Best K-Pop groups of the 90s

K-Pop culture, which has influenced the whole world with its music, dances and dramas, continues to influence young people all over the world, especially Generation Z. In this article, we have examined in detail the starting point of K-Pop, how it has come to this day and the best K-pop goups of the 90s.

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The 90s were the time of boy and girl groups: Sugababes, Nsync, Spice Girls are some of the bands that were formed in the 90s. K-Pop also emerged during this time. The first K-Pop band of the 90s is Seo Taiji And Boys.

The story of K-Pop begins with the entry of Seo Taiji & Boys, a group of three teenagers, into the Korean music scene. The traces of the 1950 conflict between South Korea and North Korea are also reflected in the arts. The most prominent example of this change is Seo Taiji & Boys.

The group, which dominated the political and cultural change, managed to become an icon at that time even with their style, performances, great dances and costumes. Although the group, whose influence still continues to this day, did not make much of a “splash” at the beginning, they soon became a marketable product in the global market. With the support of the state, they became a solid K-Pop phenomenon. However, Seo Taiji & Boys is not the only K-Pop group of the 90s.

Here are the best K-Pop groups of the 90s:

Seo Taiji and Boys – 1992
H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers) – 1996
Sechs Kies – 1997
S.E.S. – 1997
Fin.K.L – 1998

1. Seo Taiji and Boys – 1992

When talking about K-Pop, one group can’t be missed: Seo Taiji & Boys. The trio is considered the founder of K-Pop as we know and love the genre today.

The group consisted of three members Seo Taiji, Yang Hyun-suk and Lee Juno. Even before they joined forces, they were already active in the music industry. Seo Taiji was the bassist of the metal band Sinawe until its breakup in 1991. Yang Hyun-suk was a dancer. How did Seo Taiji & Boys come into being?

Seo Taiji had decided to learn to dance and had Yang Hyun-suk. But after Yang heard Seo’s music, he decided to work with him. At that time Lee Juno was also known as a dancer. He was contacted by the two and the group Seo Taiji & Boys was formed.

Albums by Seo Taiji & Boys

Seo Taiji & Boys released four studio albums during their active years (1992-1996). Here are the albums:

Seo Taiji and Boys – 1992
Seo Taiji and Boys II – 1993
Seo Taiji and Boys III – 1994
Seo Taiji and Boys IV – 1995

Seo Taiji and Boys – 1992

On March 23, 1992, the trio released their debut album, “Seo Taiji & Boys,” featuring the two title tracks “I Know (난 알아요)” and “You, in the Fantasy (환상 속의 그대).” Two weeks later, on April 11, 1992, they presented themselves in a TV show for the first time.

Seo Taiji had started experimenting with Western music and various genres such as hip-hop, rock, heavy metal and jazz. This is how the song “I Know (난 알아요)” came into being. It is not only inspired by the beat of New Jack Swing, but is also among the first Korean songs with rap verses.

In their first performance of Seo Taiji & Boys, the jury was not convinced. However, the young Korean generation celebrated the trio and their music. Despite the opinion of the jury, “I Know (난 알아요)” held the first place on the Korean charts for 17 weeks.

Seo Taiji and Boys II – 1993

After the resounding success of their debut album, fan expectation was very high. Unfortunately, there was bad news for Seo Taiji & Boys. During the promotion of the second album, Seo Taiji and Boys were banned from appearing on certain television shows. One of the most important shows KBS was also included. The reason was ridiculous to many fans. The earrings, torn jeans, and dreadlocks of the group members was the reason for the performance bans of Seo Taiji & Boys.

This event could not stop the band from continuing on their successful way. The fans stood behind the band. That was what counted for the success.

The album, Seo Taiji and Boys II, continued their innovative musical style and experimentation. It included notable songs like “Hayeoga” (Regret) and “Classroom Idea,” showcasing their unique blend of rock, pop, and rap.

Seo Taiji and Boys III – 1994

The third studio album by the Korean band Seo Taiji and Boys is “Seo Taiji and Boys III”. It is one of the best-selling albums in South Korea with over 1.6 million copies sold. However, the K-pop group Seo Taiji and Boys had to fight again and again with strokes of fate on their way. With the third album, there were similar problems as with the second. The third album was very sharply criticized for the reasons mentioned below.

The third album changed directions and became much more heavily rock and heavy metal oriented. With the help of American session musicians, it was partially recorded in Los Angeles. The only song that may be danced to is “Balhaereul Ggumggumyeo” (also known as “Dreaming of Balhae“), an alternative rock ballad that expresses optimism for the reunification of North and South Korea. Instead, tracks like the contentious “Gyoshil Idea” (, “Classroom Idea”), which features Ahn Heung-chan of the thrash metal band Crash singing in a death growl, command attention.

The elder generation of Koreans and their educational system were harshly condemned in the songs “Classroom Idea,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and “It’s My Business.”

“Classroom Idea” was quite critical of the educational system and the demands made on the nation’s youngsters to perform well in school. Seo’s own high school dropout status added to the conversation as the group was characterized as a bad influence on young people. Despite receiving a pass from the government-run Public Performance Ethics Committee, the song was banned from TV and radio.

The band was accused of hiding Satanic themes in some of its songs, particularly in “Classroom Idea,” shortly after the album’s publication. Despite the fact that the majority of news outlets later demonstrated that these claims were

Seo Taiji and Boys IV – 1995

The fourth and final studio album by Korean K-pop group Seo Taiji and Boys was Seo Taiji and Boys IV, released on October 5, 1995. With 2.4 million copies sold, it is one of the best-selling albums in South Korea. In 2005, the song “Come Back Home” was voted the most popular K-pop song of the year by Internet users.

The song “Come Back Home” was a rap song and was written by Seo Taiji. When he wrote this song, he drew inspiration from his personal experiences on the run.

The third song, “Pilseung” , was also a success. On this album, “Goodbye” is an instrumental piece. Later, a sung version appeared on the 1996 compilation Goodbye Best Album.

2. H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers) – 1996

H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers) was one of the best K-pop groups of the 90s. It was a South Korean boy band that achieved massive popularity and played a crucial role in shaping the K-pop industry. The group debuted in 1996 under SM Entertainment and quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. Their music style ranged from upbeat pop to ballads. H.O.T. released several successful albums, including “We Hate All Kinds of Violence” and “Resurrection,” which contained hit songs like “Candy” and “Hope.” Their influence and impact on K-pop can still be felt today, as they paved the way for future generations of K-pop acts.

Albums by H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers)

Here are the albums released by H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers) with their release years:

“We Hate All Kinds of Violence” (1996)
“Wolf and Sheep” (1997)
“Resurrection” (1998)
“Iyah!” (1999)
“Outside Castle” (2000)

High-Five of Teenagers

We Hate All Kinds of Violence – 1996

The South Korean boy band H.O.T’s debut studio album, We Hate All Kinds of Violence, was released on September 7, 1996, by SM Entertainment. The singles “Warrior’s Descendant” and “Candy” were the two that were promoted from the album. It was a commercial success upon release, selling more than 1,500,000 copies, and it held the record for the best-selling album by an SM Entertainment artist for 24 years.

The group announces their opposition to all types of violence in the “Warrior’s Descendant” rap segment. Yoo Young-jin, who wrote the song, claimed that the album’s cover image was influenced by the social issue of school violence at the time. Critics at the time praised the song for candidly presenting youth reality concerns. The song “X Generation”‘s lyrics center on the idea of promoting individuality.

Tracklist of the album “We Hate All Kinds of Violence”

“Candy” (캔디) – 3:37
“As Much As I Loved You” (널 사랑한 만큼)
“Age of Violence” (전사의 후예 – 폭력시대)
“You Belong to Me” (노을속에 비친 그대 모습)
“By Your Side” (내가 필요할 때 – 소년,소녀 가장에게)
“The Cranky Day” (오늘도 짜증나는 날이네)
“Fast Love” (너는 Fast 나는 Slow)
“X Generation” (개성시대)
“About Women” (About 여자 (女子)

Wolf and Sheep – 1997

“Wolf and Sheep” is the second studio album by H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers), released in 1997. The album showcases the group’s evolution and continued success in the K-pop scene.

In South Korea, the album achieved economic success, selling a million copies in just ten days. It was one of the best-selling albums in the nation at the end of 1998 after selling more than 1.5 million copies. Wolf and Sheep helped H.O.T. take home a number of accolades, including Album Daesang at the yearly Golden Disc Awards and the Grand Prize (daesang) at the Seoul Music Awards.

With “Wolf and Sheep,” H.O.T. further solidified their unique style and musical identity. The album offers a mix of energetic pop tracks and heartfelt ballads, showcasing the group’s versatility.

Tracklist of the album “Wolf and Sheep”

“Go ! H.O.T. !”
“Wolf and Sheep” (늑대와 양)
“Free to Fly” (자유롭게 날수 있도록)
“We Are the Future”
“Full of Happiness” (행복)
“The End of My Inferiority Complex” (열등감)
“Lost 12th Birthday” (12번째 생일)
“Tragedy” – 3:50
“You & I” (너와 나)

H.O.T

Resurrection – 1998

“Resurrection” is the third studio album by H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers), released in 1998. The album marked a significant milestone in the group’s career, further solidifying their status as one of the most influential acts in the K-pop industry.

“Resurrection” showcased H.O.T.’s maturity and growth as artists. The album featured a diverse range of musical styles, including pop, rock, and R&B, demonstrating the group’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.

The title track, “Hao,” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that stands out on the album. It combines dramatic orchestral arrangements with H.O.T.’s soaring vocals

Tracklist of the album “Resurrection”

“Hope (빛)”
“Line Up! (열맞춰!)”
“The Spirit of Fighter (투혼 (鬪魂))”
“The Promise of H.O.T. (우리들의 맹세)”
“H.O.T. (House Of Trust) (아빠! 사랑해요 -복)”
“In I (이 세상에 버려진 모든 아이들을 위하여…)”
“Monade – 4:21”
“Techno Love”
“You Got Gun?”
“Boys, Be a Legend! (소년이여! 신화가 되어라)”
“All Alone (홀로서기)”
“Since, You’ve Gone (후에…)”
“Unity Is as Beautiful as One (하나라는 아름다운 느낌)”
“Wedding X-Mas”

Iyah! – 1999

“Iyah!” is the fourth studio album by H.O.T. (High-Five of Teenagers), released in 1999. The title track, “I Yah!,” is a standout song that became a massive hit. It combines energetic beats, memorable hooks, and catchy rap verses, creating a highly addictive and danceable tune that showcases the group’s signature style.

The title track, “I Yah!,” is a standout song that became a massive hit. It combines energetic beats, memorable hooks, and catchy rap verses, creating a highly addictive and danceable tune.

The album also includes other notable tracks like “Outside Castle II,” a follow-up to their previous hit, which carries a similar rock-infused sound with a fresh twist. “Soul” is a soulful ballad that highlights the group’s vocal abilities, showcasing their emotional depth and versatility.

Tracklist of the album – Iyah! – 1999

“Get It Up! (투지 (鬪志))”
“Talk ‘전쟁”
“Talk ‘아이들 & News (from 1999/6/30 SBS 8시 뉴스)”
“I yah! (아이야!)”
“Talk ‘하늘, 꿈, 그리고. ‘”
“The Way That You Like Me”
“My Girl (나의 너)”
“8.15 (제2의 독립을 위하여…)”
“Talk ‘신념'”
“Korean Pride”
“Talk ‘마지막 음성'”
“Do Or Die”
“Talk ‘고백'”
“Celebrate (축복)”
“Talk ‘친구'”
“Soul (영혼)”
“Talk ‘웃음'”
“Pu Ha Ha”
“Talk ‘사모 (조지훈) ‘”
“It’s Been Raining Since You Left Me (환희)”
“Talk ‘탈출'”
“Forever Song (다시 시작해)”
“Talk ‘고마워, 미안해'”
“Together, Forever (고마워, 미안해)”

Outside Castle – 2000

H.O.T.’s album “Outside Castle” was released in 2000.

The title track, “Outside Castle,” is a powerful rock-infused song that captures attention with its anthemic chorus and emotive vocals. The album also includes other notable tracks such as “We Are the Future,” a high-energy anthem that reflects H.O.T.’s influence on the younger generation, and “Full of Happiness,” a heartfelt ballad that showcases their vocal harmonies and emotional depth.

Tracklist of the album – Outside Castle – 2000

“Intro (H.O.T.)” (인트로)
“Outside Castle” (바깥으로)
“We Are the Future” (우리들의 세계)
“Full of Happiness” (행복이 가득)
“The Labyrinth of Life” (인생의 미로)
“I Do” (해바라기)
“Forever” (영원)
“Soul” (혼)
“I Can’t Believe” (믿을 수 없어)
“Darkness” (어둠)
“I’ll Be There” (그곳에 있을게요)
“H.O.T.” (H.O.T.)

3. Sechs Kies – 1997

Sechs Kies is a South Korean one of the best K-pop groups in South Korea. They were formed in 1997 and are one of the first generation idol groups in K-pop and are considered one of the first very successful boy groups of K-pop. The group currently consists of active members Eun Ji-won, Lee Jai-jin, Kim Jae-duck and Jang Su-won.

Sechs Kies disbanded on May 20, 2000. They reunited on April 14, 2016. On May 10, 2016, they signed with YG Entertainment.

Sechs Kies released several successful albums during their active years. Some of their notable albums include “School Byeolgok” (1997), “Welcome to the Sechskies Land” (1998), and “Road Fighter” (2000). These albums featured hit songs like “Couple” (1997), “Chivalry” (1997), and “Com’ Back” (2000).

Albums by Sechs Kies

Here are the albums by Sechs Kies:

“School Byeolgok” – 1997
“Welcome to the Sechskies Land” – 1998
“Special Album” – 1998
“Road Fighter” – 2000
“Another Light” – 2017
“All for You” – 2018
“1999” – 2020

School Byeolgok – 1997

School Byeolgok is the debut full-length album by Sechs Kies. It was released on May 14, 1997 with “The Way This Guy Lives” and “Remember Me” serving as the album’s double title tracks.

Tracklist of the album – School Byeolgok

“School Byeolgok (학원별곡 (學園別曲))”
“Love (연정 (戀情))”
“The Way This Guy Lives (사나이 가는 길 (폼생폼사))”
“Check (확인)”
“Bad Girl (배신감)”
“Remember Me (기억해 줄래)”
“Walking In The Rain”
“Dream Comes True”
“Love Announcement (사랑 신고식)”
“Comes On (다같이 해요)”
“Love (Remix) (연정 (Remix))”
“The Way This Guy Lives (Remix) (사나이 가는 길 (Remix))”

Welcome to the Sechskies Land – 1998

“Welcome to the Sechskies Land” is the second studio album by Sechs Kies, released in 1998.

Tracklist of the album “Welcome to the Sechskies Land”

Here are the songs of the album “Welcome to the Sechskies Land”:

“Intro”
“To You, Whom I Love” (사랑하는 너에게)
“Praise” (찬양)
“Don’t Go” (가지마요)
“Beautiful Woman” (아름다운 여자)
“Hello”
“Crazy in Love” (미쳐가)
“Telephone of Tears” (눈물의 전화)
“Love” (사랑)
“Special” (스페셜)
“Love Song” (사랑 노래)
“Outro

Special Album – 1998

“Special Album” is the third album by Sechs Kies, one of the best K-pop groups of the 90s.

“Special Album” contained notable tracks that resonated with fans, including songs like “Chivalry,” which showcased their energetic and synchronized dance moves, and “Com’ Back,” a captivating pop track that highlighted their catchy hooks and addictive choruses.

Tracklist of the album “Special Album”

Here is the tracklist for Sechs Kies’ album “Special Album”:

“Chivalry” (기사도)
“Couple” (커플)
“Love Letter” (러브레터)
“Breeze” (바람)
“Yegam” (예감)
“I Hope” (바래)
“Chocolate” (초콜릿)
“White Day” (화이트데이)
“Chivalry (Instrumental)” (기사도 인스트루멘탈)

“Road Fighter” – 2000

“Road Fighter” is the fourth studio album by Sechs Kies, released in 2000. It marked a significant milestone in the group’s career as it was their final album before going on hiatus and disbanding.

The title track, “Road Fighter,” stands out as a powerful anthem that encapsulates the group’s determination and resilience. Other notable tracks on the album include “Dreams,” a melodic and uplifting song that carried a sense of hope, and “Pom Saeng Pom Sa,” a catchy pop track that showcased the group’s vocal harmonies and infectious energy.

Tracklist of the album “Road Fighter”

Here is the tracklist for Sechs Kies’ album “Road Fighter”

“Intro (Road Fighter)” (인트로)
“Road Fighter” (로드파이터)
“Pom Saeng Pom Sa” (뽐샹뽐샹)
“School Life” (학원별곡)
“Dreams” (꿈)
“Sky” (하늘)
“Until the End” (끝까지)
“Nightmare” (악몽)
“Childhood” (어린시절)
“Smile” (웃어줄래)
“The Day” (그날)
“Together” (함께)

Another Light – 2017

“Another Light” is the sixth studio album by Sechs Kies, released in 2017.

“Another Light” was released in 2017 and marked Sechs Kies’ continued comeback in the music scene. It has a total of eight tracks, offering a diverse range of musical genres and styles.

The album includes upbeat and energetic songs like “Smile,” “Something Special,” and “Give Me a Chance,” which exhibit Sechs Kies’ versatility and catchy melodies. It also includes emotional and heartfelt ballads such as “Back Hug,” demonstrating the group’s ability to convey deep emotions through their vocals.

Tracklist of the album Another Light

“Smile”
“Something Special”
“Feeling”
“Three Words”
“Back Hug”
“Give Me a Chance”
“Hmmm”
“Hey Ya!”

All for You – 2016

“All for You” is the seventh studio album by Sechs Kies, released in 2018. The album was highly anticipated by fans as it came after the successful comeback of the group in 2016.

Tracklist of the album “All for You“

“All for You”
“Holding Back the Tears”
“Couple”
“Three Words”
“Road Fighter”
“Love and Memories”
“Surrender”
“Special Song”
“New Day”

1999 – 2000

In 2000 Sechs Kies released their album “1999.”

“1999” marked the group’s third studio album, continuing their successful run in the late 90s K-pop scene. The album was well-received by fans and further solidified Sechs Kies’ popularity during that time.

Tracklist of the album “1999”

“Couple”
“Pom Saeng Pom Sa”
“Road”
“Spirit of Sports”
“Asking for Your Love”
“Saying I Love You”
“Radio”
“A Different Day”
“Remember Me”
“Heartfelt Request”
“Love Forever”

4. S.E.S. – 1997

S.E.S is one of the best K-pop groups of the 90s.

Albums by S.E.S

Here is a list of S.E.S. albums with their release years:

“S.E.S.” (1997)
“Sea & Eugene & Shoo” (1998)
“Love” (1999)
“A Letter from Greenland” (2000)
“Choose My Life-U” (2002)
“Friend” (2003)
“Remember” (2016)

S.E.S. (1997)

This was their debut album, introducing them to the K-pop scene. The album featured a mix of upbeat and sentimental tracks, showcasing their vocal abilities and harmonies.

Tracklist of the album “S.E.S”

Here is the tracklist of the S.E.S.’s album “S.E.S.”:

I’m Your Girl
Oh, My Love
Dreams Come True
Memory
Love
Tears in Heaven
Friend
Yes! I Love It
너를 사랑해 (I Love You)
One Love
어머나 (Oh! My Goodness)
그게 뭐라고 (What Does It Matter)
오랜날 오랜 밤 (One Fine Day)

“Sea & Eugene & Shoo” – 1998

“Sea & Eugene & Shoo” is the second studio album by S.E.S., released in 1998.

Tracklist of the album “Sea & Eugene & Shoo”

Here is the tracklist of the album “Sea & Eugene & Shoo”:

Show Me Your Love
자유 (Freedom)
Love Is…
I Love You
면도기 (Razor)
바보 (Stupid)
그저 멀리서 (Just from Far Away)
Because I Love You
Good-Bye
Love Game
항상 그대로 (Always the Same)
설레임 (Excitement)

Love – 1999

“Love” is the third studio album by S.E.S., released in 1999. The album continued to showcase the group’s growth and musical versatility, with a mix of emotional ballads and upbeat pop tracks. It captured the essence of love and relationships through its heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals, further solidifying S.E.S.’s popularity in the K-pop scene.

Tracklist of the album “Love”

Here is the tracklist of the album “Love”:

Love
꿈을 모아서 (Collecting Dreams)
너를 사랑해 (I Love You)
Happiness
Love [Dance Version]
Promise
Winter Story
U
Dreams Come True
시간을 멈추고 싶어 (I Want to Stop Time)
꿈을 모아서 (Collecting Dreams) [Ballad Version]

A Letter from Greenland – 2000

“A Letter from Greenland” is the fourth studio album by S.E.S., released in 2000. It explored different musical styles while maintaining the signature harmonies and vocal prowess of S.E.S. The album’s title symbolized a metaphorical journey to Greenland, representing a fresh and new musical direction for the group.

Tracklist of the album “A Letter from Greenland”

Here is the tracklist for “A Letter from Greenland”:

한 폭의 그림 (One Picture)
Twilight Zone
A Song for You
꿈을 모아서 (Collecting Dreams)
고마워 (Thank You)
Freedom
U
Life
널 지우려 해 (Trying to Erase You)
그런 사람 (Such a Person)
비가 와 (Rain Comes)
여러분 (Everyone)

Choose My Life-U – 2002

“Choose My Life-U” is the fifth studio album by S.E.S., released in 2002.

The Tracklist of the album Choose My Life-U

Here is the tracklist for “Choose My Life-U”:

U
Soul
Hush
꿈을 모아서 (Collecting Dreams)
Remember
Meguriai
Love Story
Show Me Your Love (R&B Ver.)
널 지우려 해 (Trying to Erase You)
작별 (Farewell)
Evergreen
찬란한 존재 (Brilliant Existence)

Friend – 2003

“Friend” is the sixth studio album by S.E.S., released in 2003. “Friend” showcased a nostalgic and sentimental tone, reflecting the deep bond and friendship among the members. The album featured a collection of heartfelt ballads and uplifting tracks, leaving a lasting impression on fans as they bid farewell to one of K-pop’s beloved girl groups.

Tracklist of the album “Friend”

Here is the tracklist of the album “Friend”:

I’m Your Girl (2018 Version)
U
편지 (Letter)
향기 (Scent)
Melody
Love
함께라면 (If We’re Together)
Just A Feeling
바람 (Wind)
마법 (Magic)
Happy Song
그대와 함께 (Together with You)
604 고요 (604 Calm)
Remember (English Version)

Remember – 2016

“Remember” is the seventh studio album by S.E.S., released in 2016. This album marked the group’s highly anticipated comeback after a 14-year hiatus. “Remember” celebrated the group’s 20th anniversary and showcased a blend of nostalgic and contemporary sounds, capturing the essence of S.E.S.’s iconic style while infusing it with a modern touch. The album contained a mix of powerful and sentimental tracks, reflecting the group’s growth and maturity over the years.

The Tracklist of the album “Remember”

Here is the tracklist of “Remember”:

Remember
Paradise
너를 사랑해 (Love You)
안녕 (Goodbye)
그대로 있어도 돼 (Just Stay)
Be Natural
꽃 피는 봄이 오면 (When Spring Comes)
첫눈에 반했어 (Love at First Sight)
세 번째 날 (The Third Day)
Show Me Your Love (2016 Ver.)
Be Natural (English Ver.)

What is your favorite K-pop band of the 90s? Let us know in the comments!