Tuluyan nang kumalas sa K-pop group na SF9 ang South Korean idol-actor na si Rowoon.
Inanunsiyo ito ng FNC Entertainment, ang kinabibilangang management company ni Rowoon, sa pamamagitan ng isang official statement sa SF9’s official fancafé nitong Lunes, September 18, 2023.
Ayon sa kanilang pahayag, nag-renew ng management contract ang walong miyembro ng SF9 na sina Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Zuho, Yoo Taeyang, Hwiyoung, at Chani.
Ngunit hindi si Rowoon.
Nagdesisyon si Rowoon na kumalas sa grupo at mag-solo para ituluy-tuloy na ang kanyang acting career.
Narito ang official statement FNC Entertainment, (na isinalin sa English ng online news site na Soompi):
"Hello, this is FNC Entertainment.
"This is an announcement regarding SF9’s activities.
"SF9, who debuted in 2016 and has been active as our agency’s artist for seven years, came upon the expiration of their first contracts on September 18.
"All members of SF9 previously renewed their contracts with our agency, and they will now take another leap forward with eight members excluding Rowoon.
"Rowoon will focus on individual activities including acting.
"Although the directions of their activities are different, Rowoon, who will remain as the ninth member of SF9, along with the other eight members will cheer each other on and each put in their full effort on their own paths in order to impress fans.
"We ask that fans continue to show lots of support for SF9 and Rowoon.
"Thank you."
ROWOON PENS HEARTFELT LETTER TO HIS FANS
Kasunod ng anunsiyo ng FNC Entertainment, agad naglabas ng isang madamdaming liham si Rowoon para sa kanyang fans.
Aniya, isang mahirap at nakakatakot na desisyon ang pagkalas niya sa SF9, ngunit nais niyang mas mag-grow bilang artist at tumanggap ng panibagong challenges kaya siya nagdesisyong kumalas sa grupo.
Mababasa sa kanyang liham: "Hello, this is Rowoon.
"I think I thought a lot about what words to start with.
"It honestly also feels a bit scary to write for the first time in so long.
"I think I’ve become slightly more familiar with being more strict on myself while taking on scheduled activities and taking on new challenges."
Alam din daw ni Rowoon na makakatanggap siya ng batikos kaya ngayon pa lang ay humihingi na siya ng tawad sa kanyang naging desisyon.
Kalakip nito ang pasasalamat niya sa lahat ng nagtiwala sa kanya sa loob ng pitong taong pagiging miyembro niya ng SF9.
Sabi niya, "There was also frustration in not being able to solve big or small misunderstandings one by one, and while thinking that one day my sincerity would be delivered, the days passed by while I focused on the work I immediately needed to do.
"Of course, I understand that I may receive as much hate as I’ve received interest and support, but I guess I’m a little soft.
"Depending on the occasion, you need to have courage to face and deny a misunderstanding when it arises, but the past days I was always busy hiding. I sincerely apologize if there are fans who were hurt and felt upset at my complacent attitude.
"If you felt unfamiliarity with how I changed, you must have also definitely felt upset that I hid away. I sincerely apologize.
"I participated in scheduled activities with a grateful heart for each and every precious memory during the past seven years.
"I’m only filled with gratitude as I’m writing [this letter] while looking back on my life. This is also thanks to everyone."
Dagdag pa niya, "This year, I am 27, and I want to take on a new challenge.
"I really didn’t know at all how to say this or where and how I should start speaking, but I want to take the courage to convey that I want to take on a new challenge.
"Please keep watch so that 27-year-old Kim Seok Woo (Rowoon’s real name) can live a life that he can be responsible for.
"I will be exactly as how everyone remembers. I am grateful to everyone.
"I would be grateful if you keep watch over me with affection."
Noong October 2016 nang mag-debut si Rowoon bilang visual, lead vocalist, at center ng SF9.
July 2017 naman nang pasukin niya ang mundo ng pag-arte nang makakuha siya ng role sa K-drama series na School 2017.
Bukod dito, nakilala rin siya sa pagganap niya sa mga K-drama series na The King’s Affection (2021), She Would Never Know (2021), at Destined With You (2023).