In May of 1998, DSP Media (known as Daesung Enterprise at the time) debuted their first-ever girl group and second-ever group after the successful debut of boy group Sechskies, who had just made their name bursting onto the K-pop scene just a year prior. 

Fin. K.L.‘s debut also saw a new type of girl group enter the scene, 

after both S.E.S and Baby V.O.X debuted in 1997 as each looked to bring their own unique approach to K-pop.

Track 1 – Blue Rain:

“Your mind is gone and those words I can’t seem to forget

I know that you are always next to me.”

Kicking off with the title song, “Blue Rain.” The song introduces fans to the soft vocals of Lee Jin before Lee Hyori takes over the second verse, introducing the group’s heavy vocals, led and tied together by main vocalist Ock Joo-hyun whose harmonies and solos make for a perfect ballad style. The song perfectly emphasises the feeling of ending love.

Track 2 – Scent of Love:

Second, we have “Scent of love” a jazz-style synthesised tune where the girls move past their stage of mourning and instead look for love as they ask, “Give me love, Give me love.” 

The song sees them take a completely different approach to their title track. Becoming their first-ever song to incorporate multiple languages (English & Korean) and sees the appearance of male vocals in an overall well-rounded track.

Track 3 – Shadow:

“I bury you in my heart that has turned cold,

I call you out loud 

It’s just my useless regret

And you can’t come back.”

In a slightly more dramatic track, “Shadow” sees the girls pour their hearts out; after a long intro, fans are introduced to Sung Yuri. Who sets the scene before a feature is used as the song’s plot thickens, and the meaning becomes clear as we are given both sides to this love scenario. The song is beautifully sung and filled with deep, meaningful lyrics making it one of the more underrated but better B-Sides.

Track 4 – Ruby:

“I can’t cry, I can’t cry, I’ll have to let you go, 

I don’t want anything more. 

Instead of hanging on to you for my sake, I’ll let you leave

even though It hurts, 

if she likes you more then me, 

I’ll go away from your side.”

On to arguably my favourite, Fin. K.L. song ever released now and my favourite out of this whole album. “Ruby” sees the group differ from their usual sound. The beat takes a harmonica country-infused style intro. And is once again led by Ock Joohyun on main vocals shining through on power vocals and the song’s main chorus. Whilst other members find their own style in what can only be described as the album’s second title song.

Track 5 – Scribbling:

In an era that saw the likes of DEUX and TURBO top the charts with dance-esque style songs, Fin. K.L. experiments with the genre in the highly engineered track; that screams 90’s Korea. Incorporating multiple genres from FinK.L’s classic ballad style singing to the feature of an RnB artist for an added rap element. The song is most similar to what we see today as modern K-pop.

Track 6 – To My Boyfriend:

“My like has waited only for you

I’ll give myself to you forever

I love you

Forever”

A summer anthem now as the song voiceover starts with “It’s summertime, start your engine.” Followed by youthful lyrics and smooth vocals in a sweet song, all about love for a future boyfriend. Much like “Scribbling” features strong elements of rap and contrast of voices between Lee Jin and Sung Yun alongside the power vocals of Ock Joohyun and the unique style of Lee Hyori, the song has a bit of everything.

Track 7 – Temptation:

A slower melodic song, “Temptation” sees the group experiment with a completely new concept as they trade their power vocals to a more laid-back approach with a heavy rap feature.

Track 8 – Wink:

Similar to what you would expect to hear in a K-drama OST. “Wink” is a dance release with a long introduction. It reminds me of a Western song you might hear on a dance playlist. Overall, the song is easy to listen to and a hidden gem absolutely worth checking out.

Track 9 – Happy Promise

Fin. K.L. definitely fulfilled their “Happy Promise” with this release as in a beautiful collaborative song filled with beautiful harmonies. Each member gets their moment to shine, with elements of rap being incorporated. The release is the perfect example of what the group would go on to achieve.

Track 10 – Go:

An electronic-style song, Fin. K.L. displays some impressive vocals throughout the song with a great guitar riff. The song is an upbeat, energetic song perfect for those looking for an energy boost.

Track 11 – Blueday

Concluding the album, we are treated to another pop-style song. As Fin. K.L. would indicate what to expect in the future. Featuring a great range of vocals and diversity. It is the perfect end to an incredible album.

Selling over 400,000 copies, Fine Killing Liberty: Blue Rain is an example of the perfect debut album. Its success led to a long successful career not only for Fin. K.L. but for many of their members individually as the group became one of the generation’s most iconic and successful first-generation K-pop acts.