The boy group SF9 has sadly been down to eight members since yesterday, because Rowoon wants to keep focusing on his acting career in the future.
FNC Entertainment, SF9's agency, announced in a statement yesterday that Rowoon has left the boy group after seven years. In the future, he will be active mainly as an actor, and SF9 will continue as eight. However, Rowoon will remain with FNC Entertainment. In closing, the agency asks fans to keep supporting SF9 and Rowoon.
Rowoon's decision to leave SF9 was met with mixed feelings by fans. Many saw him as an important part of the boy group. But for most people, it probably isn't all that big of a surprise.
Rowoon started his acting career back in 2017 with a small role in the K-drama “School 2017”:
More supporting roles followed in “About Time” and “Where Stars Land”. Each role was a little bigger than the last, and in 2019 Rowoon landed his first lead role in the fantasy series “Extraordinary You”. The series was a huge success and earned the singer not only several nominations, but also the Best New Actor Award at the MBC Drama Awards!
Since then, Rowoon has regularly been seen in lead roles. He played an intern in “She Would Never Know” (2021), a royal tutor in “The King’s Affection” and an angel of death in “Tomorrow” (2022). This year is no exception: his latest series “Destined With You” is currently airing, and a new project called “The Wedding Battle” has already been announced.
Because of his acting projects, Rowoon has missed SF9 activities several times.
For example, he was not part of the 11th mini album “The Wave OF9”, which was released in July 2022. But on the 12th mini album “The Piece OF9” in January of this year, Rowoon was back on board. That's why fans were hoping that he would stay with SF9 for a while longer, even if he sits out every now and then.
But he seems to have chosen acting. In a handwritten letter, he apologized to fans for misunderstandings and for not always being there for them. He also expressed his gratitude for the past seven years:
“I took part in the planned activities and I am grateful for every single precious memory of the past seven years. As I write [this letter] and look back on my life, I am filled with nothing but gratitude. This is also a thank you to everyone.” - Rowoon
Rowoon wants to take on a new challenge and hopes that his fans will continue to watch over him.
The members of SF9 are currently completing their military service one after another. Most recently, Jaeyoon said goodbye to fans in March.
We wish both SF9 and Rowoon every success and are excited for their next projects!
Sources: SF9 Fancafe, Naver
