YoungBin, InSeong, JaeYoon, DaWon, RoWoon, ZuHo, Yoo TaeYang, HwiYoung, and Chani worked hard to prepare the show while been busy with personal activities. To mention a few of the members’ individual schedules, InSeong is busy with the musical “Red Book”, JaeYoon with the web drama “Love In Black Hole”, DaWon with the web drama “Part-Time Melodrama”, RoWoon with the historical drama “Yeonmo” (“Affection”), etc. FANTASY has been waiting for this new fan meeting after the “SF9 Official Fanclub FANTASY 3rd Fan Meeting [SF9 Workshop]” held in January with the concept of office workers (like their YouTube content “SF9 Sangsa”). We’ve also eagerly been looking for the new fan meeting and attended it. The “Reply” drama series inspired the concept of this “Reply FANTASY” fan meeting with a return back in time. Members were university students who entered the university in 1999 and lived together in a homestay. FANTASY was the newcomer to this house. Therefore, the set, games, and outfits had retro vibes. The fan meeting began at 6 PM KST. But it started after around 15 minutes of opening video, RoWoon’s Estée Lauder commercial, and Yoo TaeYang & HwiYoung’s M.A.C Cosmetics ad for the Lustreglass lipsticks. Not everyone can have a contract with such renowned brands. Members’ tension was high, and they greeted fans by explaining their characters for the fan meeting. Each of the members had a funny setting, for example, JaeYoon was a student wishing to be a newscaster who thinks he is not using satoori (dialect). SF9 then started a hilarious Q&A session. One member sat in the front and asked some questions about him to members. Then, the members answered his questions with a voice-changing software. DaWon took this occasion to tease the members by giving them funny answers, soon followed by other members. It was already the time for them to answer the questions recorded directly by FANTASY (with a voice-changing software to keep their recording anonymous). When SF9 was asked what is the most precious moment in their life. Yoo TaeYang answered that it was at this moment, “right now, right here”. When asked what is the first thing they want to do with FANTASY once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Members all answered concert. YoungBin also mentioned a mini fan meeting and the trivial moments with fans. The next corner was to guess popular songs from the 99s. The loser had to write his name with his bottom. After two stages for ‘Let’s Hang Out’ and ‘Mamma Mia’, they had a “Part-Time Corner” with 5 games to finish within a time limit. It was a team game, but in the end, only two members (ZuHo and Chani) got to drink a full glass of a healthy but repugnant drink. RoWoon had one sip to try the taste. Following were solo stages prepared for this fan meeting. It started with DaWon covering ’eight’ by IU. He opened his cover by opening his laces to symbolize freedom. His hair had gorgeous blue sparkles. Yoo TaeYang was next showing his beautiful voice with a song cover of ‘A Little Boy’ by YunSang, which he previously recommended to FANTASY. HwiYoung and Chani prepared a new duo stage for the song ‘어제’ [Yesterday], proving that their duo always performs excellently. HwiYoung said he might upload his song later on his SoundCloud (HwiYoung’s SoundCloud here) if FANTASY liked the song (it is most likely to be uploaded soon). YoungBin prepared a powerful dance performance on ‘Humble’ by Kendrick Lamar with dancers. On his Monday V-Live, he gave a bit more explanation on the behind of his stage. Even with such a short time to prepare, his stage was charismatic. Finally, ZuHo prepared an energetic solo stage for the bright song ‘Bang Bang’ which he previously made with InSeong. Next, all the members appeared in black and white outfits for more stages, starting with their most recent title track ‘Tear Drop’ and followed by the first-ever stage for ‘Hey Hi Bye’, one of the B-Side tracks of their latest album. Members took a short break to send in real-time their hearts to FANTASY using the lightstick by changing its color. The final songs were the well-loved ‘Now or Never’ and ‘Life is So Beautiful’. It was time for the final words. When it was Chani’s turn to talk, FANTASY’s heart skipped a beat as he said that this fan meeting might be the last as a group. Nothing more was mentioned about this, and no other members made a similar statement on the show. Officially nothing is announced yet, but Chani’s statement most probably refers to the oldest members InSeong and YoungBin (born in 1993) that will have to enlist for mandatory military service soon. To end this fan meeting, DaWon came up with a new closing sentence, “Let’s protect the family”, and JaeYoon added, “family forever”, ending the show on the fan song “Shine Together” (8h30 pm KST). InSeong left the stage with a final joke “FANTASY, let’s go to my house” from the 2PM song’s ‘My House’. Final thoughts Compare to the last online fan meeting, “SF9 Official Fanclub FANTASY 3rd Fan Meeting [SF9 Workshop]”, the set (and concept) significantly improved with a nice built set on stage. The members went all the way for the retro and homestay concept, spending an unforgettable night with fans in a pretty place. The English subtitles also were of better quality (an essential point for international fans). The show went smoothly, minus the lags. Fan meetings should focus more on games and talks with fans at the difference of concerts that focus on the stage performances. In “2021 SF9 Online Fan Meeting ‘Reply FANTASY’”, the games were fun and the whole concept was hilarious, bringing big laughter to fans who filled the live chart with “hahahaha”. The performances were also of quality (as usual) with five solo/unit stages and eight group songs, including never-seen stages. It was for sure a happy time that warmed fans’ hearts - up until the words of Chani. It was a cold shower. Many fans will relate to this, sending members to the army is a tough task. We can only look forward to the group’s future projects (as a group and individual) and hopefully a concert sometime in fall. Top 5 SF9 Songs With The Best Lyrics KPOP STORIES|Aug 9, 2021 10 Hilarious & Adorable V-Live Moments Of SF9’s JaeYoon KPOP STORIES|May 26, 2021 8 Reasons Why SF9’s Yoo TaeYang Is Underappreciated KPOP STORIES|Jul 14, 2021 10 Ways SF9’s HwiYoung Will Definitely Steal Your Heart KPOP STORIES|Jun 4, 2021
