Poison – Uhm Jung-hwa(엄정화)
🎶 Introduction
In 1998, Uhm Jung-hwa (엄정화) set the Korean music scene on fire with her hit “Poison.”
Known as the original K-pop diva, she broke away from the idol-dominated trend with her charismatic stage presence, unique fashion, and confident attitude. Poison became one of the most iconic songs of the late 90s, establishing her as a trendsetter and female icon.
🌟 Artist & Song Background
Uhm Jung-hwa debuted as an actress in the early 1990s, then launched a music career that combined pop, dance, and fashion-forward visuals.
Poison, released in 1998, perfectly captured her transformation into a charismatic, stylish, and powerful solo artist. The song mixed Latin-inspired beats with K-pop dance elements, creating a hypnotic and addictive sound.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| 널 뒤로 한 채 그냥 걸었어 미안해하는 널 위해 참아온 눈물 보이기 싫어 나 먼저 일어선 거야 오늘이 올 줄 알고 있었어 우리 사랑 끝나는 날 잘못된 우릴 하늘이 분명 용서할 리 없으니까 그녀에게 미안하다고 전해줘 그녀의 행복을 내가 가졌으니 다신 이런 아픔을 남기지는 마 나 하나로만 된 거야 모두를 속여가며 사랑한 넌 더 힘들었니 이젠 꿈에서라도 나를 찾지 마 난 니 안에 없는 거야 이대로 나를 잊고 돌아가 그녀 품으로 내 품에 안겨 울던 모습도 날 위한 연극이었니 우리 사랑은 나뿐이라던 그 말을 믿었었는데 사랑스런 미소와 따스한 눈길 이제는 그녀와 함께 나누겠지 다신 이런 아픔을 남기지는 마 나 하나로만 된 거야 모두를 속여가며 사랑한 넌 더 힘들었니 이젠 꿈에서라도 나를 찾지 마 난 니 안에 없는 거야 이대로 나를 잊고 돌아가 그녀 품으로 | I walked away, leaving you behind, for the sake of you— who were already saying sorry. I didn’t want to show the tears I held back, so I was the one who stood up first. I knew this day would come— the day our love would end. Because heaven would never forgive a love so wrong as ours. Please tell her I’m sorry— because I took the happiness that should have been hers. Don’t ever leave this kind of pain again. It should have ended with just me. Was it harder for you to love while deceiving everyone? Don’t look for me even in your dreams anymore. I no longer exist inside you. Forget me as I am, and go back to her arms. Were the tears you shed in my arms just an act you put on for me? I truly believed it when you said I was your only love. Now, your loving smile and your warm gaze will be shared with her instead. Don’t ever leave this kind of pain again. It should have ended with just me. Was it harder for you to love while deceiving everyone? Don’t look for me even in your dreams anymore. I no longer exist inside you. Forget me as I am, and go back to her arms. |
The lyrics portray love as dangerously addictive, combining passion with risk — a bold concept for the era.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Poison became a massive hit, topping music charts and dominating broadcasts.
- It established Uhm Jung-hwa as Korea’s ultimate diva, inspiring future female solo stars like Lee Hyori, BoA, and Sunmi.
- The song’s concept and styling helped expand what was possible for female performers in K-pop.
🎤 Fun Facts
- Uhm Jung-hwa’s red lipstick and sharp choreography became iconic fashion trends in 1998.
- Many current idols cite her as their role model for charisma and performance.
- She continues to release music and perform, remaining a respected figure in Korean pop culture.
With Poison, Uhm Jung-hwa shattered limits and redefined what a female solo artist could be.
Her charisma, style, and boldness continue to inspire new generations of performers.
👉 Do you like confident diva-style performances like Poison or sweet idol concepts more?
Share your answer in the comments below!
