SF9 on Passion, Creativity, and the Making of ‘LOVE RACE’
- iamraeiam
- 12 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Love, passion, and growth—SF9 shares the heart of ‘LOVE RACE’ in this exclusive interview.
Few groups embody both talent and sincerity quite like SF9. Since their debut on October 5, 2016, with Feeling Sensation, the eight-member boy group—YOUNG BIN, IN SEONG, JAE YOON, DA WON, ZU HO, YOO TAE YANG, HWI YOUNG, and CHA NI—has steadily carved out a unique space in K-Pop. With members who regularly contribute to songwriting and composition, SF9 consistently delivers music that reflects their artistry and passion. Beyond their striking performances, they are known for their warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to their fans, FANTASY.
Now, nearly a decade into their career, SF9 continues to evolve while staying true to their signature charm. Their latest release, 15th mini album ‘LOVE RACE,’ showcases their ability to blend sleek, dynamic sounds with heartfelt storytelling. With members actively contributing to the songwriting process, ‘LOVE RACE’ is another testament to their artistic depth and dedication. Even as they explore new musical territories, SF9 remains grounded, never losing sight of the passion that first brought them together. Their journey is not just about longevity—it’s about growth, creativity, and an unbreakable bond with their fans, FANTASY.
Having had the pleasure of speaking with SF9 twice before, we’re thrilled to join them once again for an exclusive interview. This time, we dive into the making of ‘LOVE RACE,’ the stories behind their latest tracks, and how they continue to push themselves as artists. From heartfelt reflections to behind-the-scenes moments, SF9 shares it all—proving once more why they are not just a talented group, but a truly remarkable one.
Congratulations on the release of your 15th mini album, ‘LOVE RACE’! It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of effort into this album. As you reflect on the creation of this album, what are you most proud of in terms of your personal contributions or the group’s overall effort?
YOUNG BIN: I’m proud that each member’s ability to produce albums contributes to the overall quality. It's great to see more clearly what suits each of us and what we're good at.
When ‘LOVE RACE’ was first teased, fans immediately compared it to RPM. How do you feel about that comparison? Do you think ‘LOVE RACE’ carries energy similar to 'RPM', or is it pushing SF9’s sound in a fresh direction?
YOUNG BIN: I think comparing things can be an interesting element, so I enjoyed it too.
It was also one of the challenges we had to tackle in ‘LOVE RACE.’ Both ‘RPM’ and ‘LOVE RACE’ are about racing toward love, but I think the energy feels different now. It’s more refined and condensed. The energy we emit has evolved. Our performance features numerous direct expressions, so I think it’ll be enjoyable to watch as well.
The choreography for the title track ‘LOVE RACE’ looks intense—what was the most challenging or rewarding part of learning and perfecting the performance?
YOUNG BIN: The choreography requires a high level of detail and skill, so it was physically challenging to get used to it. But I felt a sense of reward when we found our groove as a team. It was also really rewarding when Fantasy gave us positive feedback about the choreography.
‘LOVE RACE’ has a very impactful and energetic sound. What is the killing part of the song, and how do you think it represents SF9 in 2025?
IN SEONG: I think the killing part of this song is the structure itself from beginning to end — it’s impactful as a whole. It’s a dramatic track that captures the ignition and the ride all in one. I believe it shows the power SF9 has to go far. A new genre also means new possibilities, so I think 2025 will be a year that opens many more new chapters.
The concept of a "LOVE RACE” is intriguing! If love were truly a race, what kind of competitor would SF9 be—fast and fearless, strategic and patient, or something else entirely?
IN SEONG: Well, I’m not too confident when it comes to competing in love. Rather than standing out at first glance, I think my strength lies in slowly and calmly showing my good sides over time. If I had to compare it to a race, I think I’d be better suited for a long-distance one. Being consistent and sincere can be a great charm.
Filming a music video is always an adventure. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while filming the “LOVE RACE” MV, and how did you overcome them?
IN SEONG: While the weather and other external factors played a part, the most important thing was gathering our own energy among ourselves. The shoot was made up of various cuts, and syncing all of our energies was the key. This time, rather than needing to overcome anything, we were all on the same wavelength — it felt like our hearts were running together. I think that synergy really showed in the results, and I feel proud of that.
Each album shows different sides of SF9, but ‘LOVE RACE’ feels like a new chapter with fresh energy. How do you think this album represents you as artists, both individually and as a group?
JAE YOON: The first step of a new beginning.
Each track on the album has its own distinct vibe. Could you share more about how each member contributed to shaping the mood and message of the songs?
JAE YOON: For me, while recording this album, I tried to break free from the pressure of expression and just approached it more freely. Even if it wasn’t exactly how I initially imagined it, if a certain feeling came to me while singing, I just recorded it. It made the process fun again after a long time.
With 15 mini-albums under your belt, how has your creative process evolved since your early days as SF9?
JAE YOON: When it comes to creating something, the process always feels tough. While there’s an overall structure, we still have to express everything in our own way through all the small details — and that’s the really hard part. When all those things come together perfectly, the result turns out well. During our debut, it was a constant state of tension, and it was hard to express our thoughts. But now, I think we’re able to express ourselves more freely.
How has your understanding of what it means to be an SF9 member shifted since your debut, and how does ‘LOVE RACE’ reflect that evolution?
YOO TAE YANG: When we debuted, I had a lot of pride in the team, and now, that pride has grown into love. ‘LOVE RACE’ shows our relentless passion.
If you had to pick one song from the album that feels like your personal anthem right now, which one would it be and why?
YOO TAE YANG: To me, “LOVE RACE” truly represents how I feel. It’s like running straight to FANTASY with all my heart!
SF9 is known for its members’ multifaceted talents. If you could develop or learn one skill—whether in or out of music—what would it be?
YOO TAE YANG: I want to learn various languages. It can give me a wider view of the world.
If you were to race through a city, which member would you want as your co-pilot, and where would you race to?
HWI YOUNG: I want to team up with YOO TAE YANG. Racing might be tough, but if possible, I’d like to try going to the famous road called ‘Jayuro’.
Looking ahead, how do you envision SF9's future after ‘LOVE RACE’? What do you want to explore musically or conceptually in the coming years?
HWI YOUNG: I think we have a lot of potential. Personally, exploring various things is great, but I’d like to explore and define something uniquely SF9.
We’re so grateful for your time today! As we wrap up, please leave a message for fans reading this.
CHA NI: Dear FANTASY!! We, SF9, are running full speed ahead! So let’s run excitedly together! Please continue to support us. Always be happy and healthy!
Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of SF9 and FNC Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: FNC Entertainment