Lee Hyun-do, a former member of iconic hip-hop duo Deux, denied on Monday rumors that he and his former bandmate, the late Kim Sung Jae, were involved in a violent quarrel over a woman. The supposed dispute has been rumored to be the main reason for the premature break-up of Deux.

“The break-up was strictly ‘strategic,’” Lee said on “Golden Fishery-Radio Star,” a popular talk show on broadcasting network MBC. “I wanted to be a music producer and Kim wanted to become a solo artist.”

Lee said that it still hurt for him to mention Kim, who was also his close friend. “The situation of (not seeing him) is not difficult, but I just miss him,” he said.

The two-man group debuted in 1992 with the album “Deux.” The duo quickly rose to stardom, and their popularity at one point was enough to rival that of legendary singer Seo Tae-ji, who was dubbed “President of culture” for his massive influence on South Korea pop culture.

In the midst of their heyday, Deux dissolved in 1995 for unspecified reasons. At the time, the two were rumored to have fought over a woman.

Kim died under suspicious circumstances in November of that year, and his girlfriend was charged with his murder. She was initially sentenced to life in prison, but was released later due to a lack of evidence.

His death still remains a mystery today.

By Yoon Min-sik
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)