2022 is a new year for all of us, but it's also time to remember that K-POP as a genre is getting older and older, and that's a good thing! K-POP is building on its history, and it's essential to know our roots, just as American music dedicates its roots to its legendary singers.

Today, we are looking back at one of the original first-generation co-ed groups that experienced quite some success, but an unfortunate downfall. Have you heard of the group S#arp? You may not have heard of S#arp, but many people may have heard of multiple versions of "My Lips...Like Warm Coffee."

Yes, the original singer for this hit song is no other than S#arp! So let's take a look at who this group really was!

Debut - 1998

The group debuted under the production of no other than Roo'ra's Lee Sang Min. Lee Sang Min had ambitions to create almost a second Roo'ra, and the group was able to debut with Seo Ji Young, Jang Suk Hyun, John, Oh Hee Jong & Lee Ji Hye. 

The group's name S#arp had a meaning to create music that's always one above, thus sharp made perfect sense. The first album was filled with hip-hop, funk, and disco tracks, which were not true to S#arp's concept. The first album did not do commercially well compared to S#arp's future albums, and many often say the first album was one of their least successful albums. During their first album promotions, Chris joined the group, and they were promoted as a SIX-MEMBER group at one point during their follow-up track promotions.

The follow-up track "Lying" was well-received by the public, which became S#arp's new musical direction. Leader John left the group at this time, as the musical direction of the group has shifted, and he admitted that he wanted more of a hip-hop style group. John later joined UPTOWN. 

Second Album & Success - 1999

After a few member changes, the group returned in 1999, with Chris becoming an official member and Sori joining the group. They released "Tell Me Tell Me," which was a similar concept from "Lying," and it became a huge hit.

Not only was the song a huge hit, but they were also well received by media for singing their performances live - something that was pretty uncommon back then. They were able to achieve their first #1 on Music Bank amidst a HUGE rivalry competition between artists, such as Sechs Kies, Fin.K.L, H.O.T, S.E.S, Steve Yoo, Lee Jung Hyun, Koyote & g.o.d. Can you feel the intensity of the competition?

They continued in the winter of 1999 by promoting "Closer," which was a seasonal track. This song was also exceptionally well received by the public and is still remembered as one of S#arp's most famous tracks. 

Third Album - 2000

At the end of the second album, Sori left the group, giving S#arp the last member change before its disbandment. After less than six months, S#arp released its third studio album with the title track "Good for You."

Unlike the teen pop concept that S#arp went for in the first & second album, this album showed a more mature side of S#arp. This song was released in the summer of 2000; however, the response was so good that they promoted until November of that year, and they were able to even snag a #1 late into promotions as well. Something completely unimaginable in K-POP today! 

Fourth Album - 2001

A new year leaped for S#arp, which meant it was time for yet another studio album. S#arp released its fourth album returning in only 40 days from its last promotions. We have to remember that these groups released STUDIO albums, and they promote a studio album anywhere from three to nine months. Basically, this group was without rest for sure. 

"Sweety" was the first song where S#arp achieved #1's from all three music shows, and this song was actually so big it hit the new Korean record of times the song played on the radio. It was a very refreshing track, and the best part is the follow-up single "100 Days Prayer" was also a hit, hitting #1's in all sorts of places. 

The group continued to show immense success, as they released their first "half" album, containing the famous track "My Lips... Warm Life Coffee." People may not know S#arp, but it's highly likely that they have heard of this track at least once. 

This album was S#arp's highest sold album, and it was also their first ballad album as well, showing S#arp's ability to take on multiple genres. Seo Ji Young also took on rapping for the first time, and though her rapping may not be the best in the world, it showed that S#arp can explore within other genres, and it could be quite successful too! 

Disbandment - 2002

How could a group like this... go wrong? They saw a lot of success, and it was GOOD, but there was definitely some internal tension going on within the group as well. The two female members, Lee Jihye and Seo Ji Young, were having some troubles as one member was bullying the other member, and the tension worsened and worsened over time. 

In 2002, after just two weeks after their fifth album release, the built-up tension finally exploded. Lee Ji Hye could no longer handle the mistreatment from Seo Ji Young, and the two broke out in a fight inside KBS. Seo Ji Young has been verbally and physically abusing Lee Ji Hye for quite some time now. If you look at the performance video for "My Lips..Like Warm Coffee", Lee Jihye performs separately, and rumors have it that even the music video had to be filmed separately due to the two's bad relationship. The tension worsened over time, and it became the country's hottest news after the brawl broke out. Seo Ji Young tried to defend herself, but the manager, who was supposed to be on Seo Ji Young's side, came out and revealed that Seo Ji Young was the main victim. 

Check out a detailed video of S#arp's bullying scandal below! 

Due to this scandal, the company deemed that the group was no longer promotable, and the group disbanded within a week of the incident. All of their success pretty much ended right.. there. Now, the four members are on good terms now, and even a show was created after this incident for celebrities that are on bad terms to recover their friendship.

What we can say for sure is that S#arp was definitely a very successful co-ed group that could have seen a lot more success if it wasn't for their scandal. We see quite some bullying incidents in the K-POP scene today, but none can really compare to this grand incident; it was literally ALL over the media then. Luckily, we are still able to remember them to their great music today. Was there a favorite song by S#arp?