JUN of SEVENTEEN has announced the release of his first solo, Chinese-language EP, 9, scheduled for September 28.

Throughout September 24 PLEDIS Entertainment shared several pieces of content teasing the comeback, including an “Identity” film titled “Beyond the Door” and a scheduler titled “Wish of NINE.” “Beyond the Door” introduces the shifting, mythological imagery associated with the release – featuring paw prints, a mini solar system, old cars, and shapes highlighting the number nine – as well as a logo written in traditional Chinese calligraphy. The scheduler is similarly vague; it lists feelings such as “Doubt,” “Boredom,” and “Chaos” alongside selected dates.

An album introduction uploaded to Chinese platform Douyin Music details the narrative central to 9. It takes inspiration from the Chinese folk legend of the nine-lived cat, reinterpreted into the various feelings experienced throughout the process of building a relationship. As each emotion is accepted, it builds up to nine strands like the nine tails, developing a strong sense of identity. Trials and cycles conclude with a new, complete version of the self, fueled by growth and self-acceptance.

The number nine itself, both within the legend and the title of JUN’s EP, is significant; it is connected to the Chinese character for eternity, literally translated to “long-lasting,” and represents a journey of progression undertaken over a long period of time.

Combining these conceptual elements, the EP is said to present the mentality that the acceptance of various unfamiliar emotions and hardships faced throughout the development of a relationship rather than avoiding them will lead to personal growth. Douyin Music’s listing also reveals the EP’s tracklist, consisting of seven songs, and offers fans detailed descriptions of their individual narratives.

As JUN’s first EP and his first release in three years, 9 is likely to hold anecdotal significance for the artist’s own growth. Prior to 9, his most recent solo music project is the single “PSYCHO” from 2023. Released primarily in Chinese, it surpassed 62,500 digital sales on QQ Music in the country and resulted in JUN receiving the title of “New Singer-Songwriter of the Year” at the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards that year. Each indicate his popularity and ability.

Since then, JUN has been promoting as a member of SEVENTEEN on multiple world tours as well as increasingly pursuing a career as an actor in China while the group’s Korean members complete their mandatory military enlistment periods. He features in the lead role of the action film Rebirth 2, airing in China on October 3, and will also appear in the lead role of romance film Summer Never Ends. These projects have increased his already-prominent following in his home country, which is now spreading across the entertainment space back into music. These experiences will likely be reflected into the message of growth contained within 9, and be reflected in sales figures.

The announcement of 9 makes JUN the final member of SEVENTEEN to unveil new, non-group music since the beginning of the rollout of their military hiatus. Over the past two years, eleven of the thirteen members have contributed towards sub-unit projects as JxW, HxW, DxS, CxM, V8, and the upcoming JxJ, while DINO pursued a solo mini album and JUN now follows suit. It appears that JUN, as one of several not required to enlist, will spend the hiatus split between acting and music rather than prioritising either path as previously indicated.

JUN’s 1st Chinese-language EP, 9, will be available to stream in four days time on September 28.