DEUX: The "Fathers of Swag" Who Brought Hip-Hop to Korea
If Seo Taiji is the "Cultural President" who changed the system, DEUX (듀스) are the "Style Icons" who changed the vibe. Before G-Dragon, before Zico, and before the perfectly curated airport fashion of modern idols, there was DEUX.
Active for only two years (1993-1995), this duo consisting of Lee Hyun-do and Kim Sung-jae left a legacy that is equal parts musical brilliance and heartbreaking tragedy. Today, we dive into the story of the group that taught Korea how to groove.
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| DEUX kpop group 1993 fashion (AI Generated) |
1. The Context: When Korea Met "New Jack Swing"
In the early 90s, while Seo Taiji was mixing rock with rap, DEUX decided to go full American Hip-Hop. Specifically, they fell in love with New Jack Swing (think Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe, Teddy Riley).
The duo was a perfect match:
- Lee Hyun-do: The musical genius and producer who crafted the beats.
- Kim Sung-jae: The visual icon, choreographer, and style trendsetter who had an unmatched aura.
They didn't just sound like hip-hop; they looked like it. They introduced oversized clothes, backwards caps, and untied timberlands to Korean teenagers who were used to neat school uniforms.
2. The Debut: "Turn Around and Look at Me"
Their debut in 1993 with "Turn Around and Look at Me" (나를 돌아봐) was a shock. It wasn't just a song; it was a dance showcase. The synchronized choreography, the breakdances, and the sheer energy were on a different level compared to other dance groups of the time.
While other groups were doing "exercises" on stage, DEUX was doing "art."
📺 👉 Watch 'Turn Around and Look at Me' Performance on YouTube 📺
3. The National Summer Anthem: "In Summer"
If you visit Korea in July or August, you will hear this song. "In Summer" (여름 안에서) is arguably the most famous summer song in K-pop history. Covered by everyone from SSAK3 (Rain, Lee Hyori, Yoo Jae-suk) to modern idols, it turned DEUX from cool hip-hop kids into beloved national stars.
It proved that they weren't just "too cool for school" rappers; they could make happy, melodic, public-friendly pop music too.
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| DEUX In Summer MV beach (AI Generated) |
📺 👉 Watch the Classic 'In Summer' MV on YouTube 📺
4. Disbandment and The Tragedy of Kim Sung-jae
In 1995, at the absolute peak of their popularity, DEUX announced their disbandment. They wanted to pursue different paths—Lee Hyun-do as a producer and Kim Sung-jae as a solo artist.
The Solo Debut:
On November 19, 1995, Kim Sung-jae made his solo debut with the song "As I Told You" (말하자면). The performance was flawless. He wore a futuristic oversized hockey glove and a costume that is still parodied and paid homage to today (even by BTS members). He was ready to become the "King of K-Pop."
The Unsolved Mystery:
The very next day, on November 20, 1995, Kim Sung-jae was found dead in his hotel room. The cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it remain one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in South Korean history. We won't speculate here, but his sudden loss traumatized a generation of fans.
📺 👉 Watch Kim Sung-jae's Final 'As I Told You' Stage 📺
5. The Legacy: Why They Still Matter
Despite the tragedy, the spirit of DEUX lives on.
- The Producer: Lee Hyun-do kept his promise to his friend and became one of Korea's top producers, shaping the sound of hip-hop for decades.
- The Influence: Modern groups like BTS, Zico, and Jay Park often cite DEUX as their major inspiration. The "Swag" attitude in K-pop started right here.
DEUX showed that K-pop could be stylish, it could be hip, and it could be cool. They were the bridge between the old "Gayo" era and the modern "Idol" era.
6. Andxo Choice: Song List of DEUX
1. Turn Around and Look at Me (나를 돌아봐)
This is DEUX's debut song and arguably their most iconic track. It introduced the "New Jack Swing" genre to the Korean mainstream and is legendary for its choreography and the duo's fashion.
Watch on YouTube:
DEUX - Turn Around and Look at Me (KBS Stage)
2. In Summer (여름 안에서)
A timeless summer anthem in South Korea. It is bright, melodic, and has been covered by countless K-pop artists over the decades (most notably by SSAK3 recently).
Watch on YouTube:
DEUX - In Summer (Original Stage)
3. We Are (우리는)
A powerful hip-hop track from their second album that solidified their status as icons. It features a harder beat and stronger rap verses compared to their debut.
Watch on YouTube:
DEUX - We Are (Official MV)
4. Break Off the Yolk (굴레를 벗어나)
From their third album, this song showcases a more mature and complex sound. It is considered a masterpiece of 90s Korean hip-hop for its sophisticated production and message.
Watch on YouTube:
DEUX - Break Off the Yolk (Official MV)
5. Go! Go! Go!
A high-energy track often used in cheering and sports contexts in Korea. It remains a fan favorite for its upbeat tempo and positive energy.
Listen on YouTube:
DEUX - Go! Go! Go! (Official Audio)
6. In the Rain (빗속에서)
A slower, more R&B-influenced track that showcases the duo's versatility beyond dance and hip-hop. It is a beloved sentimental song among fans.
Listen on YouTube:
DEUX - In the Rain (Official Audio)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What genre is DEUX known for?
They are the pioneers of New Jack Swing in Korea, a fusion of hip-hop, dance-pop, and R&B.
Q: Why did they disband?
They wanted to evolve. Lee Hyun-do wanted to focus on producing music behind the scenes, while Kim Sung-jae wanted to be a solo performer.
Q: Is "In Summer" really that popular?
Yes. It is considered a "Zombie Song" in Korea because it comes back to life on the charts every single summer, 30 years later.
