Koreana, formerly known as Arirang Singers, were a South Korean band. They were formed in 1962 and started being popular internationally after they released their debut album DisCorea on Polydor label in 1979. The single "Dark Eyes" from the eponymous album was a big hit. After the great success, they continued to release more albums: Burning Fantasy (1980) and Highlights (Too Much Love) (1983). They are best known for playing "Hand In Hand", the official song of the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics, sung in both Korean and English. The song was released as a single with "Victory" as its B-side, and became a hit. The band followed up with another charting single, "Living For Love", with B-side "One In A Million".
Long-time group member Jerry Lee Yong-Gyu died in early 2021 of cancer.
Members
Classic Lineup
Cathy Lee Oea-Sook - vocals, keyboard, piano, electronic drums, tambourine, guitar Marie Hong Hwa-Ja - vocals, bass guitar, keyboard, keytar, electronic drums Tom Lee Seung-Kyu - vocals, guitar, saxophone, flute, trumpet, trombone Jerry Lee Yong-Gyu - vocals, electronic drums, percussion, trumpet (Died: 2021)
Past Members
Sam Hong Sin-Yun
Michel Hong Yun-Shik
Annie Hong Young-Hee
Discography
Albums
1979: DisCorea
1980: Burning Fantasy
1983: Highlights (Too Much Love) 1988: Hand In Hand 1990: Living For Love 1993: Expo '93 1996: We Are One
Singles
1978: "I Love Rock'n Roll Music" b/w "Song Of Arirang" 1979: "Dark Eyes" b/w "Troubles" 1986: "Hey Daydreamer/Don't Make Me Cry" b/w "Midnight Lover" (12" Maxi) 1988: "Hand In Hand" 1988: "Loving You, Loving Me" 1990: "Living For Love" 1992: "Sail Into The Sunset"