The Ultimate Breakup Anthem: Kim Hyun Jung’s “The Farewell with Her” (1998 Retro K-pop)
When discussing South Korean popular music (K-pop) of the late 1990s, it’s impossible to leave out Kim Hyun Jung. Released in 1998, her mega-hit song “The Farewell with Her (그녀와의 이별)” is a timeless symbol of the powerful female solo dance-pop that defined the era. This track is more than just a song; it’s a quintessential piece for understanding the 90s K-pop culture that dominated South Korea’s emotional landscape.
🎤 Why This 90s K-pop Hit Was So Revolutionary
90s K-pop Female Solo Power Vocals
Kim Hyun Jung burst onto the scene with a distinct charm that set her apart. Known for her powerful voice and her impressive height of 173cm, she quickly earned the nickname “The Long-legged Singer” (Longdari gasu).
The Explosive Vocals & Signature High Notes
The most notable feature of “The Farewell with Her” is its explosive Power Vocal performance. The dramatic Signature High Notes in the chorus are legendary, famously making it a challenging anthem for countless Koreans at noraebang (karaoke rooms). Although driven by a dance rhythm, the song skillfully combines this with a heartfelt ballad-style melody that relies on sheer vocal strength. This fusion perfectly captured the Korean public’s favorite mix of pathos and explosive energy.
Raw Emotion in the Lyrics
The song’s lyrics convey a complex range of emotions—fury, sorrow, and ultimate resignation—in the face of a lover’s betrayal. The raw and direct lines resonated deeply with the youth of the time, making it the definitive voice for their breakup emotions.
📝 M/V & Lyrics
Dive deeper into the song’s emotional depth with the full lyrics.
| 이제 우리 정말 끝난 거야 네가 다시 확인시켜줬지 그럴 필요까진 없었는데 마지막 자존심까지 무너졌어 나를 만나기 전 헤어졌단 예전의 그녀에게서 너를 떠나달란 말을 듣게 했어 미안하단 말과 함께 믿지 않았어 그녀의 일방적인 얘기들 나를 속이며 그동안 만나왔단 얘기도 너를 사랑한 그녀의 거짓말이었기를 비참하게 난 끝까지 어리석게 널 믿어 버렸어 하지만 나의 마지막 기대마저도 모두 무너진 거야 술 취해 또다시 너를 찾아가 그녈 안아주는 너를 보았어 지금 내 눈에 흐른 눈물은 너도 모른 척 해줘 남겨진 미련도 없지만 모두 네가 가져 버려 며칠이 지났어 널 잊은 줄 알았어 그런데 지금 네가 돌아오길 바라는 내가 미울 뿐이야 믿지 않았어 그녀의 일방적인 얘기들 나를 속이며 그동안 만나왔단 얘기도 너를 사랑한 그녀의 거짓말이었기를 비참하게 난 끝까지 어리석게 널 믿어 버렸어 하지만 나의 마지막 기대마저도 모두 무너진 거야 술 취해 또다시 너를 찾아가 그녈 안아주는 너를 보았어 지금 내 눈에 흐른 눈물은 너도 모른 척 해줘 남겨진 미련도 없지만 모두 네가 가져 버려 며칠이 지났어 널 잊은 줄 알았어 그런데 지금 네가 돌아오길 바라는 내가 미울 뿐이야 | It’s really over between us now, You just confirmed it again. There was no need for that, My last bit of pride is completely shattered. I was told to leave you By your ex-girlfriend The one you broke up with before you met me, Along with her apology. I didn’t believe it. Her one-sided stories, Even the one that said you’d been seeing each other, All while deceiving me. I wanted it all to be a lie From her, who loved you. Pathetically, I Foolishly believed in you until the very end. But even my last glimmer of hope Has all come crashing down. Drunk, I went to find you again, And I saw you holding her. Pretend not to notice These tears flowing from my eyes now. I have no lingering regrets, Just take them all away with you. A few days have passed. I thought I had forgotten you. But now, I just hate myself For still hoping you’ll come back. I didn’t believe it. Her one-sided stories, Even the one that said you’d been seeing each other, All while deceiving me. I wanted it all to be a lie From her, who loved you. Pathetically, I Foolishly believed in you until the very end. But even my last glimmer of hope Has all come crashing down. Drunk, I went to find you again, And I saw you holding her. Pretend not to notice These tears flowing from my eyes now. I have no lingering regrets, Just take them all away with you. A few days have passed. I thought I had forgotten you. But now, I just hate myself For still hoping you’ll come back. |
👑 The Enduring Legacy of the 90s K-pop Queen
Kim Hyun Jung K-pop Retro Legacy
“The Farewell with Her” not only brought Kim Hyun Jung massive success but also cemented her status as a definitive star of the late 90s K-pop scene. It is highly regarded for successfully merging Korean dance music with melancholic ballad sensibilities—a style that heavily influenced the generation of female solo artists who followed.
🔥 If you want to experience the true feel of 90s K-pop, this powerful dance ballad is an essential addition to your retro playlist!
