K-pop Group SF9 Debut Their First-Ever English Song And Video 'Enough'

By Jeff Benjamin


While no one will deny that the mainstream embrace of the K-pop scene and its artists is an enormous pop-music positive, the pressure to stick out is also higher than ever for today's acts. For quickly-rising boy musical group SF9 that shows putting in additional work to go outdoors their comfort zone and discover new ways to connect with fans around the world.


Premiering exclusively on MTV News, watch the new video for the English version of SF9's latest single "Enough." The assertive attitude and the staccato-quick delivery of the original version all stay intact because the guys deliver new lyrics to dive even deeper into the song's dark story of love and lust. While SF9 share that it was tough to not only perform however also record a video for the English language track — particularly for rappers Young Bin, Hwi Young, and Cha Ni — the potential to connect with their "global fanbase," known affectionately as Fantasy, made it all of the worth it.


From the Latin-pop sounds of past SF9 singles like "O Sole Mio" to covering classic Korean anthems and, right now, embracing English for this new release, SF9 mention each move speaks to the larger message they're putting forth with an internationally-focused vision for their music. Read on to find out more about their feelings on how music is a language in and of itself, their continual growth as team, plus a couple of spoilers about what fans can expect from their upcoming U.S. Tour.


MTV News: "Enough" is the initial time SF9 has recorded in English. Tell us about that experience.


In Seong: In general, we think it was a positive experience. My part was actually so fast, it was so hard to put all of the lyrics in that rhythm. For me, recording the English language version was tougher than the Korean version. Although what you could might not directly know is that the original "Enough" demo was written in English language so whenever we put our own English language lyrics back inside the song, I think it really sounded like a pop song. A really organic fit.


The Korean version of SF9's latest comeback single "Enough"


MTV News: In the past, SF9 has had obvious concepts and sounds — like "O Sole Mio" or "Mamma Mia" boasting a Latin vibe. In your own words, what does "Enough" signify, no matter what language?


Ro Woon: It's a message about loving myself, however maybe a sexier fashion of that? Maybe…


In Seong: …loving the sexy side of yourself!


MTV News: You actually filmed the English-language video at the live-concert showcase where you introduced your new K-pop album. I imagine that was a really busy day. What was that like?


In Seong: It really confused most of us. Just minutes before filming that, we were practicing the Korean version. Then it looked like, "OK guys, we're filming the English language version!" [Laughs] My brain was so messed up and stuck on the Korean lyrics. It was hard, however once we saw the particular efficiency video I thought it turned out well, so I'm pretty satisfied.


MTV News: How are you feeling about the reaction the song has gotten so far?


In Seong: Whenever we go to the music shows and have our outdoor activities [in Korea], we habitually feel that [our fandom] Fantasy is growing up. All of the fan chants [to support us while in performances] are growing and we're really happy about that. Or once we go to film television shows, even the personnel are giving us really wonderful feedback. They'll saying things like, "We actually really like the dance" as well as a lot of folks are talking about the song and efficiency. Actually, I'd mention our members are in the state, the ideal condition, we've ever been in these days. We're really enjoying these promotions.


MTV News: You're coming back To the United States soon for your Unlimited tour in April. What's going to be different from this tour versus the last time you visited?


Ro Woon: There's going to be a lot more performances because our last time visiting was actually technically a fan meeting tour. This time it will be a full concert tour. So, this time we'll have unique stages and more songs to perform. We certainly want fans to look forward to it.


In Seong: Basically, more songs, new songs, more stages… More sexy? More handsome? [Laughs]


Young Bin: And we actually made and choreographed the different performances and stages ourselves. And maybe some English songs…


In Seong: Without giving away also several spoilers, maybe some well known covers?


MTV News: A cover efficiency that actually really moved me was your rendition of the 1988 Olympics theme the year it was contained in South Korea. With performances like these and the different genres you're trying, what's your larger message?


Ro Woon: We truly believe music is one, music makes one, and yes it really is universal.


In Seong: Music is a language and any efficiency we do, we wanted to mention that music really does make us one.


MTV News: there really are nine members in SF9 which some may think can be hard to navigate as a full team. Can you share a little more about how you work together?


Cha Ni: It's an ongoing process. We're still finding ourselves, we're still growing. It's an ongoing thing and something I'm personally thinking about all of the time. It's a never-ending task.


Ro Woon: And the moment we stop considering and thinking about those characteristic, our careers as artist will stop growing.