SEVENTEEN, the 13-member K-pop sensation, is set to release their fifth studio album, HAPPY BURSTDAY, on May 26, 2025, coinciding with their 10th debut anniversary. The group dropped an interactive trailer titled DARE OR DEATH, sparking excitement among fans, known as Carats, with its dark, horror-themed concept and choose-your-own-path format.
Album Announcement
SEVENTEEN announced HAPPY BURSTDAY on April 21, 2025, through a teaser video shared across their official social media channels. The album marks their first full-length release since Face the Sun in 2022 and follows their October 2024 mini-album SPILL THE FEELS. The title HAPPY BURSTDAY blends “birthday” and “burst,” symbolizing a rebirth for the group as they enter a new chapter after a decade in the industry.
The release date, May 26, 2025, holds special meaning as it celebrates SEVENTEEN’s 10th anniversary since debuting in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment. The album is a tribute to their journey, unity, and bond with fans. It features contributions from all 13 members—S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino—including those currently fulfilling military enlistments.
DARE OR DEATH Trailer Breakdown
On April 28, 2025, SEVENTEEN released the DARE OR DEATH trailer, a three-part interactive video that has gripped fans with its spooky, cinematic quality. The trailer, available on their official YouTube channel, consists of a main film and two alternate endings: Side A (DARE) and Side B (DEATH).
The main film presents viewers with a choice between two paths, reflecting the album’s themes of inner conflict and resilience. Side A (DARE) shows the members embracing challenges, breaking through fear, and transforming against a backdrop of raging flames. It ends with the phrase:
FACE THE CHALLENGE, BURN ANEW
In contrast, Side B (DEATH) depicts the consequences of staying stagnant, with members consumed by fear and vanishing into smoke. A chilling “MISSING” poster appears, followed by the message:
WITHOUT CHALLENGE, THERE IS NO NEW BEGINNING
The trailer’s horror-inspired visuals, including zombie-like movements and eerie transitions, mark a bold departure from SEVENTEEN’s signature bright and youthful concepts. Fans have praised specific moments, such as Minghao and Jun’s seamless transitions and Wonwoo’s striking appearance at the trailer’s end.
Fan Reactions to the Trailer
Carats have flooded social media with enthusiasm for the DARE OR DEATH trailer, calling it one of SEVENTEEN’s most creative concepts. On platforms like Reddit, fans shared their excitement:
This is the most excited I’ve been for a SEVENTEEN comeback since I joined the fandom!!!! … Minghao!!!!! … Really didn’t expect them to go all out with this concept even though that initial teaser was creepy as hell.
Darkteen hell yeahhhh!!! This looks so good!! And Wonwoo at the end?? Just art.
HORROR CONCEPT OMG!!! The trippy member transitions were wild and so well done, I got full blown chills during the Minghao Jun Wonwoo transition.
Fans also noted the trailer’s interactive format, with unlisted DARE and DEATH videos linked at the end, adding a unique touch. Many expressed pride in SEVENTEEN’s willingness to experiment with a dark, horror-themed concept for their milestone anniversary, rather than a predictable celebratory theme.
Themes and Creative Direction
The DARE OR DEATH trailer explores themes of courage, transformation, and confronting inner demons. SEVENTEEN uses the duality of DARE and DEATH to highlight the choice between taking risks for growth or remaining complacent. This narrative aligns with their journey as a group, reflecting their resilience through challenges like military enlistments and evolving musical styles.
SEVENTEEN is known for their self-producing approach, with members heavily involved in songwriting, choreography, and creative direction. The trailer’s high production value, dynamic visuals, and storytelling suggest that HAPPY BURSTDAY will continue this tradition, blending nostalgia with innovation.
Additional Plans for 2025
Beyond the album, SEVENTEEN teased a packed 2025 schedule in their announcement video. Fans can expect:
- A new world tour to promote HAPPY BURSTDAY.
- A new unit single album, featuring one of their three subunits (hip-hop, vocal, or performance).
- Additional SEVENTEEN content, possibly through their popular variety series Going Seventeen.
The group has already kicked off the year with successful fan meetings, including the SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘HOLIDAY’ at Kyocera Dome Osaka on April 24, 26, and 27, 2025, which drew 120,000 attendees. All tickets sold out, showcasing their massive popularity in Japan. They are also scheduled to perform at Saitama Super Arena on May 10 and 11, 2025.
Impact on the K-pop Industry
HAPPY BURSTDAY is poised to be a significant release in K-pop, given SEVENTEEN’s track record. Their 2023 EPs, FML and Seventeenth Heaven, set records as best-selling albums, with FML earning the group their first MAMA Award for Album of the Year. The innovative promotion strategies for HAPPY BURSTDAY, such as the interactive trailer and digital board messages at fan meetings, have heightened anticipation.
The album’s themes of rebirth and resilience resonate with fans globally, especially as SEVENTEEN navigates military enlistments while maintaining their unity as a 13-member group. Their ability to connect with Carats through music, performances, and fan engagement sets them apart in the industry.
Also Read: SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Explosive Comeback Album and World Tour Plans
As of April 28, 2025, SEVENTEEN continues to build excitement for HAPPY BURSTDAY. The DARE OR DEATH trailer has garnered widespread praise for its creativity, with fans eagerly awaiting further teasers, tracklists, and the title track reveal. The group’s upcoming performances at Saitama Super Arena and their planned world tour signal a busy year ahead, cementing their status as K-pop icons.
CREDITS: Pledis Entertainment, K-ennews
