[Exclusive Interview] SF9 on the Meaning of ‘TENACITY,’ Their 10-Year Journey, and ‘Without Wings’

Ten years into their journey, SF9 are looking back at where they began while embracing everything still ahead.

Since their debut on October 5, 2016, SF9 have carved out a distinct place in K-pop with their powerful performances, striking concepts, and unmistakable musical identity. The group made their official debut with their first single album, Feeling Sensation, led by the iconic title track “Fanfare,” and have since built a career filled with memorable releases, performances, and milestones alongside their devoted fandom, FANTASY. Now, Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Hwiyoung, and Chani are celebrating a remarkable decade together—not only by looking back at everything they have accomplished, but by stepping confidently into what comes next.

On August 26, 2026, SF9 marks this new chapter with the release of their second full-length album, TENACITY, led by the title track “Without Wings.” True to the group’s ability to evolve while maintaining the qualities that make their music uniquely SF9, the album arrives as both a celebration of their journey and a statement about their continued determination. Ten years into their career, TENACITY reflects a group that has grown alongside their fans, embracing new challenges while holding onto the passion and ambition that brought them together in the first place.

To celebrate the release of TENACITY and SF9’s 10th anniversary, YOUNG BIN, IN SEONG, JAE YOON, DA WON, HWI YOUNG, and CHA NI joined Hellokpop for an exclusive interview. The members open up about the making of their new album, the meaning behind “tenacity,” their favorite moments, and more. They also reflect on a decade of SF9—from unforgettable career milestones and memories with FANTASY to how they have grown as artists and as people—and look ahead to their next chapter, including their upcoming Seoul concerts in October.

HELLOKPOP: Hi SF9! Congratulations on your 2nd full album, TENACITY! To kick things off, what’s one funny or unexpected moment from the album preparation that you think FANTASY would love to hear about?

CHA NI: Hello! And thank you so much for the congratulations. We worked really hard on the choreography while preparing for this album, and since the choreography is very much about the feel and the overall vibe, it was a really different experience for us!

HKP: TENACITY is such a bold album title. What does “tenacity” mean to you as a group?

IN SEONG: It has several different meanings, but rather than meaning “enduring any situation to achieve the goal I want,” I think it’s more about “staying true to the path I’ve chosen, in my own way.” We may all have different ways of reaching our dreams, but I think ‘TENACITY’ means taking our time and continuing forward in our own way, filling that journey with our own thoughts and ideas.

YOUNG BIN

HKP: What do you consider the “killing” part of the title track, and what feeling or message did you want it to convey?

JAE YOON: Personally, I think the intro and the bridge are the killing parts. Both sections really draw your attention, so I paid close attention to the tone and texture of my voice. For the bridge, I wanted to give it a breathy feeling, so I recorded it several times to get the right sound!

DA WON: I think every part of the song is a killing part because each member’s individual charm comes through so well.

HKP: Outside the title track, which song on TENACITY are you most excited for FANTASY to hear, and why?

YOUNG BIN: “PRESSURE.” The strong beat and syncopated rhythm really make me want to move, and the lyrics also express a lot of the emotions we’ve experienced over the past 10 years. I hope FANTASY will give it a listen!

HKP: Is there a track on the album that has a small detail, lyric, or arrangement choice you hope fans notice?

JAE YOON: For the title track, I recorded my parts with a stronger tone than in the demo version, and I liked that it ended up sounding more powerful and fuller than the demo. There’s also a behind-the-scenes story about “One More Kiss”—the title was actually decided based on the members’ opinions.

IN SEONG

HKP: SF9 always participates in album creation in some way. In what ways did the members contribute to TENACITY?

HWI YOUNG: Most of us participated mainly in the songwriting, especially the lyrics. We sent the writers references for the kind of beats and styles we wanted and then worked together with them to develop the songs.

HKP: Between LIGHTEN, INTEND, and TENACITY, which concept for the album jacket was the most fun to shoot?

CHA NI: Personally, I had the most fun with the ‘TENACITY’ concept. The idea of us being trapped inside a birdcage and then finally flying free felt really romantic and beautiful to me.

HKP: SF9 always makes music that feels uniquely yours every time you come back. What part of TENACITY do you think continues that tradition of “only SF9 can do this?”

HWI YOUNG: Hmm… Honestly, I don’t think there’s a type of music that only we can make. I think anyone can make it, but I do believe there is music that we can deliver better than anyone else. Of course, the performance and what we show on stage are important, but all the members have been improving vocally every year as well. I think that growth comes through a lot in this album, ‘TENACITY’.

JAE YOON

HKP: We also want to say congratulations on your 10th Debut Anniversary. That is a huge milestone. How does it feel to finally be here, and what does this moment mean to you as you look toward your next chapter?

IN SEONG: There are probably many different feelings that come with it, and there are definitely moments when I feel like we’ve done a good job getting this far. But we decided not to give it too much significance. Right now, more than anything, I’m just really grateful and happy. Those feelings are so strong that I feel like there isn’t even enough time to fully enjoy them. I’m sure there will be a next chapter in some form, no matter what it looks like. For now, I just want to fully share in the happiness and emotion that this 10-year journey has brought us.

HKP: When FANTASY thinks of SF9, so many iconic moments come to mind — your powerful debut choreography, the unforgettable “Move” cover, your first music show win, and all the standout MVs over the years. Looking back, is there a moment from your journey that still makes you smile or feels especially meaningful today?

YOUNG BIN: Of course, our first music show win and the powerful choreography from our debut song are some of the memories that really stand out. But for me, the moments that still make me smile are the times when we were trainees, practicing together and working toward our debut.

DA WON

HKP: As you enter your next decade, what kind of SF9 identity do you hope to show in future comebacks? What is something you want to accomplish?

YOUNG BIN: For this album, we wanted to show a wider range of performances, so we prepared more than just the title track. We want to show that we’re still running forward! Our goal is to keep moving ahead consistently without getting tired or giving up, just like we’ve been doing. When our 10th anniversary finally came around, even though it once felt so far away, it made us want to stay together for our 15th and 20th anniversaries too. We want to keep making music together for a very, very long time.

HKP: How has SF9 changed not just as artists, but as men in your late 20s and early 30s navigating a career that started when you were teenagers?

IN SEONG: I think we’ve all become more open-minded and more grounded as people. Experience really is one of the greatest assets you can have, and I think it helps you grow tremendously as an individual. After going through so many different experiences, I feel like we can approach the path ahead and the moments we have yet to create with much more confidence.

HWI YOUNG

HKP: The Seoul concerts in October will be a major celebration. How are you approaching the setlist or performance style to reflect both nostalgia and growth? Is there anything you can tease for fans?

DA WON: After 10 years together, we’ve built up so much history, so we’re preparing a variety of stages that only SF9 can show you. I think having all the experience we’ve gained over the years is one of our biggest strengths. How we’re going to make use of that strength is something you’ll have to see for yourselves at the concert, so please look forward to it!

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message to FANTASY reading this.

JAE YOON: FANTASY!! It’s been a while since we’ve come back with a full-length album, so please listen to our music a lot!! We’ve prepared some great performances for you, so please show us lots of love and support!! Let’s wrap up our 10th anniversary on a high note and go all the way to our 20th anniversary together!!

CHA NI

Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
Connect with the members on Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Weverse.

*Special thanks to the members of SF9 and FNC Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: FNC Entertainment