Oct 1, 2026
As K-pop's newest generation competes for attention, some of the industry's original stars are stepping back into the spotlight. Fin.K.L, Fly to the Sky and g.o.d's Son Ho-young are all preparing new music activities, bringing a wave of first-generation K-pop nostalgia to an industry now dominated by much younger acts. The returns are particularly notable because they are not limited to performances of old hits: The veteran artists are preparing new releases and longer-term activities after years away from their respective music careers. Fin.K.L, one of the defining girl groups of K-pop's first generation, is making a full-group return after about 21 years. Gemstone E&M, which is overseeing the group's comeback, announced Sept. 21 that all four members — Lee Hyo-ri, Ock Joo-hyun, Sung Yu-ri and Lee Jin — would resume activities together. It marks Fin.K.L's first full-fledged group activities since the 2005 digital single "Forever Fin.K.L." Following the group's hiatus, Lee Hyo-ri and Ock continued their careers as solo singers, while Sung and Lee Jin focused primarily on acting. The fo