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Face the Sun
Digital cover
Studio album by
Seventeen
ReleasedMay 27, 2022 (2022-05-27)
RecordedDecember 2021 – April 2022[1]
GenreK-pop
Length29:03
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label
Seventeen chronology
Attacca
(2021) 		Face the Sun
(2022) 		Dream
(2022)
Singles from Face the Sun
  1. "Darl+ing"
    Released: April 15, 2022
  2. "Hot"
    Released: May 27, 2022
Sector 17 cover
Digital cover
Singles from Sector 17
  1. "Cheers (SVT Leaders)"
    Released: July 7, 2022
  2. "_World"
    Released: July 18, 2022

Face the Sun is the fourth studio album by South Korean boy band Seventeen. It was released on May 27, 2022, by Pledis Entertainment through YG Plus. The album contains nine tracks, with "Hot" serving as lead single. The first track, "Darl+ing", was pre-released on April 15, 2022.[2] The repackaged version of the album, titled Sector 17, released on July 18 alongside its lead single "World". The fourth track, "Cheers", was pre-released on July 7, 2022.[3]

Background

[edit]

In March, seven months after the release of the commercially successful EP Attacca, Pledis Entertainment announced that Seventeen would be releasing a studio album, their first since An Ode (2019), in May.[4] Following the release of the group's first-ever English single "Darling" on April 15, the label confirmed that Seventeen would return on May 27 with a fourth studio album titled Face the Sun.[5][6] Starting on April 26, the group released "Inner Shadows", a 13-part trailer on YouTube to tease the new album.[7] Described by band member Hoshi as marking the "shedding [of their] former image and becoming more mature", the album greatly contrasts with their earlier, more cheerful concepts.[7]

Release and promotion

[edit]
Seventeen on the set for a performance of "Hot", June 2022

Pre-orders for Face the Sun opened on April 22.[5] On May 23, a highlight medley was released, as a preview of the 9 tracks of the album.[6] The album will be supported by the Be The Sun World Tour, their first tour after the Ode to You Tour, which ended prematurely in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] The Be the Sun tour began in Seoul, followed by stops in North America and Asia.[9]

Seventeen released a trailer for the reissue of the album, titled Sector 17, at their concert in Seoul. Sector 17 was released on July 18, 2022.[10]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Face the Sun

[edit]

Face the Sun surpassed 1.74 million pre-orders in one week, exceeding Seventeen's previous career high of 1.41 million pre-orders for Attacca. On May 20, it was reported that the album had recorded two million pre-orders.[11] According to the Gaon Music Chart, the album sold 2,239,351 copies in the month of May.[12] Face the Sun debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, earning 44,000 album-equivalent units, including 42,000 pure album sales, in its first week. It is Seventeen's highest-charting and first top-ten album on the chart, having previously reached the top 20 twice in 2021 with their EPs Your Choice and Attacca.[13]

Sector 17

[edit]

According to Hanteo, Sector 17 sold 1,126,104 copies in its first week.[14] Later it was reported that the EP sold 2 million copies in its first week, making Seventeen the second K-pop group to sell over 2 million copies in the first week of release.[15]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings for Face the Sun
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[16]
Clash7/10[17]
NMEStarStarStarStar[18]

Both Face the Sun and Sector 17 were met with generally positive reviews. In a positive review for Teen Vogue, Sara Delgado praised Face the Sun for its "sonic versatility."[19] For NME, Abby Webster gave Face the Sun four out of five stars, and wrote that the album's singles paled in comparison to the album's "familiar yet sublimely inventive B-sides."[18] Abbie Aitken for Clash wrote that "Face the Sun is a testament of Seventeen's influence as a key group within K-pop."[17] AllMusic's Neil Z. Yeung gave both Face the Sun and Sector 17 four out of five stars, praising Face the Sun's use of various genres, writing that the album was an "excellent mix of party-starting anthems".[16][20]

Sarina Bhutani of MTV named Face the Sun one of the albums of the year, saying that "with the release of this album, [Seventeen] created their most sonically settled, emotionally confident record yet".[21] Time Magazine named Sector 17 as one of the best K-pop albums of 2022, describing Face the Sun as an "artistic feat", though writing that the repackaged album, Sector 17 is "superior".[22]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards and nominations
Year Organization Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2022 Genie Music Awards Album of the Year Face the Sun Nominated [23]
MAMA Awards Album of the Year Nominated [24]
Circle Chart Music Awards Album of the Year - 2nd Quarter Won [25]
Album of the Year - 3rd Quarter Sector 17 Nominated [26]
2023 Golden Disc Awards Album Bonsang Face the Sun Won [27]
Japan Gold Disc Award Best 3 Albums (Asia) Won [28]

Track listing

[edit]
Face the Sun track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Darl+ing"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Hwang Hyun (MonoTree)
  • Bumzu
  • Hwang
2:56
2."Hot"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Tim Tan
  • Rigo
  • Praison
  • Softserveboy (153/Joombas)
  • Alex Keem (153/Joombas)
 3:17
3."Don Quixote"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Tommy Brown
  • Steven Franks
  • Fontana
  • Schulz
 2:52
4."March"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Park Ki-tae (Prismfilter)
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Park
  • Bumzu
  • Park
3:16
5."Domino"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Mingyu
  • Sara Davis
  • Cameron Walker
  • Jordan Witzigreuter
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Davis
  • Walker
  • Witzigreuter
 3:34
6."Shadow"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Dino
  • Arcades
  • Johan Fransson
  • Ryan Lawrie
  • Matt Thomson
  • Max Lynedoch Graham
  • Gabriel Brandes
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Dino
  • Arcades
  • Fransson
  • Lawrie
  • Thomson
  • Graham
  • Brandes
 3:33
7."'Bout You" (노래해)
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Park
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Park
  • Bumzu
  • Park
2:42
8."If You Leave Me"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Nmore
  • Bumzu
  • Nmore
3:32
9."Ash"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Vernon
  • Roy
  • Nick Lee
  • Kyan Palmer
 3:21
Total length:29:03
Apple Music bonus track
No.TitleLength
10."A Message from Seventeen" (spoken by Vernon)1:02
Total length:30:05
Apple Music extended version bonus track
No.TitleLength
10."Darl+ing Music Video Behind the Scenes" (Apple Music Exclusive)10:57
Total length:40:00
Sector 17 bonus tracks
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Circles" (돌고 돌아)
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Nmore
  • Bumzu
  • Nmore
3:59
2."_World"
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Vernon
  • S.Coups
  • Fontana
  • Schulz
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Tommy Brown
  • Steven Franks
  • Fontana
  • Schulz
 2:58
3."Fallin' Flower" (Korean version)
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Dino
  • Park
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Park
  • Bumzu
  • Park
3:30
4."Cheers" (performed by Seventeen leaders)
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • S.Coups
  • Hoshi
  • Vernon
  • Woozi
  • Bumzu
  • Vernon
  • Ohway!
  • Bumzu
  • Ohway!
3:01
Total length:42:31

Notes

  • "'Bout You" is stylized as "'bout you"
  • "_World" is stylized as "_WORLD"
  • "Cheers" is stylized in all caps

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Sales certifications for Face the Sun
Region Certification Certified units/sales
South Korea (KMCA)[68]
Physical album 		4× Million 4,000,000^
South Korea (KMCA)[69]
Weverse album 		Platinum 250,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.


Sales certifications for Sector 17
Region Certification Certified units/sales
South Korea (KMCA)[70]
Physical album 		Million 1,000,000^
South Korea (KMCA)[71]
Weverse album 		Platinum 250,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Face the Sun

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Face the Sun is the fourth studio album by the South Korean boy band Seventeen, released on May 27, 2022, through Pledis Entertainment. A repackaged edition titled Sector 17 was released on July 18, 2022. The original edition features nine tracks, including the pre-release single "Darl+ing" issued on April 15, 2022, and the lead single "HOT," blending genres such as pop, rock, and hip-hop to showcase the group's self-produced style. Conceptualized around confronting personal fears and stepping into maturity, the album marks a pivotal evolution in Seventeen's discography, emphasizing themes of resilience and growth as the members "face the sun" to leave shadows behind. The album's tracklist includes "Darl+ing," "HOT," "DON QUIXOTE," "March," "Domino," "Shadow," "'bout you" (노래해), "If You Leave Me," and "Rock with you," with contributions from multiple subunits and Woozi as the primary producer. Available in five physical versions—Ep.1 Control, Ep.2 Shadow, Ep.3 Ray, Ep.4 Path, and Ep.5 Pioneer—each edition contains unique photocards, posters, and a photobook highlighting the album's thematic visuals of light and introspection. Upon release, Face the Sun debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart, securing Seventeen's third consecutive leader position there, and reached number seven on the Billboard 200, their highest entry on that ranking at the time. Critically, the album received praise for its cohesive energy, bold production, and lyrical depth, with reviewers noting its role in demonstrating Seventeen's artistic maturity seven years into their career. Tracks like "HOT" and "DON QUIXOTE" highlight the group's dynamic performance style, while ballads such as "Shadow" and "'bout you" delve into emotional vulnerability, reinforcing the narrative of progression from darkness to light. Overall, Face the Sun solidified Seventeen's position as a leading act in , blending innovative soundscapes with their signature synchronized choreography.

Background and development

Concept and announcement

Face the Sun represents a significant conceptual shift for SEVENTEEN, evolving toward a more mature artistic expression amid the challenges of the , which disrupted live performances and prompted deeper introspection. Member Hoshi described this transition as moving from the group's earlier "cheerful" image to "facing the sun," symbolizing the act of confronting inner fears and emerging stronger, stating, "breaking away from the confinement of your fears, burning them down by becoming the 'Sun' and then marching forward into a new world." This theme underscores the album's focus on personal growth and resilience, influenced by the limitations of the pandemic era that heightened the value of their stage presence. Pledis Entertainment first confirmed on March 17, 2022, that SEVENTEEN would release their fourth full-length album in May, marking their return to a studio album format after approximately 19 months since their previous studio album, . The album's title, Face the Sun, along with its release date of May 27, 2022, was officially announced on April 21, 2022. Recording sessions for the project spanned from December 2021 to April 2022. Pre-orders for the album began on April 22, 2022, available in multiple versions including ep.1 Control, ep.2 Shadow, and others. To build anticipation, Pledis released the series "13 Inner Shadows" starting on April 26, 2022, featuring individual videos for each of the 13 members that explore their personal fears and introduce a arc connecting the previous album's "" to the track "Domino" on Face the Sun. A highlight medley previewing the album's nine tracks followed on May 22, 2022, offering fans snippets of the diverse soundscapes ahead.

Recording process

The recording of Face the Sun was led by SEVENTEEN's as the primary producer, in collaboration with longtime producer and additional contributors, emphasizing the group's self-producing ethos throughout the process. handled guide vocals, vocal direction for the members, and iterative revisions on tracks, often starting from lyrics, melodies, or beats without a rigid structure, as seen in the title track "Hot," which he initiated early but finalized last after multiple feedback rounds from the group. SEVENTEEN members actively participated in songwriting and adaptations, with , S.Coups, and Hoshi contributing lyrics and composition to several tracks; meanwhile, Vernon co-produced and helped adapt the English-heavy pre-release single "Darl+ing," alongside Seungkwan's input on its lyrics to ensure natural phrasing. The sessions pushed the group toward a more experimental sound blending hip-hop, rock, and EDM elements in demos to reflect their maturing artistic direction.

Composition

Musical style

Face the Sun represents a stylistic for SEVENTEEN, moving away from the foundations of their prior s toward a bolder, harder-edged that fuses with prominent rock, hip-hop, EDM, and R&B elements. This progression emphasizes energy and grit across its nine tracks, which collectively run for 29:03 and incorporate multilingual aspects, including English lyrics in the pre-release single "Darl+ing". The album's title track "Hot" embodies an intense rock-rap hybrid, layering heavy western guitar riffs, pulsating synth bass, thunderous drums, effects, and to create a maximalist, explosive atmosphere. In comparison, "Darl+ing" adopts an upbeat pop style with funk-infused grooves, electric guitars, and soaring falsettos that highlight the group's vocal harmonies. Dynamic shifts and intricate layered vocals further define the record's structural innovations, as exemplified in "Domino," which pivots from bubblegum pop verses to an EDM-driven chorus, and "Shadow," blending '80s synths, breakbeats, and stripped-back guitar for a push-pull rhythmic tension. Instrumentation plays a key role in the album's sonic depth, with prominent heavy guitar riffs and synth bass anchoring the title tracks, while orchestral strings and classical elements appear in introspective cuts, adding a choral, youthful texture to the overall fusion. Tracks such as "" incorporate rock-driven guitars and flutes for anthemic propulsion, and "" employs trap-infused hip-hop beats with heavy vocal processing, underscoring the album's genre-blending versatility.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Face the Sun revolve around the central theme of resilience and maturity, with "facing the sun" serving as a powerful for confronting and overcoming personal and collective darkness. This imagery draws directly from the group's experiences over their eight-year career, symbolizing a transition from and isolation—represented by —to ambition, unity, and renewal under the light. As leader S.Coups explained, the album captures SEVENTEEN's determination to rise above internal doubts and external pressures, reflecting their journey of self-production and unbreakable team bonds. The album's narrative progresses through stages of emotional , , and reflection, mirroring the members' growth. It begins with the pre-released "Darl+ing," which explores tender in love amid uncertainty, evoking a of fragile hope as the group navigates relational fears. This evolves into bold in the title track "Hot," where like "People point their fingers, it ain't real… I'm not afraid, it's real" embrace societal judgment and transform it into fiery self-assertion, urging listeners to "rise high all of a sudden and become the sun." The progression culminates in reflective tracks like "Domino," which delves into the chain reactions of emotions and decisions, emphasizing balance and forward momentum after turmoil, and "," a phoenix-like closer that signifies rebirth from ashes through . Key motifs throughout the lyrics include the of versus shadow, personal growth through adversity, and the dynamics of the group's subunits, particularly the hip-hop unit's raw, unfiltered . represents clarity and collective strength, as in "Shadow," where confronting one's "dark shadow veiled night" leads to and happiness, while shadows embody individual fears of division, illustrated in the teaser series 13 Inner Shadows. Personal growth is woven into lines about evolving identities and overcoming isolation, with vocalist noting the album as a "record of our determination and resolution not to be dragged down by these fears." Subunit influences shine in tracks like "," where the hip-hop unit's verses deliver gritty, fearless critiques of , channeling raw to parallel the theme of charging toward ideals despite ridicule. Songwriting for Face the Sun was primarily handled in-house by with some external collaboration, led by , who co-wrote and co-composed all nine tracks to ensure authentic expression of their maturing perspectives. This self-produced approach allowed for deep integration of the group's dynamics, with additional credits to members like Wonwoo and Mingyu on specific . To enhance global appeal, the incorporate English phrases strategically, such as the repetitive "It's hot" chorus in the title track and affectionate lines in "Darl+ing" like "My darling," blending Korean introspection with accessible, universal hooks.

Release and promotion

Original edition

The original edition of Face the Sun was released on May 27, 2022, by , with distribution handled by . The album served as SEVENTEEN's fourth studio album, following the pre-release single "Darl+ing" on April 15, 2022, which introduced themes of growth and self-discovery. Promotional activities commenced immediately upon release, with the group delivering their debut performance of the title track "Hot" on KBS's Music Bank that same day. Subsequent music show appearances on programs such as Mnet's , MBC's , and SBS's formed the core of the rollout strategy, showcasing high-energy choreography and live vocals to build initial hype. Online content complemented these efforts, including the SEVENTEEN Comeback Show 'Face the Sun' livestream on May 28, 2022, and episodes of featuring interactive segments and member interviews. The physical packaging featured five distinct EP versions—Control, Shadow, Ray, Path, and Pioneer—each with unique outbox designs, an 88-page photobook, a 16-page lyric book, a pet card, four random photocards (from a set of 52), a folded , and additional inserts like postcards and stickers. A special CARAT version offered 13 randomized binders, each dedicated to a member, along with a booklet, lyric book, and member-specific photocards to enhance fan collectibility. The album's launch tied into SEVENTEEN's Be the Sun World Tour, which kicked off with two concerts at in on June 25 and 26, 2022, incorporating tracks from Face the Sun into the setlist for an immersive debut experience.

Sector 17 repackage

Sector 17 is the repackaged edition of SEVENTEEN's fourth studio album Face the Sun, released on July 18, 2022, by . It expands the original nine-track album by incorporating four new songs: "_WORLD" as the , "CHEERS" performed by the group's leaders S.COUPS, Hoshi, and , "Circles," and a Korean version of "Fallin' Flower." This addition builds on the momentum from Face the Sun's strong debut earlier that year, refreshing the project amid ongoing promotions. The announcement for Sector 17 came during the opening shows of SEVENTEEN's Be the Sun world tour concert at in on June 25 and 26, 2022, where a teaser video revealed the title and release details to fans. To build anticipation, the pre-release single "" dropped on July 7, 2022, accompanied by a music video highlighting the leaders' dynamic performance and themes of growth and camaraderie. The tracklist was unveiled shortly after through a highlight medley on July 13, emphasizing the album's cohesive expansion. For marketing, Sector 17 was offered in multiple versions, including New Heights and New Beginning editions, each featuring an 88-page photobook, lyric book, CD, and random photocards from a set of 26 updated designs showcasing futuristic and ethereal aesthetics. Additional formats like the Compact version and Weverse Album edition included exclusive photocards and mini photobooks to encourage collector engagement. These packaging updates tied into extended tour promotions, with performances of new tracks integrated into the Be the Sun world tour, which spanned 18 cities through December 2022. Conceptually, Sector 17 extends the sun-facing journey of Face the Sun into a futuristic narrative, portraying "Sector 17" as an unexplored, elevated world—symbolically 8,000 meters above sea level—where SEVENTEEN and their fans find hope and unity amid challenges. Members described it as a "newfound world" reached after confronting hardships, with concept photos blending sunny, flowery motifs and dystopian elements to evoke resilience and shared dreams. This thematic progression underscores the repackage's role in comforting listeners in uncertain times through messages of togetherness.

Singles

"Darl+ing"

"Darl+ing" was released on April 15, 2022, as a digital single serving as the pre-release track for SEVENTEEN's fourth studio album, Face the Sun. The song was co-written by SEVENTEEN member Woozi (Lee Ji-hoon), producer Bumzu, and English lyricist Shannon Bae, with composition credits shared among Woozi, Bumzu, and Hwang Hyun of MonoTree. As the group's first all-English language release, it was crafted with international audiences in mind, emphasizing themes of togetherness and appreciation for fans known as CARATs. Musically, "Darl+ing" is a pop characterized by its addictive chorus, unique synth sounds, and funky rhythms that evoke retro vibes, blending mellow vocals with dynamic pre-choruses for a summery, comforting feel. The accompanying , directed by Rima Yoon and Dongju Jang, depicts the 13 members basking in across vibrant outdoor scenes, including a field where they perform playful that highlights synchronized movements and lighthearted interactions, such as tumbling on the ground. These visual elements incorporate bright color motifs to convey an innocent yet evolving energy, shifting from playful innocence to more intense expressions. Promoted heavily through teasers featuring pastel aesthetics and voice messages from the members, "Darl+ing" marked SEVENTEEN's strategic push into global markets with its English-heavy lyrics and accessible sound. The track debuted at number 78 on the chart, reflecting its immediate international appeal. Critics and media praised its vocal production, catchy hooks, and ease of entry for non-Korean listeners, positioning it as a welcoming introduction to the album's narrative of growth and maturity.

"Hot"

"Hot" was released on May 27, 2022, as the from SEVENTEEN's fourth studio , Face the Sun, accompanied by an official directed by Rima Yoon and Dongju Jang. The video depicts the group navigating a barren landscape, evoking themes of and intense passion through imagery of blazing suns, explosive action sequences, and bold Western-inspired aesthetics that underscore the track's energetic vibe. This visual narrative positions "Hot" as the 's flagship track, symbolizing a thematic progression toward maturity and self-assertion within Face the Sun's overarching exploration of growth. Musically, "Hot" blends rock-infused elements with hip-hop influences, featuring prominent Western-style guitar riffs and a driving beat that amplifies its high-octane feel. The song was primarily composed and written by SEVENTEEN's in-house producer (Lee Ji-hoon), alongside frequent collaborator (Lee Byung-eun) and Canadian songwriter , with additional contributions from Ploypaworawan Praison on lyrics. It showcases the group's vocal prowess through soaring ad-libs and harmonious choruses from the vocal team, complemented by sharp rap verses from S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon that inject rhythmic intensity and lyrical swagger. The track's , crafted to match its explosive energy, emphasizes synchronized group formations and dynamic transitions that highlight SEVENTEEN's 13-member precision. Key moves include sharp arm waves mimicking flames and intricate footwork during the rap sections, creating a visually arresting . The group debuted the routine on music programs such as on June 2, 2022, where their high-energy execution captivated audiences and reinforced the song's role as a performance powerhouse. Upon release, "Hot" achieved immediate commercial success, peaking at number 7 on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart. The music video amassed over 50 million views within its first week on , underscoring the track's viral appeal and solidifying its status as the album's defining anthem.

""

"" is a digital pre-release single by SVT LEADERS, the sub-unit comprising SEVENTEEN's leaders S.Coups, Hoshi, and , issued on , 2022, in anticipation of the group's repackaged Sector 17. The track serves as a celebratory hip-hop song infused with Asian trap elements, characterized by its upbeat , hard-hitting beats, and dynamic including keys and a prominent flute hook that enhance its energetic, club-like atmosphere. The lyrics, co-written by S.Coups, , Hoshi, and Vernon, revolve around toasting to the group's evolution from rookie days to established success, expressing optimism for future achievements in a carefree, party-inspired that echoes the themes of growth in the original Face the Sun album. This festive tone is evident in lines like "At the party I spill something out on / No kick, no snare but the rhythm's freaky," inviting listeners to join in the revelry. The accompanying , directed with a sleek aesthetic, depicts the trio exuding confidence through high-octane and synchronized interactions, set against motifs such as spilling drinks and raising glasses in a vibrant, dimly lit environment that symbolizes camaraderie and triumph. Promotion began with a teaser unveiled on June 26, 2022, during the ongoing BE THE SUN world tour, building anticipation through clips that highlighted the leaders' swagger and the song's transitional role in the album's storyline. The single performed strongly upon release, entering high positions on Korean digital platforms including .

"_World"

"_WORLD" served as the title track for SEVENTEEN's repackaged album Sector 17, released on July 18, 2022. The song was primarily produced by , the leader of SEVENTEEN's vocal unit, incorporating electronic influences through its synth elements blended with urban R&B and contemporary rhythms. Lyrically, "_WORLD" explores futuristic themes of entering alternate realities, portraying a welcoming invitation to a new domain where dreams and challenges are shared collectively, emphasizing unity amid chaotic transitions. The in the title symbolizes a fresh, innovative , building briefly on the exploratory vibe introduced in the pre-release single "." The accompanying music video adopts a sci-fi aesthetic, depicting the group transforming a desolate into a vibrant, CGI-enhanced through their performance, complete with dynamic visuals of shifting worlds and sandstorms giving way to . It features intricate that combines smooth, flowing formations with sharp, synchronized maneuvers, highlighting the group's performance precision. "_WORLD" debuted in live performances during SEVENTEEN's Be the Sun World Tour concerts and music shows shortly after release, captivating audiences with its energetic delivery. The track achieved immediate success, topping the Bugs realtime chart upon debut and securing the #1 position on the Bugs Weekly Chart.

Commercial performance

Sales

Face the Sun achieved significant commercial success upon its release, selling 2,067,769 physical copies in its first week according to Hanteo Chart data. This marked SEVENTEEN as the second K-pop act after to surpass 2 million first-week sales on the chart. By February 2023, the album had exceeded 3 million copies sold in , earning a triple million from the Circle Chart. As of September 2025, Face the Sun has sold 6.9 million pure copies globally. Regionally, Face the Sun performed strongly in key markets. In , it sold over 388,000 copies during its debut week on the , topping the ranking. In the United States, the album debuted with 42,000 pure sales, securing the No. 1 position on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart. These figures contributed to its global impact, with Hanteo reporting over 2.5 million units sold by the end of 2022. The repackage edition Sector 17 continued this momentum, recording 1,126,104 copies sold in its first week on Hanteo Chart. This achievement made it the first repackage album by any group to exceed 1 million first-week sales, establishing a new milestone for the genre. In , Sector 17 sold 218,000 copies in its debut week on before accumulating over 250,000 units overall. By the end of 2022, cumulative sales for Sector 17 reached approximately 1.5 million units on Hanteo, reflecting sustained demand.

Charts

Face the Sun debuted at number 1 on South Korea's upon its release in May 2022. The album also achieved a number 1 peak on Japan's , selling 385,000 copies during its first week there. In the United States, it entered the at number 7, establishing a then-record high position for a boy group album. These peaks were bolstered by robust initial sales, which propelled the album's visibility on physical album-focused rankings. On year-end tallies, Face the Sun ranked number 3 on the 2022 Circle Album Chart in South Korea, reflecting sustained domestic popularity throughout the year. Internationally, it secured number 7 on Oricon's 2022 year-end album chart in Japan, underscoring its strong performance in that market. The repackaged edition Sector 17, released in July 2022, similarly debuted at number 1 on the Circle Album Chart in . It also topped Japan's with 218,000 first-week sales. On the , Sector 17 peaked at number 4, surpassing the original album's U.S. chart position and marking the group's highest entry on the ranking at the time. Among the singles, "Hot" peaked at number 8 on the Circle Digital Chart, highlighting its digital impact in South Korea. "Darl+ing," the English-language pre-release single, peaked at number 85 on the Billboard Global 200, demonstrating early international streaming and sales traction.

Certifications

The original edition of Face the Sun achieved significant recognition from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) via Circle Chart certifications. It was awarded a quadruple million certification in August 2024 for exceeding 4 million physical album shipments in South Korea. The Weverse version of the album received a platinum certification on April 6, 2023, for surpassing 250,000 units shipped. Internationally, Face the Sun earned a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in July 2022 for over 500,000 units shipped in Japan. The repackaged edition, Sector 17, also garnered notable accolades. Its standard physical edition was certified million by in September 2022 for over 1 million units shipped domestically. The version followed with a from on April 6, 2023, after reaching 250,000 units. In , Sector 17 initially received a from RIAJ in August 2022 for 100,000 units, later upgraded to in September 2022 for 250,000 units. Neither edition received major certifications from the (RIAA) in the United States. These recognitions, primarily awarded between 2022 and 2024 based on first-year and cumulative shipments, underscore the albums' strong commercial performance in .
Album EditionCertifying BodyCertification LevelThresholdDate Awarded
Face the Sun (Original)Circle Chart (KMCA)Quadruple Million4,000,000 unitsAugust 2024
Face the Sun (Weverse)Circle Chart (KMCA)250,000 unitsApril 6, 2023
Face the SunRIAJDouble Platinum500,000 unitsJuly 2022
Sector 17 (Standard)Circle Chart (KMCA)Million1,000,000 unitsSeptember 2022
Sector 17 (Weverse)Circle Chart (KMCA)250,000 unitsApril 6, 2023
Sector 17RIAJ250,000 unitsSeptember 2022

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release, Face the Sun received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its artistic versatility and the group's evolution. highlighted the album's genre-spanning approach, encompassing pop, ballads, rock, and experimental elements like trap-infused hip-hop in tracks such as "," marking a mature progression from SEVENTEEN's prior work. awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, commending the album's energetic and gritty sound that captured the group's dynamic style after seven years in the industry. Similarly, gave it a 7 out of 10, appreciating the maturity evident in its daring incorporation of rock and EDM influences, alongside the members' versatile vocal and production contributions led by . Critics also noted the album's cohesive structure as a strength, with In Review Online describing it as a grander and more unified effort that advanced SEVENTEEN's discography through bold thematic motifs centered on growth and rebellion. However, some reviews pointed to minor inconsistencies, such as the lead singles not fully matching the album's overall hype according to NME, while the repackaged version Sector 17 drew critiques for feeling like one of the group's weaker releases due to uneven pacing among its added tracks. Time magazine included Sector 17 among the best K-pop albums of 2022, lauding Face the Sun as an artistic feat that blended sunny disco elements with innovative songwriting. Aggregate scores reflected this positive lean, averaging around 77 out of 100 on sites like Album of the Year based on professional and user critiques. On fan-driven platforms, it earned a solid 3.1 out of 5 from over 470 ratings on , indicating strong appreciation among listeners for its replay value and stylistic range.

Accolades

Face the Sun earned significant recognition following its release, including a win for in the Physical Album Category (2nd Quarter) at the in 2022, honoring its strong sales performance from March to May. The album also secured the Album Bonsang award at the in 2023, acknowledging its commercial success and artistic merit among top releases. In addition to these wins, Face the Sun received nominations for major honors, such as Album of the Year at the , where it competed against notable entries like 's Proof and 's Born Pink. It was also nominated for Album of the Year (Daesang) at the , highlighting its impact in a field including and Red Velvet. The album and its repackage Sector 17 appeared on several year-end lists in 2022, including Billboard's staff picks for top K-pop albums (with Sector 17 at No. 7), reflecting its strong physical sales and chart performance. Sector 17 was further honored as one of the best K-pop albums of 2022 by Time magazine, praised for its innovative tracks like "_WORLD." As of 2025, Face the Sun continues to receive retrospective acclaim, ranking No. 99 on Circle Chart's mid-year all-time best-selling albums list and contributing to SEVENTEEN's nine entries in the top 100, underscoring its enduring sales record exceeding 4.73 million copies (as of November 8, 2025).

Track listing and personnel

Face the Sun

Face the Sun is the fourth studio album by the South Korean boy band Seventeen, released on May 27, 2022, through Pledis Entertainment. The original edition consists of nine tracks, all performed by the group, with a total runtime of 29 minutes and 6 seconds. The album's track listing, including durations and primary lyric writers, is as follows:
No.TitleDurationLyric writers
1."Darl+ing"2:56Woozi, Bumzu, Shannon
2."HOT"3:17Woozi, Bumzu, Dan August Rigo, Ploypaworawan Praison
3."DON QUIXOTE"2:52Woozi, Bumzu, Wonwoo, Michel “Lindgren” Schulz, Melanie Joy Fontana
4."March"3:16Woozi, Bumzu
5."Domino"3:34Woozi, Bumzu, Mingyu, Sara Davis, Cameron Walker, Jordan Witzigreuter
6."Shadow"3:33Woozi, Bumzu, Dino
7."'bout you" (노래해)2:42Woozi, Bumzu
8."If You Leave Me"3:27Woozi, Bumzu, S.Coups, Hoshi
9."Ash"3:34Woozi, Bumzu, Vernon, Robb Roy
Composition credits for each track generally involve and as core contributors, alongside additional producers and co-writers specific to individual songs. The repackage edition, Sector 17, incorporates these tracks alongside four new additions.

Sector 17

The repackage edition of Face the Sun, titled Sector 17, introduces four exclusive tracks that expand the album's narrative of resilience and renewal, serving as a thematic to the original release. These additions were crafted to blend seamlessly with the existing material, incorporating brighter, more upbeat elements while maintaining SEVENTEEN's signature self-produced style. Released on July 18, 2022, the new songs prioritize emotional depth and dynamic production, with member leading the songwriting across all tracks. The full track listing for Sector 17, including durations and primary lyric writers, is as follows:
No.TitleDurationLyric writers
1."Circles" (돌고 돌아)3:59Woozi, Bumzu, S.Coups
2."_WORLD"2:58Woozi, Bumzu, Vernon, S.Coups, Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel “Lindgren” Schulz
3."Fallin' Flower (Korean Ver.)"3:30Woozi, Dino, Bumzu, Ohway, Jeonghan
4."CHEERS"3:01Woozi, Bumzu, S.Coups, Hoshi
5."Darl+ing"2:56Woozi, Bumzu, Shannon
6."HOT"3:17Woozi, Bumzu, Dan August Rigo, Ploypaworawan Praison
7."DON QUIXOTE"2:52Woozi, Bumzu, Wonwoo, Michel “Lindgren” Schulz, Melanie Joy Fontana
8."March"3:16Woozi, Bumzu
9."Domino"3:34Woozi, Bumzu, Mingyu, Sara Davis, Cameron Walker, Jordan Witzigreuter
10."Shadow"3:33Woozi, Bumzu, Dino
11."'bout you" (노래해)2:42Woozi, Bumzu
12."If You Leave Me"3:27Woozi, Bumzu, S.Coups, Hoshi
13."Ash"3:34Woozi, Bumzu, Vernon, Robb Roy
Woozi served as the primary writer and composer for each new track, collaborating closely with in-house producer on all four; additional contributions included S.Coups, Vernon, and Hoshi on "CHEERS," Dino on "Fallin' Flower (Korean Ver.)," and external talents like Melanie Joy Fontana and Michel "Lindgren" Schulz for the synth-driven layers in "_WORLD." These credits reflect SEVENTEEN's emphasis on internal creativity while incorporating global influences to heighten the repackage's futuristic, expansive vibe. Positioned at the forefront of the tracklist, the new songs build directly on the original album's motifs of emerging from darkness toward light, amplifying the dystopian-to-hopeful arc with playful visuals and summery in the music videos. This integration transforms Sector 17 into a cohesive 13-track experience, reinforcing the project's evolution without overshadowing the foundational cuts.

Personnel

The production of Face the Sun was led by SEVENTEEN member , who served as the primary producer and contributed to the album's composition and arrangement alongside longtime collaborator . Additional production support came from in-house staff at , emphasizing the group's self-producing ethos where lyrics and compositions were primarily handled by the members and in-house producers, with contributions from external collaborators on select tracks. Mixing duties were managed by engineers including Park Ki-tae for select elements, with overall audio processing conducted at studios like HYBE and PRISMFILTER. The album features vocals and raps from all 13 SEVENTEEN members—S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino—with the group providing background vocals throughout to enhance the layered harmonies characteristic of their sound. Choreography was directed by the group's Performance Team, led by Hoshi, in collaboration with performance director Yoon Hye-lim, who oversaw the integration of dance elements to reflect the album's themes of growth and intensity. The visual design and album artwork were crafted by Pledis Entertainment's creative team, including visual directors Kim Hyo-dam and Yu In-young, along with designers Narae, Yang Hee-jae, and Jung Hae-jin, resulting in thematic packaging across five editions that evoke motifs of light and shadow.

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