Boy band SF9 feels more confident than pressured

K-pop boy band SF9 released the seventh mini-album “RPM” Monday. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Surviving in the K-pop industry is tough. Some 50 bands debut each year, but only a few, if any, make a splash. Neither vocal talents nor dancing skills guarantee success. Nevertheless, K-pop boy band SF9 felt more confident than pressured, as it dropped its seventh mini-album “RPM” Monday.

“I am convinced SF9 will be 'chosen' by fans and the public with this album,” member RO WOON said during the press event Monday at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. “We just want to leave them to choose whether or not to listen to us, instead of feeling pressured. There is nothing more we can do about our ranking or performance, except strive for the best when gearing up for a fresh release.”

Another member IN SEONG added the nine-piece team has its own strong points.

“Our members excel in making sexy facial expressions,” he said. “We are all tall too. So we can display more powerful and magnificent performances.”

The lead track for the album is “RPM” or Revolutions Per Minute. Produced by the world-famous The Aristocrats, and ICONICSOUNDS, the idols sing about predestined love. Also included in the album are the five B-side tracks “Round And Round,” “Dreamer,” “Liar,” “See U Tomorrow,” and “Echo.”

The lead track for the new album is “RPM.” Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

Of the tracks, future bass number “Echo” is unique for the band.

“My favorite song in this album is 'Echo,'” leader YOUNG BIN said. “Member ZU HO could not be on stage for our last album due to an injury ― but while he was away, he consistently worked on this number.”

ZU HO disclosed he wanted to reveal his feelings for his fans.

“When I was away, I realized I had not been expressing myself much to the fans,” he said. “I wanted to make a confession through the song.”

The youngest of the group, CHA NI ― who rose as the pivotal member after appearing on JTBC smash-hit drama “SKY Castle” that wrapped up in February ― added member HWI YOUNG contributed to the lyrics of the lead song too.

“I was delighted to see how much we have grown up,” CHA NI said.

The band also talked about their recent world tour. SF9 performed in 10 cities in the U.S. and Europe, kicking off the tour on April 19.

“When we were in Paris, a hotel employee approached me and asked if I was a member of SF9,” JAE YOON said. “He said his daughter was our fan. I was so impressed and talked with him despite my lack of English skills.”

The members picked IN SEONG as the best English speaker.

“I am not that fluent but my English has improved thanks to the tour,” IN SEONG said. “I have been learning English by watching entertainment shows and studying the interviews of our seniors.”