[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] One-on-One with SF9: Creating the Perfect Summer ‘FANTASY’

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Get ready to fall in love with SF9 all over again as they discuss their fourteenth mini album in this exclusive interview!

SF9, the multi-talented eight-member boy group under FNC Entertainment, has been captivating K-Pop audiences since their 2016 debut with electrifying performances and undeniable charm. Their consistent delivery of hit singles, EPs, OSTs, Japanese albums, and more solidifies their position as a defining group of K-Pop’s third generation. SF9’s talent shines through their powerful vocals, impressive rap skills, and jaw-dropping choreography, creating unforgettable live performances that leave FANTASY (their fandom) in awe of their precision, charisma, and undeniable stage presence. As they approach their 8th anniversary this fall, it’s clear that SF9 has only gotten better with time, continuously evolving and redefining what it means to be a K-Pop idol group. Beyond their captivating performances, various members actively participate in the creative process behind their music, contributing their own unique colors and perspectives to each album. This involvement not only showcases their individual growth as artists but also strengthens the group’s overall musical identity.

[ALBUM REVIEW] SF9’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”: Turning Lemons into Lemonade (and a Bop!)

Now, they’ve taken the K-Pop world by storm once again with the release of their 14th mini-album, ‘FANTASY,’ which has already amassed over 100,000 album sales in its first five days alone. The music video for the title track, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” has ignited a frenzy among FANTASY with its vibrant colors, playful visuals, and a tantalizing glimpse into a lighter, more carefree side of the group, fulfilling member Inseong’s wish for a summer concept he missed during his military enlistment (as expressed in our previous interview during the release of their thirteenth mini-album, ‘Sequence’). Adding to the uniqueness of this comeback, SF9 has incorporated sign language into the choreography, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in their performances. ‘FANTASY’ is a delightful departure from their previous works, showcasing a refreshing new dimension to SF9’s artistry while still maintaining their signature charm and charisma.

And as if that wasn’t enough, SF9 is now gracing the cover of Spotify’s K-Club Party playlist, with “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” featured as the first song. This prominent placement on one of Spotify’s popular K-Pop playlists further solidifies the group’s growing influence in the global music scene.

To further delight FANTASY, the members have been actively sharing behind-the-scenes images, videos, and more, even recently participating in a dance challenge with their fellow member Jaeyoon, who is eagerly awaited to return from his military service next month.

In our latest exclusive interview with SF9, YOUNG BIN, IN SEONG, YOO TAE YANG, HWI YOUNG, and CHA NI join us to dive deep into their latest mini-album, ‘FANTASY.’ We explore the creative process behind the album, the inspiration fueling the title track “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and its vibrant music video, uncover the hidden stories, and share a message for FANTASY.

Congratulations on your fourteenth mini album, ‘FANTASY!’ How does this summer concept showcase SF9’s unique color?

IN SEONG: I think our colors have always been a point of curiosity, and I think it’s refreshing that we haven’t done a summer-refreshing genre in a long time. Also, I think the possibilities for that curiosity are endless, so I hope you’ll stay tuned for more of our color.

HKP: The album title ‘FANTASY’ seems to play with both your fandom name and the idea of summer dreams. Was this intentional, and how does this duality reflect SF9’s artistic vision?

IN SEONG: FANTASY are the ones who make our fantasies come true. I think our music could only come out thanks to FANTASY. This album is meant to be your fantasy forever, and I think that’s why we wanted to show a lot of sensuality in it. We tried hard to fill it with elements that FANTASY would like.

HKP: SF9 is often referred to as “Kings of Summer” or “Summer Kings” for refreshing summer concepts that only you can do. With ‘FANTASY,’ how have you pushed the boundaries while still delivering that signature SF9 charm that makes fans say, “Ah, only SF9 can do this”?

IN SEONG: I think we have our special physical and a sense of being relaxed, and that wide spectrum is one of our strongest parts. I think the fact that we show so many different sides of ourselves in one album is in line with the answer to the question of color, which is always a question mark. I guess our charm is that we can always fill colorful pages.

HKP: How is ‘FANTASY’ similar to or different from your previous album, ‘Sequence?’ What message do you hope to deliver this time?

YOUNG BIN: In the title track, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” we sing about the pain of breaking up, but in fact, we want to bring positive energy and fresh images to the stage because we want you to be happy and worry-free at any moment.

HKP: Looking at the b-side tracks on ‘FANTASY,’ is there a track that you feel might challenge listeners’ expectations of SF9? What makes it stand out?

YOO TAE YANG: I think it’s already beyond my expectations since my song, “Melodrama,” is in the album. I think it’s very different from the colors we’ve been showing so far, so I think listeners can find it very attractive.

HKP: YOUNG BIN, YOO TAE YANG, HWI YOUNG, and CHA NI, you all participated in writing various songs on this album. Can you each share a bit about your contributions to ‘FANTASY?’ Also, what’s your favorite thing to add to a song, and did you get to incorporate that into any tracks on this album?

YOUNG BIN: I think my priority was to make it work best for the song, and I tried to make it sound easy and catchy overall. Also, I tried to be direct rather than figurative in how I expressed it because I felt it would hit more if it were direct!

YOO TAE YANG: My first self-written song, “Melodrama,” is included in this album. It was made with the efforts and help of many people, and I’m so grateful to the members for doing their best. I always wanted to find a new color for our team. I hope you can feel another side of SF9 through ‘Melodrama.’

HWI YOUNG: I don’t think it’s a contribution; I just prepared as best I could as usual, and every time I prepare an album or a performance period, I try to make it better than the previous one, especially when it comes to lyrics, I tend to self-censor more, trying to avoid the same expression I’ve used before

CHA NI: For this album, I choreographed the chorus of the title track, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I wanted it to be fancy but also cool and refreshing in terms of the performance.

HKP: If you could highlight one aspect of ‘FANTASY’ that you’re particularly proud of, what would it be and why?

YOUNG BIN: YOO TAE YANG’s first self-written song on this album! And it went well with SF9 as if it wasn’t the first time, and most importantly, it’s a song with YOO TAE YANG’s distinct colors, and it’s nice to see the members expressing them together to give it a colorful feel!

HKP: The MV teaser for “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” took fans by surprise and received a lot of positive feedback for its visual concepts. What was the most memorable or challenging moment during the music video shoot?

YOO TAE YANG: Firstly, I liked it because it was the most refreshing and coolest title track we’ve ever done. Also, all of the members worked hard on the concept and were especially excited when the choreography worked well.

HKP: If “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” were an ice cream flavor, what would it taste like?

HWI YOUNG: I think it would be a shooting star flavor. I don’t know how many days we’ll be able to live happily without worrying, so I hope this song will make you feel a little bit like that.

HKP: Reflecting on your journey, how has your understanding of what ‘FANTASY’ means in the context of your music and fan relationship evolved since your debut?

HWI YOUNG: At the beginning, it was simply a relationship between fans and the artist, but over time, it seems to have become more complex and deeper than before. At the beginning of our debut, I thought that the members and the company were on the same path, but as time went by, I realized that important people like FANTASY were standing by our side, and I always want to show my best side in gratitude and appreciation.

HKP: You are about to enter your 8th year together as SF9. How do you think your relationship with each other has changed? Are you able to determine what it means to have each other?

CHA NI: I feel like the members are very understanding and considerate of each other! It’s a happy feeling to be together, and we are a family!

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for FANTASY reading this

CHA NI: FANTASY! Thank you so much for reading the interview, and we can make more good memories in the future. Stay healthy, and don’t get sick! Thank you!