[Dispatch=Correspondent Koo Min-ji] "We included freshness, power, masculinity, and various sides of ourselves."

Nine has marked its first anniversary since debut. The group set various records in a short time, including the highest debut album initial sales for a rookie boy group (360,000 copies), six music show trophies, and 13 awards from ceremonies.

They sang of youth, and global fans resonated with their story. This time, they moved beyond the youth narrative. The third mini album carries mature appeal through straightforward masculinity.

Jungwoo said, "This album contains both freshness and intensity," adding, "We will show you intense sides alongside the familiar ones, so please watch us grow."

The team also showcased improved chemistry. "After forming through survival, we came to better understand each other's strengths with each activity. We became people who fill in each other's shortcomings," he laughed.

"Coming back after eight months, we really missed the fans. We prepared 'Run To You' with the heart of running toward Poha (our fandom name)." (Park Joo-won)

Nine held a showcase for the third mini album "RUN TO YOU" on the 8th at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

"Run To You" is positioned as a continuation of Nine's youth growth narrative. Cha Woong-gi introduced it as containing "a straightforward heart and conviction that runs toward one person without hesitation."

The title track shares the album's name. It blends the refreshing drive of electric band sound with synthpop. It captures the direct energy of reaching toward one person even amid complex moments.

The members expressed satisfaction with the song. Steven smiled and said, "When we first heard the demo, we all liked it. We said, 'This is going to be a hit.' It's a song that can help overcome the heat."

Han said, "The 'you' in the song is not a specific person. It's the existence you want to reach toward—a loved one, a dream, a goal. If you listen while thinking of someone precious to you, you'll be able to relate."

The choreography was completed with freshness and power. Park Joo-won said, "Nine's youth is the concept. Rather than simply running, it represents our journey of moving forward," and explained the point.

The choreography where members hold hands was also striking. Park Joo-won pointed out, "There's choreography expressing it like walking with two hands on the shoulders. It means we walk together."

The album's tracks are emotionally connected. Han said, "We have five tracks total. Please remember the flow expanding from approaching without hesitation to a lasting promise."

Beginning with "Run To You," the album moves through the sweet appeal of "Sugar High," delivers the answer with "Just Say Yes," stays by your side with "Just Because It's You," and concludes with "Our Story."

Members' high participation added meaning. Cha Woong-gi, Han, and Park Joo-won participated in writing the lyrics for "Our Story." They added special meaning by infusing their sincere feelings they wanted to convey to fans.

Cha Woong-gi has been credited as a lyricist on every album since debut. Han also participated in songwriting following the previous album. He showcased a broader musical spectrum.

He recalled the songwriting process. "I lay on a bunk bed and kept reminiscing about memories with fans. Beautiful inspirations naturally came to me. Please focus on the lyrics," he said.

Park Joo-won also said, "I wrote it by reflecting one by one on our feelings toward fans." Han revealed, "We received so much from fans, so I wrote while thinking of gratitude toward them and the members."

Nine poured out global records simultaneously with debut. The group set a new record for debut album initial sales for a rookie boy group (360,000 copies). The second album surpassed 380,000 copies in initial sales, breaking the record.

When asked about the secret, after consideration, Ze-on pointed to diversity. "'Run To You' has summer freshness, and 'Sugar High' is masculine. Our advantage is showing various sides," he laughed.

Han also recalled, "'Sugar High' is a powerful song itself. I thought it was an opportunity to expand and show various charms. We prepared to show a new side."

The group even embarked on a solo tour less than a year after debut. By meeting global fans, they solidified their global position. However, were there difficulties while preparing the album in parallel?

Jungwoo said, "There were difficult moments. We encouraged each other and became able to fill in each other's shortcomings. When someone struggled, the team didn't hesitate to approach and comfort them, which helped teamwork."

He continued, "Because we had constant schedules, it was difficult showing unprepared aspects like choreography. Even abroad, we practiced hard in practice rooms. We overcame it through effort."

Nine recently marked its first anniversary. Park Joo-won laughed and said, "We've built many memories with fans over a year. I'm excited wondering 'what will happen next' and 'what more beautiful memories will we create.'"

Steven compared it to their early debut days. "The biggest change is teamwork," he said, revealing, "Since we formed through survival, I think the early period was about syncing with each other."

He emphasized the team chemistry had solidified. "With each activity, we came to better understand each other's strengths. Now we naturally fill in each other's shortcomings," he said.

Nine also added ambitious goals. Jay L said with emphasis, "When receiving trophies, I felt it was a result we achieved, and I was happy. I want to create precious moments again with fans."

Cha Woong-gi looked back at the past. "So far, I've released the second mini album three times. This is the first third mini album. I'm grateful to fans who created this miracle. I will work hard," he said.

He smiled and said, "I want to dream big. I hope Nine's songs echo everywhere." Han also concluded, "I think we'd be satisfied if many people loved us."

"We will continue to run hard as Nine."(Park Joo-won)

<Photos=Photographer Song Hyo-jin>