Its members are:
* Lee Hyori (이효리; 李孝利)
* Oak Joo Hyun (옥주현; 玉珠鉉)
* Lee Jin (이진; 李真)
* Sung Yu Ri (성유리; 成宥利)
Fin.K.L won numerous music awards until its unofficial end in 2002, when all of the members pursued solo careers in different areas. Although they regrouped for a digital single in 2005, the group has since unofficially disbanded again, as each member had left their record company DSPent signing with different companies. There has been no official word on the group's status.
The first member to be discovered for Fin.K.L was its lead singer, Ock Ju-Hyun. She was discovered through a radio singing contest, which she won by singing Mariah Carey's Hero. Ock told her friend Lee Jin about this group and encouraged her to join; she was selected after singing Eco's 행복한 나를 for her audition. The next member to be selected was Sung Yuri, who was discovered while on a school field trip. As for the fourth member, Annie Lee (now of Tashannie) was accepted, but decided to depart after a few months. Hyori was brought in instead, who was found while in a mall taking sticker pictures with friends.
Fin.K.L debuted in 1998 with its first album Blue Rain. Although the trend of late 90's K-pop was to have groups sing cute, catchy music, Fin.K.L's initial strength was in strong R&B ballads lead by Ock Ju-Hyun's powerful vocals; this was shown by their first single, the title song from the album. Fin.K.L's next hit "내 남자친구에게 (To My Boyfriend)" appealed to a broader fan base, as this song was just as catchy as other pop songs of that time. (Yuki Hsu, a Taiwanese singer, sang a remake version of "To My Boyfriend" not long after the song's success in Korea.) They capped off their first album activities with a third single 루비, which was a sad lament over a lost love, and giving that love up for the good of everyone involved. As most Korean groups only release a couple of singles, it was a rare event to see Fin.K.L promote a third single. What made Fin.K.L even more unique was the fact that they actually made a video for a fourth single (which was eventually just left as a video and not promoted)
Fin.K.L's success in the following year continued with their next album White.Fin.K.L appealed to the teenagers with pure and cute images, as both these songs were very upbeat and poppy. Two hit songs from this album were "영원한 사랑 (Forever Love)" and "자존심 (Pride)". However, ballads were mostly ignored, although the slow R&B song Waiting For You was performed occasionally. Also, Fin.K.L began limiting their music videos to one or two per album; a video was never made for "Waiting For You". Like their first, this album was very successful.
Fin.K.L was one of the many K-Pop artists to release a "decimalized" or "half" album (which usually signifies either a limited or special release, such as a cover album or a themed record). Their first, their 2.5, was released in the winter of 1999, and their two most famous songs from this album were "나의 왕자님께 (To My Prince), a strong ballad, and White, the latter being a joyful pop song about winter love. This S.P.E.C.I.A.L. album also contained a remake version of 인디언 인형처럼 (Like An Indian Doll), a popular song sung by 나미 in 1989. Interestingly, no music videos were made in support of the album's release.
Fin.K.L's third album emphasized the physical maturity of Fin.K.L members. Unlike the previous catchy tunes and cute outfits, Fin.K.L members were dressed in semi-formal attire for performances for the hit single Now (this album's title song). Feel Your Love, another hit single from this album, was with winter school uniforms that signified transformation from a girl to womanhood (Incidentally, rival group S.E.S. was also performing at the time wearing very similar outfits.) Only Now was properly promoted with a music video (which was very sophisticated and stylized, unlike their earlier videos which mainly relied on the physical appeal of the girls) and a busy performance schedule; the second single was relatively ignored. However, the album managed to perform admirably.
Fin.K.L released their second "half" album in 2001, a special concept album consisting of remakes of Korean hits from the 80's and 90's. Instead of targeting their main fanbase of teenage listeners, this album appealed to adults in their 20s and 30s by arousing nostalgia. Singles from this album include 이예린's 늘 지금처럼 (Come On Baby Tonight) (originally from 1996), and 혜은이's 당신은 모르실거야 (You Wouldn't Know) (from 1981). Like their third album, Memories & Melodies only had one music video promoting the album (the one for 당신은 모르실거야). However (like their last video), much effort went into this video, as it recreated scenes from four popular and classic movies, one for each of the girls. (It also didn't have much lipsynching, in order to add to the dramatic feel.)
Because of its release date, Fin.K.L created a "winter" theme for their performances and dressed in wintery outfits to promote the carol-like tunes in this album. To complete the theme, they often had fake snow falling during their White performances; however, this created a problem in that the snow was quite slippery, causing members and back-up dancers to slip and even occasionally fall. Due to the limited release of the album, though, Fin.K.L did not promote this album for very long, perhaps saving them from serious injury. However, both of these 1999 albums helped Fin.K.L win a 대상 (Daesang, the Korean equivalent of a Grammy) at the end of the year.
Their last album was released in the spring of 2002. The first single, 영원 (Forever), was a very depressing ballad about waiting forever for a lost love. This was accompanied by a very depressing video, which was similar to their last video in that there were four separate stories. However, these stories were tragic stories mainly about the loss of innocence: Yuri became a prostitute, Juhyun was a sick housewife, Jin became a moody artist who eventually killed herself, and Hyori was a boxer who lost a finger. This song became very popular, although it was not as heavily performed as their other lead singles. Their second single, Don't Go Away, was chosen by the fans via the group's website, because they felt that Fin.K.L did not have an upbeat single for a while. However, this single was performed for only a short time and was abruptly dropped, perhaps due to World Cup Fever.
Like their rivals S.E.S., they decided to go their separate ways, although not officially breaking up. Members Lee Hyori and Ock Ju Hyun have since released two solo albums each, while Lee Jin and Sung Yuri have acted in dramas and hosted various shows. At the end of 2005, they released a digital single titled Fine Killing Liberty that had 4 songs (including the title track) and a music video. However, due to lack of promotion, the single failed to make a dent in the charts. Instead of ignoring the single, though, they have since released a special Fin.K.L Forever set that had two DVDs (one with their music videos and the other with various performances) and a photobook that also had the Fine Killing Liberty single in CD form.
They continue to work and stay in the public eye. Sung Yuri has continued acting, starting with the drama 나쁜 여자들 (Bad Girls) and receiving positive attention for 천년지애(A Love for a Thousand Years). Sung Yuri also played the lead roles in the dramas Prince's First Love and Platoon. Her most recent drama series, One Fine day and Snow Queen, received high praises and awards for both performances in 2006. Lee Jin has also worked in television, hosting various shows and even joining a popular comedy show for a season. Both Sung Yuri and Lee Jin won "Best Actress" in their respective categories (drama and comedy) at the end-of-year awards in 2002. Ock Ju Hyun has recently become very popular due to her significant weight loss. Crediting it to hard exercise and yoga, she has now become a poster child for yoga in Korea, even launching her own yoga studio. Lee Hyori, though, has been the standout solo member, releasing one hit album which catapulted her to the top of the charts (and many advertising contracts). However, she encountered controversy on her second album's lead song Get Ya.
In the fall of 2006, all the members of Fin.K.L have left DSPent and have signed on with different companies. There is continued speculation on the status of the group, Fin.K.L has not officially broken up as a group.
Fin.K.L reunited and performed together on December 19, 2008 during a concert by Lee Hyori, but it is unlikely that they will reform and can be assumed they split once again after the concert in 2008.
Good Bye
Fin.K.L Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah ah time to say good-bye
夏の憂鬱に抱かれ眠りを忘れた僕は
揺れる波打ちぎわに瞳うばわれ ほおづえをつく
君が微笑みかけるそよぐ風に吹かれて
そんな過ぎ去った日の幻を追いかけていた
It's just the time to say good-bye
Ah, ah, time to say good-bye
ゆらめく季節へ告げた
忘れかけてた優しさ連れて 明日へひとり歩いてゆくよ
夏の憂鬱は君を見失った 僕に降りつもる
誰も届かない空を泳ぐあの鳥のように
君は素足のままで残りわずかな夏に消えた
果てない時を漂う僕には 今もきっと何かが足りない
It's just the time to say good-bye
Ah, ah, time to say good-bye
あの日の君へと告げた
失したままの 扉の鍵を 過去へひとり 探したいから
夏の憂鬱
あゝもう行かなくちゃ 秋が来るから
そして眠りを失した
そして貴方を失した
そしてつばさを失した ah
そしてひかりを失した
すべて愛していたのに
すべて壊れてしまった
あゝ何を信じて歩けばいいの?
僕に降りつもる夏の憂鬱
The song Good Bye by Fin.K.L reflects on the loss of loved ones and how we navigate the pain that follows. The opening lines suggest that the loss could have been a mother or Hurricane Katrina, both of which are immense losses that can deeply affect one's life. The lyrics then shift to discuss the loss of a father figure, who was once the "King of tha Hill" but began to doubt himself, eventually succumbing to addiction and passing away. The singer is left with the burden of carrying on without this figure, struggling to understand how someone who once taught them to be strong could also be so weak.
The next verse reflects on two well-known celebrities who died prematurely: Robin Williams and Heath Ledger. The singer wonders if the loss of the father figure was similar to losing these beloved cultural icons, and laments that the father figure never left behind a record of his feelings or motivations. The lyrics then shift to describing the pain of living life without loved ones, but also the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we care about. The chorus repeats the idea that nothing in life is permanent, and it is important to appreciate what we have while we still have it.
The final verse describes a lost love, a mermaid who swam through the singer's mind like a river. The two shared a strong love, but eventually had to part ways due to different paths in life. The singer relates the pain of this loss to the pain of losing a loved one to death, as the memory of the love disappears "without a note" just like the loved one who passed away. The song ends with the same idea from the chorus: nothing is permanent, so cherish what we have while we have it.
Line by Line Meaning
Was it a loss of a mother, or when Katrina finally hit?
Uncertainty lingers around what may have caused the pain and sadness being reminisced upon - was it the loss of a mother or the impact of a natural disaster?
Your Requiem of a Dream is somethin' ya must admit
Acknowledging that the dream did not materialize and that reality has set in
Good at what you did, you were always King of tha Hill
Commemorating the excellence and achievements of the departed, who was known to be on top of their game
But mind filled with doubt, now you under that damn hill
Despite past success, doubts and inner struggles took over leading to the current state of being buried and gone
Then when I left, workin' to make our lives better
Attempting to improve the quality of life for the ones left behind upon departure
But you couldn't wait; your sorrow (heh) is all that really matters?
Questioning the departed's decision to not wait and choosing to prioritize their own sorrow instead of giving a second thought to the impact on loved ones
Ya taught me to be so strong, how could you be so weak?
Reflecting on an irony that the departed taught strength yet succumbed to their own doubts and weaknesses
The mornin' that I got that call, I could really hardly speak
Recalling the overwhelming and emotionally distressing experience of receiving the news of the loss
Was it really Williams or was it Heath Ledger?
Rhetorically questioning whether the departed was Robin Williams or Heath Ledger
We'll never know, ‘cause ya never really left a ledger
The knowledge of who the departed was will always be uncertain since they did not leave a record of their identity
Ya had to pop ‘em like they were candy M&Ms
The departed consumed drugs readily, as if they were a harmless and enjoyable treat like candy M&Ms
Now I'm havin' to say good-bye pops (heh) like I'm Eminem
Comparing the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one to Eminem's song 'Cleanin' Out My Closet'
Nothing in life is for certain
Recognizing the reality that life is unpredictable and uncertain
Except that for nothing is permanent
Accepting that everything in life is transient and will eventually come to an end
Core of life that we must cherish
Highlighting the value of the most important parts of life that should be appreciated and loved
Looking past pain so selfish
Encouraging one to not let personal pain hinder them from seeing the good and beauty in life
Raise a glass to what happen
Toasting to the memories and experiences that happened in the past
And forgive time we were lackin'
Asking for forgiveness for not utilizing time more wisely with the departed
And if we never pass to say hi
Let this be our final good-bye
In the event of not being able to have one last conversation, this will be the final farewell
I felt like I was Tyrese, but this wasn't Waist Deep
Feeling a sense of helplessness similar to Tyrese in the movie Waist Deep, but with a different kind of scenario
I couldn't bring the kid back, may he Rest (Rest in Peace)
Coming to terms with the fact that there was nothing that could be done to bring the departed back to life and wishing them peace
You said I was your mentor, but how can that fuckin' be
I wasn't Mr. Miyagi and you weren't the Karate Kid, ya see?
Questioning the validity of being called a mentor since the relationship was not a typical mentor-mentee one
Only 21 but the Kid, you were so damn smart
Livin' life to the fullest, livin' with your whole heart
Commemorating the departed's intelligence and enthusiasm for life despite being only 21
When you needed truth the most I turnt my back (turnt my back)
The Devil released the Kraken, and a crackhead stabbed you in the back
Regretting turning away from the departed when they needed honesty and being hurt by betrayal from someone taking advantage of the departed's vulnerability
You were a true warrior, fighting all till the end
But then the angels came and told you come with us my friend
Acknowledging the departed's resilience and strength until the end but ultimately reaching the end of their journey
In the short time, you taught us oh so much
Live in the moment
Recognizing the impact the departed had during their short time and the lesson of living in the present moment
Forgetting time
There's no rush
Encouraging one to forget about rushing through life and instead appreciate the simple moments that matter
I remember the memory, watchin' a cupid's love grow
I was your prince; you were my mermaid from below
Recalling the happy memory of watching love blossom and seeing oneself and the departed as fairy tale characters
Swimmin' through my mind, down the river we never cried
Rapids of love, ya know we had (heh) one hell of a ride
The memories of being in love together still remain vivid and memorable
Oh San Andreas couldn't tear that world apart
But even the Rock couldn't save the day that we had to part
Highlighting the strength of the love between the singer and the departed but ultimately recognizing that it was not enough to prevent separation
We kept our love under wraps, best damn kept secret
Like the mysteries of the Sphinx of ancient fuckin' Egypt
Acknowledging the secretiveness of the love between the singer and the departed, similar to the enigmatic secrets of the Sphinx
I had my past; you had yours, so we had to go on
Different paths that never included your (my) Dear John
The two may have had different pasts and had to part ways without turning back
When I awoke the next mornin', your memory came unborn
Disappeared, without a note, you were like agent Bourne (agent Bourne)
Waking up and realizing the departed's memory had ceased to exist, in a similar fashion to Jason Bourne, whose memories were erased
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hyde, Ken
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind