Is This Really an Idol Variety Show? SEVENTEEN Takes on a Massive Heist

K-pop group SEVENTEEN has taken on a heist mission in the latest episode of its variety series "GOING SEVENTEEN." Jeonghan also returned to the show after nearly two years, joining the other members for the challenge.

SEVENTEEN released Episode 166, titled "THIEF #1," on its official YouTube channel on Nov. 11. The episode follows the members as they split into four teams to steal a suiseki, a decorative viewing stone, from a master thief. Their mission is to avoid the guards, secure the stone and escape.

Filming took place at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul's Mapo district. The location featured a vault housing the stone, a CCTV control room, the master thief's office and several guard posts. Security guards patrolled the area, making it harder for the members to carry out their plans.

The members divided up their responsibilities and discussed their routes before setting off. But things quickly took an unexpected turn.

DK and DINO attempted to take control of a guard post and the CCTV control room but were caught off guard by the security team's unexpected movements. Vernon became separated from the others and had to complete his task alone. Seungkwan nearly blew his cover after encountering guards on patrol.

Jeonghan's return was another highlight. Known for his strategic thinking on the show, he helped the members plan their moves before teaming up with THE 8 to enter the master thief's office in search of the vault key.

Near the end of the episode, an intruder alarm sounded, sending Jeonghan and THE 8 running from the guards. The video ended before revealing whether they managed to escape.

"GOING SEVENTEEN" is the group's long-running variety series, featuring games, challenges and role-playing scenarios. Its unpredictable situations and the members' chemistry have earned it the nickname "the Infinite Challenge of K-pop," a reference to the popular South Korean variety show.

The series has continued to introduce different formats this year, including "Don't Lie," which combines a mafia game with a treasure hunt. Other episodes have featured physical challenges and psychological games, with the latest heist special bringing another large-scale mission to the series.