Seven
by Jung Kook (featuring Latto)

Album: Golden (2023)
Charted: 3 1
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Songfacts®:

  • "Seven" is a lively and heartfelt love song where Jungkook sings about providing unwavering love and support to his sweetheart throughout the week. Each day becomes a perfect moment when shared with his beloved. He delivers the entire song in English.
  • "Seven" was written by Jon Bellion, Theron Thomas and the song's producers, Andrew Watt and Cirkut.

    Theron Thomas, one half of the songwriting duo Rock City, has co-penned many of Lizzo's hits, including "Juice," "Rumors" and "About Damn Time."

    New York rapper/songwriter Jon Bellion's resumé also includes Maroon 5's "Memories," Miley Cyrus' "Midnight Sky," and Justin Bieber's "Holy."

    American songwriter and producer Andrew Watt has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne, and Post Malone.

    Canadian producer and songwriter Cirkut's other credits include Katy Perry's "Roar," Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball," and Ava Max's "Sweet But Psycho."
  • The track features a guest verse from American rapper Latto, who adds her unique flavor. She talks of fulfilling her partner's desires and becoming the embodiment of his fantasies, ensuring he never needs to stray.

    "We thought about who would be the best rapper for this summer song, and one of the producers recommended Latto," Jungkook told Variety. "So, we reached out to her, and she gladly agreed to work together for 'Seven.'"

    Asked if he was happy for Latto to dial up the sex talk in such a direct way, Jungkook told Variety: "I personally like her rapping voice, and I thought her voice adds another layer of liveliness. I thought it's important that it suits the overall mood of the song, and Latto's unique charm came through very well."
  • The lyrics allude to the hot action that goes on between Jungkook and Latto, but Andrew Watt and Cirkut's production creates a paradoxical vibe. Despite its high-energy nature, the overall sound has a laid-back, summery feel.
  • There are two versions of this breezy pop tune: clean and explicit. In the clean version, Jungkook emphasizes his commitment to showering his girl with love throughout the entire week. In the explicit version, Jungkook substitutes the F-word for "loving."
  • "Seven" is the official global solo debut of Jungkook, but the BTS member had previously released solo songs over the years, including "Still With You" in 2020 as part of BTS' annual debut anniversary celebrations, and "Dreamers" for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    "Upon hearing 'Seven,' I thought, 'This is it,'" said Jungkook. "After that, I focused on practicing and recording the track multiple times to perfect it. I hope that many people can feel as I felt when I first heard the song."

    Jungkook added that he wants fans to see his more adult side. "It's my official solo debut, so everything is a challenge and feels new and fresh. Of course, I think a lot about delivering good music and performance while working on my music. But above all, as this is my first step forward in the spotlight as a solo artist, I want to show a more mature and grown version of myself."
  • The BTS Army were caught off guard at Jungkook's cussing in the explicit version. K-pop lyrics generally maintain a more sanitized tone compared to their American counterparts, so to hear him say the F-word shocked many.

    "There must be [two] Jungkook's in this world, right? no way... NO WAY THIS JUNGKOOK SANG SEVEN EXPLICIT VERSION," one fan tweeted.
  • Jungkook is well-acquainted with singing in English, having previously delivered English lines on notable BTS songs such as "Dynamite," "Butter," and " Permission To Dance," plus his 2022 collaboration with Charlie Puth, "Left And Right."
  • Bradley & Pablo (Charli XCX, Harry Styles) directed the music video for "Seven." It co-stars South Korean actress Han So-hee, known for K-dramas like My Name and Nevertheless.

    The visual begins with Jungkook and Han So-hee in a heated lovers' quarrel at a high-end restaurant. As their argument escalates, the surroundings start to crumble and disintegrate, reflecting the intensifying emotions. The video then depicts the duo's tempestuous relationship unfolding across the entire span of a week.

    Latto makes an appearance, delivering a speech during what appears to be Jungkook's "funeral."
  • Jungkook gave "Seven" its debut live performance on July 14, 2023 as part of Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series from Central Park.
  • "Seven" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the second Hot 100 chart-topper by a South Korean solo artist, following Jungkook's BTS bandmate Jimin with "Like Crazy."

    It was Latto's first #1 on the chart; she previously peaked at #3 with "Big Energy" in 2022.

    In the UK, "Seven" debuted at #3 on the Singles Chart, earning the highest debut for a solo Korean act. Jungkook surpassed the record previously set by Jimin, who peaked at #8 with "Like Crazy."
  • "Seven" took the world by storm, but Jon Bellion told Billboard News he had no clue what destiny had in store when he penned it. After he got a surprise call from Andrew Watt back in 2021, Bellion hit the studio solo one Saturday and fleshed out the track. In his mind, it seemed like just another session's work, something that could be perfect for someone else. He thought, "It's a great song, super catchy and can be really great for somebody."

    When Hybe Corp. chairman Bang and music executive Scooter Braun linked up, connected, and found common ground, things took off. "I had no idea the gravity of Jung Kook being solo and it being fully English," said Bellion. "I had no idea. I didn't know what was brewing!"
  • Jungkook released a dance-heavy remix of "Seven" with Swedish DJ and producer Alesso on August 25, 2023. The remix features additional synth bass and rhythmic variation that give the song a more danceable and upbeat feel.
  • This won for Song Of Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023.
  • Jungkook released a David Guetta remix of "Seven" on October 30, 2023. The French superstar DJ amps up the electro dance feel of the original, adding a banging drop.
  • "Seven" set a new record on Spotify when it became the fastest track to hit one billion streams. The song reached the milestone just 108 days after its release.

    The record was surpassed on November 20, 2024 when Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' "Die With A Smile" reached 1 billion streams on Spotify in 96 days.
  • Golden debuted at #3 on the UK albums chart, becoming the highest-charting album by a Korean solo artist.
  • "Seven" plays a significant role in the eighth and final episode of Netflix's XO, Kitty's second season, titled "Sealed with a Kiss." During a crucial talent showcase held at the school, the character Dae delivers a cover performance of "Seven." This performance is pivotal to the episode's narrative, as Dae's friends rally to support him after another character's attempt to sabotage his act.

Comments: 1

  • Joseph from Brooklyn, NyHonestly, I'm surprised that I am the first commentor on this song, considering it gained lots of traction a long time ago. I guess the target audience for this song does not use Songfacts! Anyway, it really is a great song, my favorite parts being the build-up and beat.
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