The Significance of Concurrent Activities for YG Girl Groups: From 2NE1 to BLACKPINK to BABYMONSTER
[OSEN=선미경 기자] From 2NE1, which can be considered the origin of YG girl groups, to BLACKPINK, which has marked its presence as a global group, and BABYMONSTER, the most highly anticipated team, a grand integration of representative girl groups of each generation is taking place.
Amidst YG Entertainment executive producer YANG HYUN SUK’s unveiling of an ambitious activity plan for its artists from the second half of this year to the next, the concurrent activities of third-generation girl groups are heralded, raising fans’ expectations. From the complete return of 2NE1 after eight years to BLACKPINK’s comeback and BABYMONSTER’s growth, a variety of projects have been announced. The significance of these concurrent activities is pronounced precisely because they are feasible under YG.
2NE1 is considered the starting point of YG girl groups. This powerhouse girl group excelled in both musicality and performance. From their debut, they grew into a global girl group and became representative artists of YG. Although they disbanded, preventing further complete group activities, YANG HYUN SUK had an official meeting with the members after about eight years and formalized a collaboration for their 15th debut anniversary.
2NE1 will meet fans in early October at a solo concert in Seoul, marking the start of this complete project combined with YANG HYUN SUK’s decision and 2NE1’s strong will. Following this, YG plans to support a global tour including performances in Osaka and Tokyo. Fans’ expectations for their comeback were heightened by their complete group performance at Coachella in 2022, and this project with YG is no exception.
YANG HYUN SUK has promised, “This performance will be quite unique. It’s a shared memory for the generations that grew up with 2NE1 and their music. All staff are working hard to create a successful performance.”
Next, the group BLACKPINK returns. Known as 2NE1’s sister group, they received great attention even before their debut and grew into a global group under YG’s support. BLACKPINK, a team formed on the basis of skill and diverse talents, has risen to be a leading K-pop girl group with global influence, including headlining Coachella.
Currently engaging in individual activities, BLACKPINK plans to meet fans next year with a comeback and world tour. Previously, YANG mentioned, “Many artists will be concurrently active in 2025,” highlighting “the year BLACKPINK’s comeback and world tour begins.” The expectation for their new release, the first since their second full album in September 2022, is already capturing global fans’ attention. Ahead of this, BLACKPINK will first attend the production announcement of the movie ‘BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS’ on August 9 to commemorate their eighth debut anniversary, officially signaling their full-group activities.
As YG’s youngest yet rapidly growing representative girl group, BABYMONSTER is also stepping up activities with their seniors. Since their debut, BABYMONSTER has rapidly emerged as the leading team of the fifth generation with overwhelming talent. The success of projects under the return of YANG HYUN SUK has enabled the team to establish a significant presence and power within their first year of debut, especially as they gain attention in the global market.
BABYMONSTER is currently conducting a fan meeting tour across seven cities, spanning twelve sessions, and is expected to tackle the global market fully with a world tour planned for next year. As a YG-signed artist known for ‘next-level’ talent, their presence is anticipated to be affirmed through their performances. The performances of direct senior girl groups like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK are followed with eager anticipation.
2024. 7. 29.
