Famed K-pop boy band returns with album of new songs after 17 years

By Eom Da-sol

K-pop boy band Sechs Kies, popular for decades, will return with a new album after 17 years, according to agency YG Entertainment on Wednesday.

Sechs Kies, whose six members are in their late 30s, will officially release the album on Apr. 28. YG said it will have new songs, unlike the band’s previous album in December that was a compilation of past hits.

Sechs Kies in 1997 / Korea Times file

The band also will celebrate its 20th anniversary with concerts and an exhibition of its history this month. Details have not been unveiled.

The band made a flamboyant debut in April 1997 and claimed nationwide fame for over three years -- followed by an unexpected break-up. Devastated fans protested in front of DSP Entertainment, the band’s then agency, but were told “the band members made their decisions to leave the celebrity life when they are at the peak of popularity.”

Band members temporarily reunited last April when they appeared as the main guests in a “guerrilla” gig prepared by TV variety show “Infinite Challenge” on MBC. Although the broadcaster did not post information about the event on Twitter until five hours before it started, some 5000 fans checked the post and promptly applied to attend. Sechs Kies then performed its greatest hits at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

After the gig, the members, except rapper Ko Ji-yong, signed a contract with YG and officially reunited.

The band released digital single “Three Words” in October, which topped the Gaon Music chart.