🌟 Introduction
In the late 1990s, the Korean music scene witnessed the rise of Sechs Kies (젝스키스), one of the most iconic first-generation K-pop boy groups. Debuting in 1997 under DSP Entertainment, they quickly rose to fame as H.O.T’s strongest rivals, captivating fans with their charisma, synchronized dance moves, and emotional songs.
👥 Members
- Eun Ji-won (은지원) – Leader, rapper, later solo artist and variety star
- Lee Jae-jin (이재진) – Dancer, choreographer
- Kim Jae-duc (김재덕) – Main dancer, rapper
- Kang Sung-hoon (강성훈) – Main vocalist, known for his sweet tone
- Jang Su-won (장수원) – Vocalist, known for his calm image
- Ko Ji-yong (고지용) – Vocalist, later transitioned to business
Each member brought unique charm and talent, forming a well-balanced and versatile team.
🎶 Music & Legacy
Sechs Kies was known for both powerful dance tracks and emotional ballads. Their biggest hits include:
- School Byeolgok (학원별곡) (1997) – Debut song capturing youthful energy
- Couple (1998) – Their signature sweet love song, beloved across generations
- Road Fighter (1998) – A high-energy dance anthem showing their power on stage
- Com’Back (1999) – A fierce performance song that defined their rivalry with H.O.T
Their discography helped shape the sound and style of first-generation K-pop boy groups.
🌍 Cultural Impact
- Sechs Kies became a symbol of the fan culture boom, rivaling H.O.T in popularity.
- Their fans, called Yellowkies, used yellow balloons—one of the most iconic fandom colors in K-pop history.
- They disbanded in 2000 at their peak, which shocked fans, and their sudden farewell concert became legendary.
- In 2016, they reunited under YG Entertainment, successfully relaunching their career and winning over a new generation of fans.
🎤 Fun Facts
- Their group name Sechs Kies means “six crystals” in German, symbolizing their six members.
- Eun Ji-won later became a pioneer of Korean hip-hop and a popular variety show personality.
- Despite their long hiatus, they are still considered one of the most iconic first-generation boy groups.
Sechs Kies weren’t just H.O.T’s rivals — they were legends in their own right.
Their passion, music, and impact helped define the early era of K-pop and inspired countless boy groups that followed.
