[Interview] SF9: Celebrating 10 Years Together with “TENACITY”

[Interview] SF9: Celebrating 10 Years Together with “TENACITY”

Ten years. For SF9, it is a testament to everything the group has built together. As FNC Entertainment’s first dance-focused boy group, SF9 spent their early years establishing themselves both in Korea and abroad, with their debut mini album, "Burning Sensation," reaching No. 6 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. Over the past decade, they have continued to connect with fans through concerts and fan meetings across Japan, Singapore, the United States, Taiwan, and beyond, marking just a few of the many milestones that have shaped their journey.

Now, as SF9 celebrate their 10th anniversary, they are turning the page on a new chapter. Following a long hiatus, the group reunited with their second full-length album, "TENACITY," a release that reflects the musical experience, growth, and perspective they have gained throughout their years together. More than a new album, "TENACITY" serves as a celebration of where SF9 have been, who they have become, and the journey that lies ahead.

From the making of the album and the evolution of their musical identity to the changes they have experienced over the years and their plans for the future, SF9 shared heartfelt and candid thoughts with Pop Base, offering a closer look at both the story behind "TENACITY" and their decade-long journey. As IN SEONG shared, “We prepared this album with the excitement, dedication, and gratitude that come from being together for ten years.”

Hello, SF9! First of all, congratulations on your second full-length album, “TENACITY”! After such a long break, having you return with new music has made both your fans and us incredibly happy. Could you tell us a little about the “TENACITY” era? How did the album come together, and what kind of story did you want to tell through it?

YOUNG BIN: We wanted to fill this album with music we feel most confident in after nearly ten years of growing as SF9. We chose a title track with a stylish, mid-tempo beat and an easy-to-listen-to melody. Through that song, we wanted to say that we can fly even without wings; that we will overcome hardships and adversity and continue to soar.

IN SEONG: We made this album with the excitement, hard work, and gratitude that comes with being together for ten years. We wanted it to showcase each member’s growth as a singer, SF9’s broad musical range and our distinctive sound.

JAE YOON: The members were heavily involved in this album, from writing lyrics and composing to choosing references. We worked on it with our tenth anniversary in mind.

DA WON: I wanted to show how polished our work could be.

HWI YOUNG: I wanted us to take a leap forward, and I think we’ve gained a little altitude.

CHA NI: Through this album, I wanted to show that SF9 still has room for growth.

We often see SF9 members actively involved in the songwriting process. HWI YOUNG, for instance, participated in writing the lyrics for “Without Wings.” During the showcase, he mentioned that while writing the album’s lyrics, he intentionally used words he would not normally use and tried to reflect his natural way of speaking. Does this make “Without Wings” particularly special or different for HWI YOUNG compared to his other songs? More broadly speaking, when the members write lyrics, do they usually draw from their own personal experiences, or do they also find inspiration in stories, films, or other forms of media?

YOUNG BIN: I think I usually rely a lot on my imagination. The things we want to express in a song can be quite deep, so I ask myself, “What if I were in that situation? What would I do?” I also draw from conversations with people I know, dramas, films, and other media. I bring those ideas together and try to express them in my own way of speaking, or through other members’ voices.

IN SEONG: I’m learning a lot as I work on my own songs. I usually choose a theme I want to explore, write about it, and then develop those ideas into lyrics. Of course personal experience matters, but I also try to make the lyrics fit the song’s style and flow.

JAE YOON: Each member has different tastes, but personally, I tend to imagine fairy tales in my head.

DA WON: I experience things indirectly through media.

HWI YOUNG: First of all, it was my first time writing over an Afrobeat track, so that was a fresh experience. Rather than focusing on a particular approach to songwriting or lyrics, I think about how even the same words can feel different depending on the situation. I tend to try out several versions, almost like solving riddles. I don’t rely on any particular source of inspiration; I use my imagination a lot.

CHA NI: I usually write based on what I’ve felt through media, and if I need more, I think back on my own experiences.

POP BASE would also like to congratulate SF9 on their 10th anniversary! Spending ten years in the industry and sharing countless memories with your fans throughout that journey is truly meaningful. As FNC’s first dance-focused boy group, you held concerts and fan meetings in countries such as Japan, Singapore, the United States, and Taiwan during your early years; received the Rising Star award at the 2018 Asia Artist Awards; and later embarked on an 8-city tour across Asia and the U.S., among many other achievements. Looking back on the day you debuted, did you ever imagine that ten years later you would still be together, standing on stage and sharing these moments with your fans? And now that you have reached such an important milestone, what does this moment mean to you?

YOUNG BIN: Thank you! Early in our career, we used to say that our goal was to stay active for a long time, like our senior artists. Back then, it was more of a vague hope. Now that people are congratulating us on our tenth anniversary, it still doesn’t quite feel real. We’ve simply kept making music and doing what we wanted each year, and suddenly it’s been ten years! This moment means that we’ve made it this far safely and that we can keep moving forward. It’s also a moment to remember that all of this is possible thanks to FANTASY. I’m so grateful because it gives me hope that we can go even further.

IN SEONG: I had only vaguely imagined it, but now that it’s actually here, I feel deeply moved and amazed. I see this moment as another step toward the journey ahead.

JAE YOON: When we debuted, we were so busy looking ahead that it was only when I looked back now that I realized ten years had passed. Time really flew by. As the time we’ve shared continues to build, I’m excited about what the future holds for us.

DA WON: I think it’s an incredibly precious experience; something we can never quite experience in the same way.

HWI YOUNG: It’s a moment that makes me feel grateful to FANTASY and to the members who have been by my side. For myself, it’s also a moment that makes me want to create something more.

CHA NI: At the time, our tenth anniversary felt so far away that I don’t think I really considered it. I just felt happy each time we reached our first anniversary, our second anniversary, and so on. And before we knew it, here we are at ten years. [laughs]

YOUNG BIN recently mentioned that, after ten years together, the members have learned how to better align their individual musical directions with SF9’s overall identity, while giving one another more space for their own ideas. How do you think this change has influenced SF9’s creative freedom and the way you make decisions together as a group when producing music?

YOUNG BIN: We’ve tried to give everyone an equal chance to share their opinions, then decide on the best option through a vote or with help from experts around us. From there, we try to move in a direction everyone can feel satisfied with and accept. I believe that having a role to play gives you the drive and passion to do better. Seeing your ideas being reflected in the outcome can also motivate you in group activities, which is why I think we’ve chosen this approach.

IN SEONG: I think we now discuss and reconcile our opinions in a much healthier way, and we’re more likely to reach good conclusions. As we’ve grown closer and more comfortable with one another, the pace of our work and the way we handle things has improved a lot.

JAE YOON: When we make decisions as a group, I think we’re good at exchanging our opinions and bringing them together.

DA WON: I respect the members’ opinions and go along with them.

HWI YOUNG: A reasonable amount of peace.

CHA NI: I think it’s made things faster and more efficient!

Over the years, SF9 has evolved significantly, both vocally and musically. If today’s SF9 could re-record one song SF9 song from the past, which song would you choose and why?

YOUNG BIN: Listening now, I do feel like the backing vocals stand out quite strongly on most of the songs from our first and second mini albums. Of course, as rookies, we lacked experience and skill, so we needed that kind of support. But if we could go back with the skills we have now [laughs], I think we could make those songs even better with just the members’ voices.

IN SEONG: “Fanfare”. I think our debut song would sound much more mature if we recorded it with the flexibility we have now.

JAE YOON: “O Sole Mio”. I’d like to bring more of our current maturity to it and try to make it to the Billboard charts.

DA WON: No, I’m happy with them as they are.

HWI YOUNG: “ROAR”. Honestly, I’d like to re-record everything from 2016 through 2020. I think I made my voice too low.

CHA NI: Personally, I’d like to re-record “O Sole Mio”. How should I put it? I find it a little cringeworthy now. [laughs]

Many FANTASYs have always held SF9 in a very special place in their hearts. Some listen to your music when they are happy, while others turn to your songs for comfort during difficult or emotional moments; your music becomes part of both their happiness and their sadness. As artists, when you hear stories like these, how does knowing that your music has such an impact on people influence your motivation to create music and continue growing as artists?

YOUNG BIN: Hearing that FANTASY relate to my lyrics and find comfort in them is probably what I’ve wanted to hear most. The reward I want most from making music is for someone to connect with it and recognize what I’m trying to express. Whenever I start working on music, I begin by thinking about who I want to connect with and what I want them to feel. So hearing those stories actually gives me strength, makes me proud, and inspires me to become a better person.

IN SEONG: I’m incredibly grateful. Becoming such a big part of someone’s life is truly amazing, and it isn’t easy. Knowing that so many people love us makes me want to keep going for as long as I can, without giving up.

JAE YOON: Seeing fans find comfort and hope in us and our music is such an honor, and it makes me proud. I think those moments give me the motivation to imagine and build our future.

DA WON: I really want to bring people positive energy and have a positive influence. I think that’s my part to play.

HWI YOUNG: Those moments make me so grateful and make me want to grow further. I want to give them even more special experiences.

CHA NI: I think it’s such an honor. Sharing emotions as people listen to our songs and spend time with us is something wonderful that I’m very grateful for. It makes me want to grow so that we can connect with even more people.

I’m sure there have been difficult periods for each of you throughout your careers. However, being part of a group also means fulfilling your responsibilities even when you are personally going through a challenging time. During those periods, how did you motivate yourselves and find the strength to keep going?

YOUNG BIN: I asked myself a lot of honest questions, like, “Was that really my best?” and “Would I really have no regrets if I stopped here?” Fortunately, I wasn’t living apart from the members, so talking things through with them helped a lot. As I grew with the members by my side, that sense of fulfillment helped me get through each day and keep moving forward. I also don’t think I’ve ever gone through a period that was overwhelmingly difficult.

IN SEONG: At times like that, I think I simply let myself go through the difficulty. Sometimes you have to struggle and fall apart to find the strength to get back up. In the end, it’s all part of the process of getting back on your feet.

JAE YOON: There have been so many difficult moments. But seeing the members actually motivated me to move forward. I’d think, “They started this journey with me, and look at how hard they’re working.” That pushed me, and I kept reminding myself, “I have to do this. I have to get through it.”

DA WON: I think there’s value in doing what you need to do, even when it’s hard.

HWI YOUNG: I think more clearly about the dreams and goals I want to achieve.

CHA NI: I tried to stay focused on my responsibilities and my role. I think I got through those times with comfort from the members, fans, and friends; and with my dreams and goals!

Among all the songs SF9 has released so far, what is each member’s personal favorite song, and why?

YOUNG BIN: My favorite song… That’s such a difficult question, but I think “Beautiful Light” and “무중력” are my favorites. To me, the essence of music is joy, but when it’s your profession, you often can’t ignore the commercial side. When I sing “무중력” or “Beautiful Light” at concerts, though, I feel most at ease. I love that sense of comfort, knowing I’m giving a performance that makes me feel deeply moved and happy.

IN SEONG: “Good Guy”. It gave us our first music show win, and I find myself thinking back on that promotion period the most.

JAE YOON: Personally, it’s “Round And Round”. I wonder what it would have been if it had been a title track.

DA WON: I feel attached to every song on our 11TH MINI ALBUM “THE WAVE OF9”. Due to all the different circumstances back then.

HWI YOUNG: “Love Comes Slowly.” It’s the one I enjoy listening to the most.

CHA NI: Whenever I hear “My Story, My Song”, it makes me feel unexpectedly emotional and warm inside, so it’s my favorite.

In your opinion, what elements are essential for a song to truly be recognized as an “SF9 song”?

YOUNG BIN: I think the most essential element now is an arrangement that brings out each member’s individual charm. Our voices are varied, and each of us has a strong, distinct appeal. If those qualities are arranged well, I think the result would be an engaging, impressive song that people recognize as SF9’s.

IN SEONG: A beat that brings out our stylish side, and an addictive chorus. I think SF9’s style is more about a sophisticated mood than something intensely dramatic.

JAE YOON: I think it’s the atmosphere created by a stylish beat and a sophisticated sound. Even without a melody, the overall feel of the beat should be able to express who we are.

DA WON: I think I’m still looking for that.

HWI YOUNG: Our voices.

CHA NI: I think an addictive, easy-to-follow chorus melody and a stylish mood are essential.

If you imagined SF9’s entire career not as a series of albums, but as one continuous story, which chapter do you think “TENACITY” represents? Could it be seen as a chapter about a new beginning or rebirth?

YOUNG BIN: Actually, I think we’re still in the early chapters. The members probably feel the same way, but SF9 is our life, so in a way, it feels like we haven’t even started yet. We’re still young and have so much to show. I think we’re in that early stage where all the different threads of the story are becoming intertwined.

IN SEONG: Honestly, I don’t think it matters how far along we are in the story. What matters is that we’re still going, so which chapter we’re in isn’t a big concern for me.

JAE YOON: It feels like another beginning. More than half of us have already completed our military service, and we’re a more mature SF9 2.0, moving toward our twentieth anniversary.

DA WON: I think rebirth fits the theme of this album and is a good way to capture its meaning.

HWI YOUNG: Since a planet was falling in the music video, maybe the next chapter is the apocalypse?

CHA NI: I think it might be a new beginning!

FANTASYs know your personalities on stage very well, but if you could share one TMI with our readers through POP BASE today, what would it be?

YOUNG BIN: First, listen to our music, then watch our performances. If you like what you see and hear, check out our own variety content. If our sense of humor matches yours, we’ll make you a FANTASY for life. I’m confident we can.

IN SEONG: I’ve been enjoying pumpkin tea lately because it helps with puffiness.

JAE YOON: We filmed videos for our concert today. It’s a secret.

DA WON: I’ve always loved you, but lately I’ve grown even fonder of you. I’m in trouble.

HWI YOUNG: For jokbal (Korean braised pig’s feet), I think the front leg tastes much better. I had some today.

CHA NI: I’m really happy when I’m onstage and hear the fans cheering. Please cheer loudly for us… [laughs]

Ten years is a remarkably long time, and throughout this journey, you have experienced many different eras, concepts, and musical styles. Looking back on your career, is there a particular era that you feel played a defining role in shaping SF9’s identity? If so, which era was it, and why?

YOUNG BIN: I think promoting “Good Guy,” the title track from our first full-length album, was a defining moment for our identity, both visually and musically. The choreography, outfits, and music were all things the members wanted to do and felt confident about. That brought us our first music show win, which gave us confidence. I think that was when we found the direction of our identity.

IN SEONG: I think it was the “Now or Never” era. That was when fans began showing us a lot of interest, and it felt like the moment when our music and performances were starting to shape our identity.

JAE YOON: I think it was the “Now or Never” era. Even though we were young, that was when we started strongly advocating for the kind of visual style, atmosphere, and music we wanted, and worked hard to persuade the company.

DA WON: I think it was “Good Guy”. That era brought together the strengths of our previous years and promotions and really solidified our identity.

HWI YOUNG: Every era was special. I’d give the members a perfect attendance award for constantly working together toward good results, because staying consistent isn’t easy, either.

CHA NI: I think we started finding our identity with “Good Guy.”

After ten years, you could have chosen to focus more on individual activities, yet you have continued to place SF9 at the center of your journey. What do you think has helped you maintain this strong bond and continue cherishing your identity as members of SF9 throughout the years?

YOUNG BIN: I think it’s thanks to the members; their consideration, understanding, sacrifices, and effort. Each of us has made sacrifices and put in effort for group activities at one point or another. Along the way, understanding and caring for one another has made the team more stable. Sometimes I have doubts, but in the end, the members have always helped me stay grounded. Of course, we can continue as a group because FANTASY kept believing in us and cheering us on. But even before that, I think it would have been difficult without the members.

IN SEONG: We’re able to do what we do because SF9 gives us a home. Being part of the group allows us to pursue individual activities and grow in different ways, so our identity as SF9 members will never change.

JAE YOON: It’s the sense of belonging I share with the members as a team. And most importantly, it’s because of FANTASY.

DA WON: One hundred percent, the fans.

HWI YOUNG: Because we’ve been through both the hard times and the good times together.

CHA NI: I think communication is important. We understand one another, and there’s a strong sense of trust within our team.

If each of you could give one piece of advice to your younger self on the day you debuted, what would you say?

YOUNG BIN: Take it slowly and stay calm. Everything will work out, so don’t be afraid before you’ve even begun. Always believe in yourself, and keep working hard!

IN SEONG: Who you are right now is the answer. Just be yourself.

JAE YOON: Jae Yoon! Don’t think you’re going unnoticed. Keep quietly doing what you can, one step at a time. Believe in yourself.

DA WON: Work hard. There’s always someone wishing for your happiness, so don’t let yourself fall apart.

HWI YOUNG: Start making music sooner. Even when you don’t feel like it, make every day count.

CHA NI: I’d tell myself to stay healthy, avoid getting hurt, and enjoy every moment.

What kind of SF9 can FANTASY look forward to in this new era and in the future in general? Can fans expect a tour, more albums, or other group activities in the coming years?

YOUNG BIN: I think this is an important time for deciding which direction SF9 should take as a team. What matters most is being given opportunities as a group, because those can also open up different opportunities for each member. I want us to find a good balance between our individual and group activities. We put the team first, so if we’re given the chance, I really hope we can show you a lot more together.

IN SEONG: We’ll keep moving forward steadily, at our own pace. Whatever it is, if we’re given the opportunity, we’ll see it through and show you what we can do.

JAE YOON: I think that’s something we need to discuss a lot and think carefully about ourselves, what kind of presence we want to bring to the stage.

DA WON: I’ll simply keep working hard.

HWI YOUNG: Rather than continuing to release more mini albums, I’d like to make an album that feels more complete and cohesive.

CHA NI: Our tenth-anniversary concert has given us a chance to meet our fans. We’re working really hard to prepare for it.

Once again, congratulations on both your second full-length album, “TENACITY”, and SF9’s 10th anniversary! Finally, what would you like to say to our readers and FANTASYs around the world through POP BASE?

YOUNG BIN: I think this was a valuable interview that gave us a chance to share our thoughts on our tenth anniversary. Thank you for every single question. If any POP BASE readers didn’t know us before, I hope this becomes a good opportunity to get to know us. We’ll keep working harder and show you many different sides of ourselves, so please keep giving us your interest and support. Thank you.

IN SEONG: Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to do this interview with POP BASE. SF9 will keep going all the way. FANTASY, I’m always more grateful to you than words can express.

JAE YOON: To all the readers! First, thank you for supporting SF9 as we celebrate our tenth anniversary. We’ll continue to be here for you, so please keep cheering us on!

DA WON: Thank you so much, always. I’ll work even harder to make sure these ten years continue to mean something. Thank you, everyone.

HWI YOUNG: I love you! Be happy today, and tomorrow.

CHA NI: SF9 is still growing. We don’t know where that growth will take us, but we’ll keep working hard to get closer to our goals and dreams! Let’s go together, FANTASY!

— C.G.

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