Seventeenth Heaven

On April 24, 2023, Seventeen released their tenth EP, FML, which became the second most pre-ordered release in South Korean history prior to its release.[1] Amid promotions for the EP, member Seungkwan went on hiatus for medical reasons, though he pledged to resume activities in time for their next release.[2] In support of the EP, the band embarked on the Follow Tour, starting at the Tokyo Dome on September 8.[3]

Marshmello served as a producer on the opening track "SOS".

Seventeenth Heaven comprises eight tracks and has a runtime of 26 minutes and 45 seconds. Woozi and Bumzu spearheaded the production of the EP, while members S.Coups, Mingyu, Vernon, Wonwoo and Hoshi participated in writing the tracks for the release.[4] American DJ and producer Marshmello served as a producer to the opening track "SOS".[5]

Contrasting with its predecessor FML, the EP expresses an unabashed, joyous celebration of the band's career.[6] Several songs in the release have been described by Billboard as having an "upbeat production".[7]

The group announced the release on their social media on September 18, 2023,[7] and made it available for preorder two days later.[13] An accompanying teaser clip shows a red festival wristband with the album title and release date.[14] On October 16, Seventeen revealed the tracklist for the record.[5] However, on October 19, Pledis Entertainment announced that leader S.Coups would refrain from participating in the promotions for the EP, focusing on his recovery following a knee injury.[15][16]

In the run-up to the EP's release, Seventeen organized pop-up street events throughout South Korea. For the events, the band collaborated with local restaurants and installed "art walls" with works inspired by the band.[17] The group also released a series of trailers titled "SVT Right Here" featuring footage from Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, New York City, and Beijing shrouded in balloons resembling chamomile flowers, hinting the centers of promotion for the album.[18] However, teaser for the album depicting the Great Wall of China drew flak from Chinese audiences, citing cultural insensitivity, resulting in its removal and an apology from the agency.[19][20]

By October 12, Seventeenth Heaven had amassed 4.67 million stock pre-orders, surpassing the record of 4.64 million pre-order with their previous album FML.[25] It became the most pre-ordered release in K-pop history, with 5.20 million pre-orders, breaking the record of 5.13 million set in May 2023 by Stray Kids' 5-Star.[26][27]