2NE1 Returns in Full Force: More Than Just a Girl Group
[오마이뉴스=이현파 기자] The legendary quartet 2NE1, who debuted in 2009 with the song “FIRE” and became an icon among second-generation girl groups, is making a comeback. This announcement comes seven years after their disbandment in 2016 and their final release “GOODBYE” in 2017.
In early October, 2NE1 is set to hold a concert in Seoul, with plans to extend their tour to international stages in Osaka and Tokyo. YG Entertainment posted a photo of 2NE1 on official SNS last July 22 with the caption “WELCOME BACK.” YG EXECUTIVE PRODUCER YANG HYUN SUK appeared in a video introducing YG’s future plans and discussed the upcoming 15th-anniversary concert with the members of 2NE1.
Rejecting Conventional Girl Group Norms
2NE1 made significant marks in K-pop history in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Debuted as the ‘female BIGBANG’ with songs like “Lollipop,” they quickly carved out their unique identity. With hits like “FIRE,” “I Don’t Care,” “Can’t Nobody,” “UGLY,” and “I AM THE BEST,” they left a lasting imprint on the music scene. They received the Best Dance & Electronic award at the 2011 Korean Music Awards and swept the Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Their music, based on hip-hop and infused with electronica, R&B, and jazz, always retained widespread popularity. Their robust live performances, distinctive fashion, and hairstyles helped differentiate 2NE1 from their contemporaries. Their stage presence, reminiscent of international pop stars, also contributed significantly. As their first solo concert titled ‘NOLZA!’ suggests, they were renowned for their excellent live performances.
2NE1 is known for challenging the stereotypes typically associated with K-pop girl groups. They steered clear of both sexy and innocent concepts, opting instead to empower themselves and their listeners. Before feminism became a common concept in the mainstream, they embraced the ethos of hip-hop to assert their dominance through their lyrics.
In an industry often criticized for its emphasis on looks, 2NE1 was unique in their ability to proudly proclaim, “I am not pretty, I am not beautiful” in their song “UGLY.” They achieved notable success in the Western market long before many K-pop groups, with their album “CRUSH” reaching number 61 on the Billboard 200 in 2014. They were pioneers of the ‘girl crush’ concept in girl groups.
Despite their brilliant peak, the release cycle of their new songs gradually slowed down. Although they performed together at the 2015 Mnet MAMA, news about the group went quiet after Minzy left YG in April 2016, leading to their official disbandment in November that year. After their confirmed reunion, Sandara Park consoled fans via Twitter, acknowledging the heartache caused by the way their disbandment was announced.
In 2022, CL performed “I AM THE BEST” with the members of 2NE1 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. CL expressed her determination to reunite the group before it was too late, and although it was a one-time performance, it elicited an incredibly passionate response from K-pop fans worldwide. This moment demonstrated how 2NE1 has continued to be remembered by consumers of K-pop.
2NE1 has proven the diverse potential of girl groups and continues to leave a lasting legacy in K-pop. Their return to the stage signifies more than just a nostalgic trip; it underscores the enduring relevance of their contributions to the genre.
2024. 7. 25.
