukittanan, Pratya Ngentawornwattana, Chotitud Jainkiatfu, Chusak Chummano, Bodin Praditkanok, and Amnaj Wa