Inseong will release all tracks from his first solo mini album ‘Crossfade:’ along with the music video for the title track "Mute is Off" on January 14 at 6 p.m. KST through major music platforms.
Inseong’s debut solo album ‘Crossfade:’ captures the moment when two selves coexisting within one person intersect. The album portrays the blurred boundary where the “real self” that exists in solitude collides with the “masked self” shaped by others’ gazes, gradually overlapping over time. Featuring music across diverse genres, the album allows listeners to look into the inner world of Kim Inseong—beyond SF9’s Inseong.
The album consists of five tracks: "Mute is Off", "Banquet Song", "In the Middle of Loving", "Memories Tinted by You", and "You Were There Then, I Am Here Now."
Notably, the title track ‘Mute is Off’ marks Inseong’s first self-composed song. The rock ballad pairs emotionally resonant vocals with a dramatic band sound. Rather than the playful image he is often known for, the lyrics read like a candid confession of his hidden inner self. Powerful yet restrained instrumentation sharpens the emotional arc of his vocals, firmly establishing his identity as a solo artist.
Below is a Q&A shared directly by Inseong regarding the release of ‘Crossfade:’.
Q. How do you feel about releasing your first solo album?
It’s hard to put into words. I feel excited, grateful, and overwhelmed with many emotions at once. Since this is my first solo album, I’m happy to be able to share my music with so many people, and I hope listeners can enjoy the album as a whole. I’m especially happy to open SF9’s 2026 with the songs I love the most.
Q. What are the key listening points of this album?
All the tracks are built around band sounds. From instrumental arrangements to detailed harmonies, we worked very meticulously. Even during recording, we refined every syllable, so I think of this album as a carefully crafted set of songs. For the title track ‘Mute is Off,’ I focused particularly on making sure the lyrics were clearly delivered, and it reflects many different vocal styles of mine.
Q. Please introduce the title track ‘Mute is Off.’
‘Mute is Off’ is a rock ballad with a dramatic band sound. It’s energetic while also expressing changes in emotional flow that I wanted to convey. It carries a message of comfort, but it can also feel uplifting—especially when listening while driving. I hope it resonates differently depending on each listener’s mood or situation.
Q. Since ‘Mute is Off’ is your first self-composed song, what did you focus on most during production?
I placed great importance on writing lyrics that connect to the album’s theme. I didn’t want it to be overly emotional, but rather honest and reflective of who I really am. I’m still learning and have a lot to improve, but I kept thinking about how to best express my voice and individuality. I put as much sincerity into the song as I could.
Q. Is there a memorable moment from the music video shoot?
A pet appears in the music video, and filming with such a cute animal was a fun memory. Also, the process of filling the entire project with my own voice helped me grow a lot as an artist. Hearing my song echo across a large set made me feel proud and emotional at the same time. Every moment of filming was enjoyable—I didn’t want to miss even a single second.
Q. Is there a B-side you would especially recommend?
Since the entire album is built around band sounds, I recommend listening from start to finish. Beginning with the title track, then ‘Banquet Song,’ which offers comfort; ‘In the Middle of Loving,’ which expresses excitement; ‘Memories Tinted by You,’ with its reflective mood; and ‘You Were There Then, I Am Here Now,’ which conveys longing. Each track has a distinct message and atmosphere.
Q. What goals do you hope to achieve through this album and your promotions?
Beyond my own musical growth and expanding my spectrum, I want to show the full potential of what SF9 can present in 2026. It’s been nearly 10 years since debut, but I still have endless energy and a strong desire to keep reaching wider audiences. And I’m confident about that.
Q. What does ‘Crossfade:’ mean to you personally?
This album reminded me once again how much I truly love music. It brought me back to the feelings I had when I first wanted to become a singer—perhaps with even greater passion. Most of all, it reaffirmed my desire to sing for the fans who love my music and SF9’s music for the rest of my life.
Q. Lastly, do you have a message for FANTASY?
While preparing this album, I realized once more how deeply I love singing. Whenever I sing in front of FANTASY, who mean so much to me, I always feel nervous and excited. Thank you for making both me and SF9 shine for so long. I’ll continue to grow and show you even better sides of myself so we can shine together for a long time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. See you on stage.
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