Tag: SF9 Rowoon

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Rowoon Opens Up About Leaving SF9 for the First Time

Rowoon in the concept photo for SF9's 'The Piece of 9' album. Credit: Facebook/SF9

South Korean singer and actor Rowoon has opened up about his thoughts on his departure from the K-pop boy group SF9. 

During a press event for his new series The Matchmakers, Rowoon shed light on the reasons behind his decision to part ways with SF9 after seven years. 

In September, FNC Entertainment made the announcement that Rowoon would no longer be actively promoting with SF9. With this, the group would continue its activities with just eight members. This news took many fans by surprise, as Rowoon had been an integral part of the group since its debut in October 2016, having dedicated seven years to SF9.

“I left the group because I wanted to become more serious about acting, and I wanted to get better at it,” the idol-actor said, as per SBS Star. 

To date, Rowoon is one of the idols who successfully made a name in the acting industry. He made his acting debut in the 2017 series School 2017 and garnered significant attention with his role as Haru in Extraordinary You in May 2019. Since then, Kim Seok-woo, Rowoon‘s real name, actively participated in various series. The list includes She Would Never Know, The King’s Affection, Tomorrow, and Destined With You. 

During the press conference for The Matchmakers, Rowoon acknowledged that some fans might have been disappointed by his decision. But he stressed that these disappointments are part of the weight of his choice. Furthermore, he hoped that his dedication to acting will eventually make people understand his decision and see it as a significant step in his career.

“Please understand that it was not an easy decision for me,” he added. 

Rowoon continues to root for SF9

Despite his departure, Rowoon made it clear that he still has deep affection for SF9 and remains close to his former groupmates. 

In particular, he mentioned his camaraderie with Hwiyoung, who is also part of The Matchmakers alongside him. “Hwiyoung is also in the drama, but we don’t feel awkward around each other at all,” Rowoon said. “We chat and tell jokes to each other like we always have.”

However, it can be recalled that Youngbin, SF9‘s leader,  also addressed Rowoon’s exit from the group in a heartfelt letter to fans. At the time, he expressed feeling “conflicted” about Rowoon’s departure. But Youngbin also emphasized his continued support for Rowoon‘s individual activities. Moreover, Youngbin also extended his gratitude to the fans and provided comfort during this transitional period.

As of writing, there’s no details yet about SF9’s upcoming activities. The group last made a comeback with their 12th EP The Piece OF9 in January 2023.

Featured image: Rowoon in the concept photo for SF9’s ‘The Piece of 9’ album. Credit: Facebook/SF9

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Rowoon Discusses New Drama ‘The Matchmakers’

Rowoon is taking on an interesting new role this year. The new stills featuring the former SF9 member in “The Matchmakers” have been released. In addition to that, Rowoon discussed why he chose to work on the new drama and shared some intriguing details about his character Shim Jung Woo.

Former SF9 Member Rowoon Talks About His New Drama

The new stills from “The Matchmakers” were shared by KBS2 along with an interview with the show’s lead star. In the interview, Rowoon revealed that he was drawn to the new drama because he was looking for a challenge.

“I wanted to take on the challenge of the comedy genre. Actually, I think comedy is the most difficult genre,” he said.

Rowoon also spoke about his character, sharing some unexpected details about the young widower. “[Shim Jung Woo] seems to be a child-like character whose time has stopped. I think he is a person who could be seen as rude due to his honesty,” he said.

Interestingly, the “Extraordinary You” star spoke about the challenges of playing the character.

“There are parts where Shim Jung Woo’s words [coming] from the historical or situational background may feel a little different from [sentiments of] the current times. I tried to express those parts without making him seem hateful,” Rowoon said.

“The Matchmakers” chronicles the tale of a fateful encounter between Shim Jung Woo, a young widower portrayed by Rowoon, and Jung Soon Deok, a fellow young widow played by Cho Yi Hyun. Together, they embark on a challenging journey to unite unmarried individuals in the Joseon era, particularly those who fall outside the conventional prime age range.

Experience the compelling narrative of “The Matchmakers” when it makes its debut on October 30th at 9:45 p.m. KST. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch it, as the series will be readily accessible on Viki for your viewing pleasure.

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Look: Rowoon, Cho Yi Hyun at ‘The Matchmaker’ Script Reading

Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun will lead the series 'The Matchmaker.' Credit: Twitter/KBS Drama

KBS2 has shared photos from the script reading of its upcoming historical romantic drama The Matchmaker starring Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun. 

What we know so far about The Matchmaker

Set in the Joseon dynasty, the series will follow the lead cast members as they struggle to marry off the young maidens in their town. 

Rowoon will play Shim Jung Woo, a brilliant scholar who was the youngest person to pass the Civil Service Exam. However, his life was turned upside down when his bride, a princess, suddenly died during their wedding ceremony.  

Meanwhile, Cho Yi Hyun will portray Jung Soon Deok, a daughter-in-law of the first vice-premiere’s family. But, she also pretends as Mrs. Yeo Joo to serve as a matchmaker in Hanyang City. 

The two will be joined by Park Ji Young as the powerful Mrs. Park and Jo Han Chul as the King. Other cast members also include Jung Shin Hye and Park Ji Won.  

In a statement, the producers of The Matchmaker promised the viewers that it will bring “comfortable laughter.” Additionally, they shared that the series will be “enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.” 

“It’s a unique historical rom-com that will transform the vibes of late fall when the cold wind begins to blow into heart-fluttering excitement,” they added. 

The Matchmaker is set to premiere on October 30. 

Actor Rowoon

The announcement about the premiere date of The Matchmaker came days after lead star Rowoon announced his departure from K-pop boy group SF9. 

On September 18, Rowoon announced that he’s stepping back from his role as member of SF9, his group of seven years. Additionally, he explained that he’d rather focus on his acting career since he’s having a hard time juggling both. 

Since Rowoon’s announcement, only leader Youngbin has spoken about it. He said that he’s “conflicted” about Rowoon’s exit but asked their fans to continue to support his former bandmate. 

Currently, Rowoon stars in the fantasy-romance series Destined With You alongside Jo Bo Ah. Moreover, he also made a special guest appearance in the Netflix series A Time Called You. 

The 27- year-old is best known for starring in Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection, and Tomorrow.

Featured image: Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun will lead the series ‘The Matchmaker.’ Credit: Twitter/KBS Drama

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Rowoon Officially Leaves SF9 After 7 Years

After 7 years with SF9, Rowoon is officially leaving the group to continue pursuing his acting career

Rowoon is getting ready for a new chapter of his life. FNC Entertainment has confirmed that the SF9 member decided not to renew his contract with the group after 7 years. Instead, Kim Seok-woo will continue to pursue his successful acting career.

Rowoon Officially Leaves SF9 To Pursue Solo Activities

On September 18, FNC Entertainment issued a statement regarding SF9’s status. The agency confirmed that the group is moving forward after every member renewed their contracts.

“Hello, this is FNC Entertainment. We’re writing to notify you of SF9’s activities,” the statement read. “SF9’s contract with us came to an end on September 18th, after being promoted as our artist for 7 years since the group’s debut in 2016.”

It is then revealed that although Rowoon renewed his contract, we will no longer promote with SF9.

“All members renewed their contracts with us. However, the group will be starting fresh as an 8-member group except for Rowoon,” the statement confirmed. The company also assured fans that the idol will continue to be active and pursue his acting career.

“Rowoon will be focusing on his individual projects including acting,” they wrote.

FNC Entertainment concluded by stating that Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Zuho, Yoo Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani will pursue individual activities. They also asked FANTASYs to continue supporting SF9 in their future work.

Rowoon debuted with SF9 in October 2016 with the single “Fanfare”. He immediately began acting the following year, taking on minor roles. In May 2019, he skyrocketed to fame after playing Haru in “Extraordinary You”. From there, Kim Seok-woo actively took part in several shows including “She Would Never Know”, “The King’s Affection”, “Tomorrow”, and “Destined With You”. Rowoon is set to appear in KBS2’s upcoming series “The Wedding Battle” in October 2023.

SF9 recently released their twelfth EP ‘The Piece OF9’ in January 2023. It has not yet been revealed whether the remaining eight members are preparing for another comeback this year.

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