Rowoon has decided to drop the label "SF9" from his name, signaling his intent to solely focus on his acting career. Fans who have loved SF9's Rowoon for a long time are left with a bittersweet feeling.
On the 18th, Rowoon's agency, FNC Entertainment, announced his departure from the group. The statement read, "SF9 will continue to soar as an eight-member group, and Rowoon will be concentrating on his individual activities, including acting."
While all members of SF9, including Rowoon, renewed their contracts, Rowoon added that he would be leaving the group to focus on his acting career.
This move was somewhat anticipated. Rowoon solidified his position as an actor through the drama "Extraordinary You," and since then, his participation in group activities noticeably decreased. In 2020, he took a hiatus from group activities due to a herniated disc, and in July, he didn't participate in the album promotions, citing difficulties in juggling both acting and group activities.
While he had various reasons for not participating in group activities, Rowoon's acting career continued without a break, with roles in dramas such as JTBC's "She Would Never Know," KBS2's "Affection," MBC's "Tomorrow," and JTBC's "Nevertheless."
In contrast, Chani, who gained attention as an "acting idol" earlier than Rowoon through dramas like "Signal" and "SKY Castle," turned down a lead role in a drama to participate in Mnet's "Kingdom: Legendary War" as a member of SF9.
Fans were particularly hopeful about Rowoon's participation in the fan concert "ONEDAY PROJECT OF9 - Unlock Pandora - in Seoul," scheduled for October 9th at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall in Seoul. Excluding Jaeyoon, who is currently serving in the military, it would have been a rare opportunity for fans to see all the members together, and they were eagerly awaiting their collective performance.
However, with Rowoon's departure, the concert will now only feature seven members, excluding both Rowoon and Jaeyoon.
Given the timing of his departure, criticisms towards Rowoon don't seem to be subsiding. While it's uncertain how he will repay the public's love with his future acting roles, questions remain on how he can make amends to those who supported him from the beginning of his acting journey, even before he was known as SF9's Rowoon.
