Love Is… – Turbo
🎶 Introduction
While idol groups like H.O.T and Sechs Kies dominated the stage, another act was taking the charts by storm with their powerful vocals and addictive dance beats: Turbo. Formed in 1995, the duo became one of the biggest names in 90s K-pop. Their 1996 hit “Love Is…” remains a timeless dance anthem that defined an era of Korean pop.
🌟 Artist & Song Background
Turbo consisted of Kim Jong-kook and Kim Jung-nam (later Mikey). Their fast-paced songs and high-energy performances made them stand out in the crowded music scene.
“Love Is…” was released in 1996 and became one of their most iconic songs. It perfectly blended catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and 90s-style dance beats, making it a fan favorite both on stage and on radio.
📖 M/V & Lyrics
| 우린 6년 전에 만났지 널 사랑하게 됐어 내 마음을 숨긴 채 널 따라 다녔었지 내 친구는 나를 위해 애썼고 마침내 내 사랑을 3년 만에 고백하게 됐어 처음 만났을 때 첫눈에 반한다는 그 말을 그때야 알게 되었어 눈이 부시도록 아름다워 너의 눈빛조차 쳐다볼 수 없었지 너를 만나면 아무 말 못하고서 애매한 담배만 피워댔고 너와 헤어지고 나서야 못다 한 말들을 후회 했어 세월 흘러가서 3년 되던 날 나 얼마나 너를 사랑하는지 그때서야 힘겨운 고백을 했어 아무 대답 없이 앉아만 있던 너 무슨 얘기라도 해 주길 바랐어 한참 지난 후에 어렵게 꺼낸 말 너도 나를 좋아한다는 그 말 나를 친구로서 좋아는 하지만 사랑 느낀 적은 없다고 영원히 좋은 친구로만 남아 사랑은 하지말자고 그 말 듣자 마자 군대를 가버렸던거야 친구에게 널 맡기고 내 자릴 비웠지 둘은 면회 왔었고 믿었지 그러나 내 친구와 약혼했고 나만 이제 혼자야 다행일지 몰라 이런 일들이 널 맡겨 논 가장 친한 친구가 네게 생긴 새로운 사랑이란게 혹시 다른 남자 사랑을 했다면 다신 널 볼 수가 없을 테니까 가장 친한 친구 애인이 됐으니 네가 행복한 걸 볼 수 있잖아 친군 내 앞에서 미안해 하지만 나는 아무렇지 않은 걸 어차피 너의 곁에 남은 채로 너만을 사랑할 테니 | We met six years ago, and I fell in love with you. I followed you around, hiding my feelings. My friend tried his best for me, and at last, after three long years, I confessed my love. When I first met you, I finally understood what “love at first sight” meant. You were dazzlingly beautiful— I couldn’t even look straight into your eyes. Whenever I met you, I couldn’t say a word, only smoked awkward cigarettes. And only after we parted ways, I regretted the words I couldn’t say. As the years passed, on the third year, I finally confessed how much I loved you. You just sat there in silence, and I wished you would say something, anything. After a long pause, you finally spoke, and said that you liked me too. But only as a friend— you had never felt love for me. You wanted us to stay friends forever, and never fall in love. The moment I heard those words, I left for the army, entrusting you to my closest friend while I was away. You both came to visit me together, and I trusted you. But then, you and my friend got engaged, and now I’m the only one left alone. Maybe it’s for the best, these things that happened. The one I entrusted you to—my best friend— became your new love. If you had loved some other man, I might never have been able to see you again. But because you became the lover of my best friend, I can at least see that you are happy. My friend says he’s sorry to me, but I act like I don’t mind. Because in the end, staying by your side, I will go on loving only you. |
The song’s lyrics express the pain and beauty of love, showing that even in upbeat dance music, deep emotions can be conveyed.
🌍 Why It Matters
Love Is… demonstrated the range of 90s K-pop by showing that dance tracks could carry emotional weight.
- Turbo became a household name, loved not just for their music but also for their energetic image.
- The song helped cement Kim Jong-kook as one of the strongest vocalists in K-pop.
- Love Is… remains a nostalgic favorite, often performed at reunions and variety shows.
🎤 Fun Facts
- Kim Jong-kook’s distinct high-pitched voice became his trademark, instantly recognizable to fans.
- Turbo’s popularity extended to teenagers and adults alike, bridging the generation gap in 1990s Korea.
- The group reunited years later, and Love Is… continues to be celebrated as a 90s classic.
With Love Is…, Turbo proved that K-pop was more than just idols—it was also about powerful performances, unforgettable vocals, and timeless dance music. The song still resonates today as one of the defining hits of the 1990s.
👉 What’s your favorite 90s K-pop dance song?
Share it in the comments below!
