Seven years and 12 EPs later, SF9 is still going strong

Seven years after debuting, SF9 is still going strong with a 12th EP. The boy band — Jaeyoon, Dawon, Rowoon, Zuho, Yoo Tae-yang, Hwiyoung and Chani — introduced its new EP “The Piece Of9” during Monday’s showcase at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin...

SF9 performs its new lead track "Puzzle" during a showcase on Jan. 9, 2023 for its 12th EP "The Piece Of9" at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FNC ENTERTAINMENT]

Seven years after debuting, SF9 is still going strong with a 12th EP.

The boy band — Jaeyoon, Dawon, Rowoon, Zuho, Yoo Tae-yang, Hwiyoung and Chani — introduced its new EP “The Piece Of9” during Monday’s showcase at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul.

Members Youngbin and Inseong were unable to attend as they are currently serving their mandatory military service. However, Rowoon was back to join SF9’s activities after he missed out on last summer’s EP as he was filming a drama series.

SF9 poses during Monday's showcase. [FNC ENTERTAINMENT]

The team of seven premiered the stage performance for their new lead track “Puzzle,” a punk-based dance song that sings about trying to figure out the truth about what a love interest thinks after a relationship has gone cold.

After the music video dropped on Monday midnight, fans were especially complimentary of the group’s sleek secret agent theme.

“Our fans loved it when the teaser dropped, revealing our concept,” said Hwiyoung. “We were also really satisfied with the theme, having fun during photoshoots and filming.”

“In my opinion, this is the be-all and end-all of SF9’s concepts so far,” Jaeyoon said. “I could see how much the members loved it, and our agency also had a good feeling about this. It’s a chance to show another, more mature side of us.”

SF9 performs its new lead track "Puzzle" during a showcase on Jan. 9, 2023 for its 12th EP "The Piece Of9" at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FNC ENTERTAINMENT]

Fitting the mature concept, the choreography for “Puzzle” also emphasizes powerful but reserved movements that convey the serious mood of the song.

SF9 went on to perform “Love Colour,” one of the new tracks for which Zuho and Hwiyoung participated in writing the lyrics. Zuho also contributed to the songwriting for “Puzzle.” The EP also features songs “Love Color,” “New World,” “Fighter,” “Tight” and lastly “Stay with me,” which is Jaeyoon’s first self-produced song featured on an SF9 release.

“'Stay with me’ is my first self-written song,” Jaeyoon side. “It's about what fans mean to me and how I feel about them. I'm honored to be able to present it.”

SF9's concept photo for "The Piece Of9" [FNC ENTERTAINMENT]

Members did not forget to mention Youngbin and Inseong during the showcase.

“When Youngbin was on leave from his military post, he visited our music video set and gave us a bunch of snacks,” said Zuho. “He also monitored our filming and gave us so much support. It also happened to be his birthday that day, so we were able to celebrate it together.”

“Inseong wasn’t able to get leave while we were filming this time, but he always calls us on his free time to tell us things like ‘I really enjoyed your guys’ choreography video’ or ‘I love the new song.’ We also call him to ask for his opinion and tell him, ‘please come back to us as soon as possible!’”

Members have also been active in pursuing individual projects from K-dramas to musical theater. Nonetheless, Tae-yang says they’re the strongest when they’re together.

“I can feel how much fans love to see us together as SF9,” he said. “That makes us want to show them more great performances as a team. The synergy effect we get when we’re together is also the driving force that propels our individual activities.”

SF9 performs its new lead track "Puzzle" during a showcase on Jan. 9, 2023 for its 12th EP "The Piece Of9" at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FNC ENTERTAINMENT]

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]