Fin.K.L [Portruck]
Fin.K.L [Portruck]

First-generation girl group Fin.K.L is returning as a complete unit for the first time in about 21 years.

Talent agency Gemstone E&M announced Monday that it is preparing a full-group comeback with all four members — Lee Hyo-ri, Ok Joo-hyun, Lee Jin and Sung Yu-ri.

The last time Fin.K.L promoted as a complete group was in 2005, when they released the digital single "Forever Fin.K.L." The four members did reunite in 2019 through the JTBC variety program "Camping Club" and released new music, but that was largely a one-off project tied to the broadcast rather than a full comeback.

Fin.K.L debuted in 1998 and, alongside rival group SES — which debuted in 1997 — helped usher in the idol era of Korean pop music. The group earned wide public affection with a string of hits including "Blue Rain," "My Boyfriend," "Eternal Love," "Now" and "White."

Since the group went on hiatus, all four members have built independent careers. Lee Hyo-ri rose to the top tier of the entertainment industry as a solo singer and broadcaster, while Ok Joo-hyun established herself as one of the leading figures in Korean musical theater. Lee Jin and Sung Yu-ri have consistently stayed active, moving between acting and broadcasting in their respective fields.

Jason Lee, group managing director of Gemstone E&M, said Fin.K.L is "an artist of monumental significance in the history of Korean popular music." He added that the agency would "unveil a diverse range of activities in stages, so that we can offer fans who have waited and cheered for Fin.K.L all these years new memories and moments of joy."


paq@heraldcorp.com