🌟 Introduction
COOL (쿨) is one of Korea’s most beloved co-ed K-pop groups, famous for their refreshing summer dance hits and emotional ballads.
Debuting in 1994, they became known as the ultimate soundtrack of Korean summer, with songs that are still played at beaches, karaoke rooms, and festivals today.
👥 Members
- Kim Sung-soo (김성수) — rapper, sub-vocals
- Lee Jae-hoon (이재훈) — main vocalist with a sweet and emotional tone
- Yuri (유리) — female vocalist, bringing a refreshing and soft touch
The combination of strong male vocals, smooth rap, and a female voice made COOL stand out in the idol era.
🎶 Music & Legacy
COOL’s songs balance danceable energy and lyrical emotion, which gave them a broad fanbase.
Their most famous hits include:
- 운명 (Fate, 1996) — an emotional ballad about destined love
- 해변의 여인 (Woman of the Beach, 1997) — one of the most iconic summer dance songs ever
- 슬퍼지려 하기 전에 (Before Sadness Comes, 1995) — a heartfelt ballad still loved today
- 애상 (Sorrow, 1998) — bittersweet lyrics with an addictive melody
Their albums were often released before summer, earning them the title: “The Kings and Queen of Summer.”
🌍 Cultural Impact
- COOL defined the summer K-pop tradition: upbeat dance hits paired with seasonal releases.
- They were among the few successful mixed-gender idol groups, showing strong chemistry between members.
- Their songs are timeless, still beloved by multiple generations at karaoke and on variety shows.
🎤 Fun Facts
- COOL’s 해변의 여인 is still a must-play track at Korean beaches.
- They released a string of summer albums that fans awaited every year like a tradition.
- Despite lineup changes in the early years, the trio lineup of Jae-hoon, Yuri, Sung-soo became iconic.
COOL created the soundtrack of Korean summers in the 90s and beyond.
Their mix of dance and ballad proved that K-pop groups could dominate both emotional and energetic sides of music.
