Memorializing RiSe And EunB Of Ladies' Code
On September 2, Polaris Entertainment memorialized deceased Ladies' Code members RiSe and EunB, through a poignant rendition of "I'm Fine Thank You."
The tribute song features vocals from Ladies' Code member So Jung, former "American Idol" contestant Han Heejun, Kim Bum Soo, Rumble Fish, IVY, and Sun Woo.
The latest release of "I'm Fine Thank You" memorializes the deaths of EunB and RiSe, who sustained fatal injuries in an automobile accident on September 3, 2014.
The group was traveling back from a taping of KBS' "Open Concert," when their manager lost control of their vehicle on slippery roads. The manager, known as Mr. Park allegedly drove the vehicle at 85 mph in a 62 mph zone.
Paramedics determined to EunB to be dead-on-arrival, while RiSe died three days later on September 7, from injuries she incurred during the accident. Member So Jung was initially in critical condition but recovered to join the surviving members of the group, Zuny and Ashley.
K-pop fans were encouraged to listen to and share "I'm Fine Thank You," a track which received lackluster reception when it was first released in September 2013 on Ladies' Code second EP, "Pretty Pretty." The support from domestic and international audiences led "I'm Fine Thank You" and Ladies' Code to receive well-deserved attention.
The untimely death of the K-pop vocalists was one of the most tragic events of 2014 and continues to leave an impact on Korean entertainment. The accident generated calls to assess the training and regulations of staff who work within Korean entertainment, as well as, the lengthy hours of K-pop idols.
Audiences continue to reflect on the impact of RiSe, EunB and Ladies' Code. The release of the tribute video followed a Japanese memorial concert which was held on August 22, 2015.
RiSe was noted as a former Miss Korea participant, who generated popularity as a participant on the scripted reality show, "We Got Married." During her 13-episode arc, she was paired with "Birth of a Singer" contestant David Oh. Her appearance on "We Got Married" coincided with the love line of 2PM's Nichkhun and f(x) member Victoria Song.
EunB emerged from a family involved in entertainment and was the sister-in-law of KBS newscaster, Kim Sung Joon.
In the past year, Polaris Entertainment endured several hardships, in addition to the deaths of RiSe and EunB. Mr. Kim, the former manager of Ladies' Code, was sentenced to a year and two months for his role in allegedly causing the fatal accident. In an unrelated incident, president Lee Kyu Tang was indicted for threats against actress Clara.
EunB and RiSe continue to leave their mark on K-pop and Korean entertainment, as audiences explore the back catalog of Ladies' Code.
