Mention Seo Taiji’s name to any one in Korea, and you will receive recognition for this guy. Even my father, a caucasian male over 60, who doesn’t listen to Korean music, knows of him. That’s how much influence this guy has on the Korean media, culture, and of course music. He was probably the one who really revolutionise the Korean music industry. Back then the ahjumma style music dominated the industry, but along came Seo Taiji, who brought with him rapping, the KPop dance style, and a new style of music to be included into the mainstream realm.

Nowadays, he’s performs as a soloist, but back in the old days, he was with two other members: 이주노 (Lee Ju-no) and 양현석 (Yang Hyeon-seok). The three of them comprised of the group as 서태지와 아이들 (Seo Taiji wa Aideul = Seo Taiji and Boys). It’s a shame, really, that I didn’t get into this group back in the days. In fact, the only song I knew and liked from them was 마지막 축제 (Majimak Chookjae = The Last Festival), where I saw them perform that song on the 1993 Music Award show. After that, I never got into them. Not even into 난 알아요 (Nan Arayo = I Know), the song everyone associate Seo Taiji with.

Thanks to Youtube, though, I am slowly familiarising myself with the group who had a tremendous influence on such groups like H.O.T, Jinusean, Sechskies, and other singers and music group I adored when I was younger.

난 알아요 (Nan Arayo)

I’m assuming this was the original music video for the song. XD

An alternate music video from the 15th Anniversary DVD

마지막 축제 (Majimak Chookjae)

This is the original footage from the 1993 Music Award show that I watched, and even had video taped it. I still have the tape . . . but seriously, I was surprised Youtube had this footage! This is just made of many wins and awesome. Poor Ju-no, I forgot how he hurt his arm around that time . . .

A footage of their Majimak Chookjae Concert in 1993 — from the 15th Anniversary DVD. Their Santa Claus jackets are so adorable. I am not sure what’s with that shift in the middle. But hey, I am not complaining. More Seo Taiji’s love!