On November 30, 2016, a agent of S.M. Entertainment announced that EXO was preparing for the release of its fifth mini album and third special winter album, after "Miracles in December", released in 2013, and "Sing for You", released in 2015. He also said that the members had already finished recording the video for the single with the same name. Two weeks later, on November 13, S.M. Entertainment updated the group's official website with a teaser image. On the same day, it was revealed that the EP, titled "For Life", would contain five songs. Its release was December 19, and the music videos of the single included the appearance of the Japanese actress Nanami Sakuraba and three members of the group: Chanyeol, Suho and Kai. Inspired by the donations they made last year with "Sing for You", it was reported that the group this time donated all the benefits for charity. Unlike their previous albums, which were released in two separate versions, one in Korean and one in Mandarin, "For Life" was released with both versions included.