[Flashback Friday] Original Princesses of K-Pop: Fin.K.L

Nov 29, 2013

Do we have any Soompiers out there who remember dial-up internet and having to listen to this to get to spazz out on that strange thing called the Internet with other fangirls and fanboys? You probably remember Yoo Seung Jun being the original hot bad boy rapper of K-Pop; he was also a Korean-American with rock-hard abs who left South Korea in ignominy (Jay Park wasn’t the first). You probably also remember when Uhm Jung Hwa was the sexiest solo singer on the scene (Hyori had to wait her turn).

With that in mind, “Flashback Friday” will feature artists from days of yore when K-Pop wasn’t so polished but still just as shiny.

Today’s Flashback Friday features Fin.K.L!

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Fin.K.L – “Blue Rain“

Fin.K.L was a girl group comprised of members Lee Hyori, Sung Yuri, Lee Jin, and Ok Joo Hyun. Although no one could have predicted it at the time, Fin.K.L set the standard against which their contemporaries and later girl groups have been measured, and gave birth to superstar careers or, at least, careers with longevity. Lee Hyori was the reigning sexy queen and variety star for many years, and was the highest paid singer in the music industry after inking a deal with Mnet. Sung Yuri parlayed her good looks and acting talent into lead roles in hit dramas such as “Romance Town” and “Feast of the Gods.” Lee Jin also went into acting, and Ok Joo Hyun became a musical theater actress.

In May 1998, Fin.K.L, which stood for Fine Killing Liberty, debuted with their eponymous first full-length album and title track “Blue Rain.” While fans were impressed by Sung Yuri’s doe-eyed innocence, Lee Jin’s prettiness, and Ok Joo Hyun’s fantastic vocals, they were, without a doubt, captivated by Lee Hyori’s beauty and charisma. In addition to the title track, Fin.K.L also promoted singles “To My Boyfriend” and “Ruby.”

In May 1999, Fin.K.L released their second full-length album “White,” and title track “Eternal Love” and single “Pride” were both successful. Fin.K.L released another full-length album (2.5) “Special” in November 1999 which yielded two more hits with title track “To My Prince” and single “White.”

In October 2000, Fin.K.L released their third full-length album “Now” and showed off a sexy, mature concept with their title track “Now” and started K-pop’s school girl trope with “Feel Your Love.”

Fin.K.L released their fourth full-length album “Forever” in 2002 and a single album “Forever Fin.K.L” (their last musical venture as a group) in 2005.

Fin.K.L – “Ruby“