Appreciation Series (9/13): Mingyu

Continuing this appreciation series, I wanted to talk about Mingyu and the kind of presence he brings to Seventeen, one that feels both strong and incredibly grounded.

Mingyu is someone who, at first glance, stands out for obvious reasons, his height, his visuals, the way he naturally draws attention wherever he goes. But the more you notice him, the more you realize that what truly makes him special isn't just how he looks, but how much he does and how much he gives.

What I admire most about Mingyu is how dependable he is in such a real, everyday way. He's someone who quietly takes care of things, cooking for the members, cleaning, fixing things, stepping in wherever he's needed, without ever making it feel like a burden. There's something really comforting about that kind of reliability. It feels less like an idol image and more like someone you can genuinely count on. The members have talked about this too, the way he just shows up for people without needing to be asked.

At the same time, there's such a charming contrast to him. Despite being so capable, he's also clumsy, playful, and constantly getting teased by the members. And instead of resisting it, he leans into it, laughs at himself, and makes it part of who he is. There's a reason fans have always compared him to an oversized puppy, he has that same kind of warmth and eagerness that just draws people in without him even trying. That balance between competence and chaos makes him feel incredibly real and endearing.

Another thing that stands out is just how talented he is across so many areas. From singing and rapping to producing, video editing, and even drawing, he's someone who's always creating and expressing himself in different ways. The fact that his creativity extends to things like designing Bongbongie and Kimja says so much about how deeply he's woven into Seventeen's identity, always adding something of himself to the group in ways that feel genuinely personal.

I also really admire his growth. Mingyu is someone who has faced criticism and challenges, but instead of letting it define him, he's reflected, learned, and continued to improve. That kind of self-awareness and resilience, especially in such a public space, takes real strength and maturity.

His love for the members is another part of him that feels very genuine. The way he looks at them, supports them, and openly shows affection makes it clear how much he truly adores them. Whether it's through small acts of care, playful interactions, or simply the way he stays present for them, you can feel how important they are to him.

On stage, he carries a completely different energy, confident, charismatic, and full of presence. But even then, it never feels like he's trying to stand above anyone else. There's a balance in the way he performs that still feels deeply connected to the group, like he's always adding to something bigger rather than pulling focus away from it.

Mingyu feels like someone who holds so many layers at once, talented, dependable, playful, affectionate, and constantly growing. The more you notice those layers, the more there is to appreciate about him.

If you'd like, feel free to share the things you appreciate about Mingyu too 🤍