It’s been three years since SF9 performed in front of FANTASY in the U.S., and it was a night many fans, myself included, won’t soon forget.
By all appearances, the members of SF9 were proof that everything gets with age. The six members in attendance, Jaeyoon, Zuho, Dawon, Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani, had only improved since fans last saw them in 2019. SF9 had released five EPs, broke multiple sales, charts, and music video records with their first Korean studio album, and scored their first-ever music show win. They participated in MNet’s competition show alongside five other K-Pop boy groups, winning fans over with their covers of Taemin’s “Move” and The Boyz’ “Stealer.” Not to mention their two eldest members, Inseong and Youngbin, began their mandatory military service. So when their agency, FNC Entertainment, announced the tour in October, it seemed like a no-brainer to attend.
At the tour's final stop, fans had been gathered outside The Wiltern in Koreatown since the night before in hopes of securing one of those coveted spots on the barrier or catching a glimpse of a dress-downed SF9 before they went in. Once inside the venue, the feeling was electric as enthusiastic fans gathered in open areas before the countdown-style music kicked on, signaling it was time to take our seats as the real fun was about to begin.
SF9 fans, known as FANTASY, were on their feet the second the lights dimmed, and the shadows of the sextet taking the stage could be seen. After the first song, “Savior,” SF9 immediately shifted to fan favorite, “Tear Drop,” before taking a moment to introduce themselves, earning each of them a deafening round of cheers from the audience.
Donning elegant suit looks, Jaeyoon, Zuho, Dawon, Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani made the audience swoon over their performances of “Believer,” “Trauma,” and “Now or Never” before regrouping to speak to us once again. During the final two songs before the required VCR/costume change, Dawon decided to turn up the heat by casually unbuttoning his jacket and putting his abs on display for all to see. (Don’t worry; I have footage).
Throughout the night, SF9 performed a perfect mix of their newer title tracks, b-side favorites, and older songs, including my personal favorite, “MAMMA MIA.” The members perfectly utilized the closeness of the stage to get closer to fans, sitting on the edge of the stage, standing at the stairs, or in Zuho’s case, becoming a regular down on the barrier.
While Jaeyoon, Zuho, Dawon, Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani, were the superstars of the show, FANTASY should be considered an unofficial member of SF9. They shook their SF9 lightsticks (aka JiGuBong), amped up the excitement with their screaming, sang along to each and every song, and helped put a lasting smile on the members’ faces. At one point in the show, Zuho admitted to being 60% tired but credited FANTASY for giving him the energy to continue.
From song to song, the sextet did not miss a bit. Their synchronization was flawless. Their footwork and how they moved through choreography was solid from start to finish, never getting lazy, as I’ve witnessed from other K-Pop groups as the night goes on. Whether it was a solo performance, subunit, dance break, bridge verse, or ad-lib, every member had a moment to shine. SF9 completed a setlist of twenty-four songs in just two hours, including four encore songs, completely shattering what I thought I knew about K-Pop concerts. (The standard is three to three and a half hours for a setlist that long and one encore).
Before closing the show, the six members talked to the fans one final time. They thanked fans for inviting them out on tour and hoped to return soon. To them and everyone in attendance, it was more than just a concert; it was a long overdue reunion between SF9 and FANTASY. As they finished the encore performances, one thing stood out in particular to me. As the other members slowly departed the stage, Jaeyoon seemed reluctant to leave. He poured his heart out on that stage and wanted a little extra time with FANTASY, probably uncertain of when he’d be able to see them again.
Additional Commentary
I’ve always thought SF9 was one of the most underrated third-generation K-Pop boy groups, but seeing them live was proof. They are the complete package, the real deal, and I only say six of them!
Chani, Hwiyoung, and Taeyang’s subunit performance of Vahalla gave off a sexy yet cool vibe I would expect from the three youngest members.
Zuho’s solo stage, “Paradise,” was epic. As a rapper with such a low-toned voice, I was surprised to see such a bright and happy performance mixed with softer vocals.
As interim leader, Jaeyoon did a great job of hyping up the crowd that you’d never know he was an INFP.
The members of SF9 are genuinely impressive. Each member gave 110% to each performance and proved their talent. Witnessing a Korean boyband in Koreatown and looking around at the crowd's diversity was remarkable. From seeing an older woman in her eighties to young women in their late teens and early twenties, all brought together by their love of SF9, it was an unforgettable night.