Entering as an uncertain trainee, training rigorously for years, seeing your friends leave the training days, watching new people join, making friends, fighting, living together in compact houses, missing your family, sacrificing simple pleasures, and still fearing whether you will make it…. This is not even the start of being an idol; this was just a pre-debut trailer of what an idol’s life will be.
A K-pop group is basically manufactured by compiling the best of the trainees and arranging them in a group according to their role. Sometimes, the company even gives a specific personality to the idol to project a particular image. This helps in enticing new arrays of fans for the idol.
The point is an idol’s journey chronicles through ups and downs, but one thing always remains consistent– the support and love of the band members.
SF9 was one such third-generation group that was known for its brotherhood. The group with 11 members had their breakthrough in the pre-debut itself when they performed in Japan and immediately won hearts.
During the debut, the final nine members grasped considerable attention with their debut album Feeling Sensation with the hit single Fanfare. However, one member stood out the most (literally), considering he is one of the tallest idols in Korea. Rowoon quickly became the face of SF9 for his stunning visuals, sweet vocals, and unexplainable charm.
Although the group eventually gained popularity through a series of hits and getting recognized in the Japanese music scene, Rowoon was garnering his own fanbase. His machismo caught the attention of top brands, earning him endorsements. On July 1, 2021, Rowoon was chosen as the new face of the luxury cosmetics brand Estée Lauder.
And then, he made his debut as an actor.
Rowoon proved himself as an actor with versatile roles in Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection, Tomorrow, and his latest series, Destined with You.
Directors praised Rowoon for his aptitude for understanding a role, while his colleagues would get fond of him instantly because of his congeniality. He transitioned from being just an idol actor and became a reliable actor that most producers wanted to rope in.
However, in his acting journey, his group activities were getting affected due to scheduling issues. But he still thrived as much as he could. Despite his genuine efforts, he couldn’t participate with SF9 due to an injury while they competed at Kingdom– a competitive show for boy groups.
With a plethora of new boy groups debuting from big companies, SF9 was slowly fading in popularity as a group. In contrast, Rowoon continues to bag acting roles one after another.
As SF9’s initial contract was coming to an end, Rowoon decided not to renew his contract for the next installment. He bid farewell to his members and fans with a heavy heart, citing his commitments and his goal to pursue solo activities. On September 18, FNC Entertainment announced that Rowoon had officially left the group after the seven-year exclusive contract ended.
Other eight members, Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Zuho, Yoo Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani, have renewed their contracts and continue SF9’s legacy. Meanwhile, the company has always kept its door open for Rowoon if he chooses to return anytime.
Why Did Rowoon Leave SF9?
Rowoon was going through internal struggles due to uncontrollable external factors. Still in his prime, Rowoon wanted to live for himself rather than oblige every time. In his very sentimental and vulnerable letter, he expresses his issues of having to explain all his decisions all the time, which also would lead to misunderstandings.
Rowoon quite maturely explains his stance on his future goals, and leaving the group was the last resort to achieve them.
Fans came to his support immediately, encouraging him to pursue things that make him happy.
What are your thoughts on Rowoon leaving the group? Is he better off with his acting career, or should he return to SF9 someday? Let us know in the comments section below.
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