[⋆~Omona exclusive~⋆] Gone But Not Forgotten: 2NE1

[aures.livejournal.com]

In this series I want to go through groups that are gone, but not forgotten. I will go from debut till disbandment or [indefinite] hiatus, remembering the time we had together and look back on their highs and lows.

2NE1


2NE1 was a South Korean girl group composed of Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy, formed by YG Entertainment in 2009. Following a long-term hiatus, Minzy departed the group in April 2016, while the rest of the group disbanded later that November. Their final single "Good Bye" was released on January 21, 2017.

PRE-DEBUT
2NE1 was first mentioned by South Korean press in late 2004. Both Spica's Bohyung and Fiestar's Linzy were trainees alongside the 2NE1 members. However, they were eliminated before debut.

YG Entertainment formally announced in early 2009 that the group would consist of four members and debut sometime in May of that year. The company stated that the group had trained for four years, and that their debut album would contain songs produced by 1TYM's leader Teddy Park.

The group's name was initially announced as "21", however, due to the discovery of a singer with the same name, the group was quickly renamed "2NE1". The name, pronounced in Korean to approximate English as "To Anyone" or (US) "Twenty One", combines the phrases "21st century" and "New Evolution".

2009–2010: Debut and commercial success
2NE1's first extended play 2NE1 was preceded by two singles.
The first one, "Lollipop", was recorded with label mate Big Bang and released on March 27, 2009 to promote the LG Cyon phone. Though a music video was filmed, "Lollipop" was not promoted due to its product advertisement affiliation, which caused issues with the network chart eligibility.

The second single, "Fire", written and produced by 1TYM's Teddy Park, was released that May. Its music video had two versions — a "space" version and a "street" version.
Within the first 24 hours of release, the videos each received over one million views. Both the song "Fire" and the group became popular online search terms.

The single, "I Don't Care", was released simultaneously alongside their first eponymous EP in July. "I Don't Care" became the most downloaded song of that month, later winning Song of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Although group members recorded and released their own solo materials in August, they performed a reggae version of "I Don't Care" on Inkigayo in September. Due to the remix's popularity, it was released to digital outlets on September 3 as their next digital single.

Buoyed by the success of their singles, sales of 2NE1 totaled 100,000 copies by the end of the year. 2NE1 later performed at the 6th Asia Song Festival, representing Korea alongside three other groups and later winning the Asian Newcomer's award.

In 2010, 2NE1 unexpectedly released "Try to Follow Me" in February through various digital outlets without any prior announcement or promotion to support the Samsung's Corby Folder. The song peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.

That summer, 2NE1 traveled to Los Angeles and London to record English songs for an American debut album with The Black Eyed Peas's member and music producer will.i.am. The group recorded a total of 10 songs in their initial sessions.

The first full-length album, To Anyone, was released on September 9, and debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Album Chart. Prior to the release of the album, it had already received 120,000 preorders.

Containing a total of 12 tracks, four singles were released: the top five hits "Clap Your Hands", "Can't Nobody", "It Hurts (Slow)" and the chart-topping "Go Away".

A fifth song "Don't Stop the Music" was recorded as a "special gift for Thai fans" and was also used in conjunction with the group's Yamaha Fiore endorsement.

At the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards, 2NE1 took home the most accolades: "Artist of the Year", "Best Music Video" for "Can't Nobody", "Best Female Group", and "Album of the Year" award.

2011–2012: Japanese debut and international expansion
On January 19, 2011, "Can't Nobody (English Version)" was released on the Japanese digital retailer Recochoku as a ringtone and ringback tone. The following month, an accompanying music video was made available for download through iTunes Japan.
Their Japanese debut single "Go Away" was released as a ringtone on March 9, and later used as the theme song for the Japanese television program Mezamashi TV.
On March 16, their first Korean EP 2NE1 was made available in Japan; promotional activities were canceled due to the Tōhoku Earthquake and tsunami.

The group returned to South Korea with their second EP 2NE1 (2011), scoring number one hits: "Lonely", "I Am the Best", which also won the "Song of the Year" award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, and "Ugly" as well as the top three hit "Hate You".

The album itself was a major success, topping the Gaon Chart and selling over 108,000 copies.
Following the end of promotions in August, 2NE1 held their first sold-out solo concert at the Olympic Hall in the Chamsil Olympic Park on August 26, 27 and 28 in Seoul, South Korea before flying back to Japan.

Choosing to re-record their second EP 2NE1 (2011) in Japanese, the album was re-issued as Nolza and released that same year, peaking at number one on the Oricon charts and selling over 48,000 copies.

On March 28, 2012, 2NE1 released their first full-length Japanese album Collection along with their second Japanese single "Scream". The album peaked at #5 on the Oricon Daily Chart and went on to sell over 32,000 copies in Japan.

2NE1 also collaborated with Japanese hip-hop group M-Flo for the song "She's So (Outta Control)", which was featured on the artist's sixth studio album Square One.

Non-album single "I Love You" was also released in their home country, topping the chart and becoming their sixth number one single.

2013–2014: Collaborations, worldwide recognition, and world tour
On March 14, 2013, 2NE1 released the English-language single "Take the World On", which was a collaboration with American singer will.i.am.
A second collaboration with will.i.am brought forth "Gettin' Dumb"; this time including his bandmate apl.de.ap. The song was featured on will.i.am's second album #willpower, which was released on April 23.

2NE1's next singles were not tied to any album, with the chart-topping "Falling in Love" and "Missing You", becoming their seventh and eighth number one singles. A third, "Do You Love Me", was a top three hit.

In early 2014, 2NE1 released their second studio album Crush (2014). Two singles were released simultaneously: "Come Back Home" and "Happy". "Come Back Home" peaked at number one on the Gaon Singles Chart, becoming their ninth number one hit.

Their third single from the album, "Gotta Be You" was subsequently released on May 20 along with a music video. Crush sold 5,000 copies in 4 days in America, peaking at #61 on Billboard 200 and setting a new U.S record for "Highest Charting and Best Selling Kpop Album", beating other groups such as Girls' Generation and Big Bang. On June 26, they released the Japanese edition of Crush, which charted at #4 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart.

The group's also held their fourth concert tour AON: All or Nothing, which included stops in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. From March to October, they performed a total of twenty concerts across 16 cities, totaling 180,000 attendees.

2NE1's previous single, "I Am The Best", was released on December 11 in the U.S. under Capitol Records. On December 18, their song "Gotta Be You" was crowned "Song of the Year" by MTV Iggy.

The group received worldwide recognition at the end of 2014. Crush was the only record by an Asian artist to make it to Fuse TV's "40 Best Albums of 2014" and ranked first in Billboard magazine's list of "Best Kpop Album of 2014" as well as eleventh for its year-end World Album chart.

2015–2017: Hiatus and disbandment
Following the suspension of Bom's contract due to her 2014 drug scandal, other members began exploring independent ventures, sending the group effectively into hiatus.
Dara re-established her acting career by starring in web dramas such as Dr.Ian and We Broke Up, as well as KBS's Missing You. Minzy opened the Millennium Dance Academy.

CL embarked a solo career in the United States with the release of "Hello Bitches" from her upcoming EP Lifted.

The group's only activity in 2015 was a surprise performance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong. After CL's performance of her solo singles "The Baddest Female" and "Hello Bitches", all members reunited to perform "Fire" and "I Am the Best".

The performance is now the most-viewed MAMA performance by a girl-group. It was applauded and as a result, was listed as one of the best performances of 2015 by Fuse.

Despite not having made a comeback, 2NE1 nonetheless was the 16th most reblogged K-pop group on Tumblr for 2015. Additionally, both 2NE1 and CL were given a nod by Spotify in their "Year in Music" Twitter Campaign for each achieving over one million listeners, and being played a "staggering" 165 years worth when combined. They also won China's 2016 Korea First Brand Grand Prize award for "Top 10 Most Anticipated K-Stars of 2016".

After a year of hiatus, YG Entertainment confirmed the departure of Minzy in April 2016, stating that the group will continue as a trio. Later that November, however, YG Entertainment announced the disbandment of the group. CL and Dara remained signed as solo artists, while Bom was released from her contract. A last single, "Goodbye", was released in January 2017 as a farewell to their fans, inspired by a letter CL initially wrote to Minzy. The song topped the Billboard World Digital Songs chart.

Solo Careers:

Park Bom:
2009 - 2014:
In August 2009, she released her first solo single "You and I", which took the number one spot on the Gaon Music Chart for the month of November. The single eventually won Best Digital Single at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards. By the end of 2011, it was reported that "You and I" was downloaded 4,483,364 times, becoming one of the best-selling singles in Korean music history.

In late 2010, Park featured on GD & TOP's single "Oh Yeah", appearing on both the Korean and Japanese versions of the song as well as the Japanese music video.

On April 21, 2011, she released a second solo digital single, "Don't Cry". The single was a success and achieved a perfect all-kill on Instiz, placing number one on seven local music charts. The same year, Park featured on the song "Having an Affair", performed by G-Dragon and comedian Park Myeong-su in a duo project called GG for the Infinite Challenge Music Festival. The single was another hit and was the second most downloaded song of 2011.

In 2013, Park formed a sub-unit group with labelmate Lee Hi, known as Bom & Hi. The duo released a cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" on December 17.

The same year, she also featured on the Japanese version of G-Dragon's single "Black".

2014–2017: Career setback
In 2014, it was released to the public that Park had been under investigation for drug smuggling (80 amphetamine containing tablets) through international mail in the past. A package, sent by family members residing in the United States to her residing in South Korea, was stopped at Incheon International Airport customs. Park was put under investigation but was never charged. In a statement issued by YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun-suk, he spoke against the allegations of preferential treatment. He explained that the drug was illegal in South Korea but legal in the United States. She was unable to travel to the United States during that time due to her busy schedule. Park contacted her U.S. physician to refill her medication. Yang further explained that Park sought out medical care from South Korean physicians and had undergone therapy but proved to be not as effective as her treatment in the United States. In 2010, at the time of investigation, she had provided the prosecutor her medical records from her U.S. hospital confirming her diagnoses as well as ongoing treatment plan.

That same year, Park joined the cast of SBS's Roommate, a reality show which features eleven celebrities living together in a share house. She shortly withdrew from the program following the scandal and went into a hiatus from the entertainment industry.

Park's next appearance was on December 2, 2015, performing with 2NE1 at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

On November 25, 2016, YG Entertainment announced the disbandment of the group. The company also revealed that former members CL and Dara signed a solo contract, hinting at Park's departure from the company.

Park, however, took part in 2NE1's final song "Goodbye", released on January 21, 2017.

On April 30, 2017, she announced through social media that she is now under YG Entertainment's subsidiary, The Black Label, and is preparing to release a solo album. On May 1, 2017, the company denied that statement and declared that Park had not signed any new contract with the company or any of their subsidiaries since they broke her contract back in November 2016. She followed up on social media replying to fans that she did sign a contract and she is coming back.

2018–present: Career resurgence
On July 20, 2018, Park reportedly signed an exclusive contract with the newly established entertainment company D-Nation Entertainment.
"Spring" was announced on February 15, 2019 as the lead single off her debut single album of the same name, which was released on March 13, 2019 alongside the premiere of its music video. Additionally, "Spring" features vocals from former groupmate Dara.

Spring was re-released as an extended play titled re:Blue Rose on May 2, 2019. The lead single titled "4:44" featured vocals from Wheein.

Park released "I Do, I Do" for Perfume as her first soundtrack appearance on July 1, 2019.

Park competed in Mnet's reality television competition Queendom, which initially aired on August 29, 2019. She sang "Scarecrow" together with Oh My Girl's Hyojung, an emotional song written by JYP. She released three singles throughout her run in the competition: covers of "Hann (Alone)" by fellow competitor (G)I-dle and "Eyes, Nose, Lips" by former labelmate Taeyang, and an original song titled "Wanna Go Back", wherein the former features vocals from Cheetah.

Park subsequently featured in "Chanel" by MC Mong, which was released on October 29, 2019.

She reunited with Dara for the single titled "First Snow", which was released on December 10, 2019.

Sandara Park
2009–2012: Debut with 2NE1 and solo activities
Dara was featured on the single "Hello" from Big Bang member G-Dragon's album Heartbreaker, and later released her first solo single, "Kiss", which featured fellow 2NE1 member CL as a rapper.
Park made an appearance as the female lead in Taeyang's "I Need A Girl" music video in 2010.

As a result of 2NE1's growing fame, Park's earlier Philippine movies Bcuz of U, Can This Be Love, and D' Lucky Ones were screened in South Korea in 2012.

2013–2014: Return to the Philippines and acting
In May 2014, ABS-CBN announced that Park would be a guest on Pinoy Big Brother, which set off a social media frenzy, dominating both the Philippines and worldwide Twitter trending topics.
Back in South Korea, Dara replaced close friend Yoo In-na as a DJ for her Let's Crank Up the Volume radio program from May to June due to scheduling clashes.

Later in the year, Dara made a surprise cameo appearance as a top actress in the last episode of the highly rated Korean drama My Love from the Star.
On November 12, BeFunny Studios made an unannounced release of a three-part mini web series starring The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun and Dara, titled What's eating Steven Yeun.

2015: Web drama success and Sugar Man
In 2015, seven years after her last acting role, Dara returned to the small screen through the web-drama Dr. Ian, starring alongside Kim Young-kwang. Dara became the first actress to win the "Best Actress" award at the K-web festival for her performance.
Dara then took on her second leading role in We Broke Up, a web-drama based upon a web-toon of the same name.

On September 15, Dara was cast opposite Goong star Kim Jeong-hoon in Missing Korea.

Dara later joined JTBC variety show Sugar Man from 2015 to 2016, alongside Yoo Jae-suk, You Hee-yeol, and Kim Eana as a co-host.

2016–present: Judging, 2NE1's disbandment, domestic film debut, and first solo concert
Dara started the year 2016 with a special appearance in the MBC drama One More Happy Ending, as a beloved but spoiled star of a popular girl group.

Dara was officially promoted from being YG Entertainment's public relations head to director.

Dara then joined the judging panel of ABS-CBN's reality singing competition show Pinoy Boyband Superstar.
As the show was still filming the day after 2NE1 announced their disbandment, Dara became the first member to respond after the event by way of handing a handwritten letter in English to fans on November 26, 2016, and allowing them to upload the contents on her behalf.

In 2017, Dara became the host of OnStyle's beauty program Get It Beauty.
Dara then starred alongside Han Jae-suk in her domestic debut film One Step.
She participated in another OnStyle project titled Relationship Appeal, where she reviewed trending topics and travel to popular tourist spots.
Dara closed the year by performing 2NE1's past hits in a solo headlining concert, one year after the band's disbandment.

In 2018, Dara scored her first mainstream big screen role in the film adaption of the popular webtoon Cheese in the Trap as the heroine's best friend, Jang Bo-ra. The year also continued Dara's increased regular appearances on television with Mimi Shop, Borrowing Trouble, and MBC's Real Man 300.

In January 2019, Park served as a special guest and support act for labelmate Seungri on his Hong Kong and Manila tour dates for The Great Seungri tour. During that month, Park became a permanent co-host for the all-female talk show Video Star.

Dara reunited with former 2NE1 bandmate Park Bom as a featured artist for her single, "Spring", which was released on March 13.

Dara also became a judge and advisor in Stage K, a K-pop challenge variety television show, which premiered in April 2019.

Minzy
2009–2016: 2NE1
Minzy officially left the group and the group's agency, YG Entertainment, on April 5, 2016. Because of this, she did not take part in 2NE1's last song "Goodbye", released on January 21, 2017.
She was preparing and recording a solo album, scheduled ahead of "I Am the Best," but that got pushed back and eventually scrapped due to an issue "with a different artist in the company."

2016–present: Solo career
On May 2016, Minzy signed with CJ E&M's subsidiary label Music Works.
On January 17, 2017, a representative from KBS revealed that Minzy has been confirmed as a cast member of the second season of Sister's Slam Dunk.

In March 2017, Minzy released her first solo single, "I Wanted To Love" as the soundtrack of the MBC drama The Rebel.
On April 17, 2017, Minzy released her solo debut EP, Minzy Work 01. "Uno", along with title track "Ninano".

On December 1, 2018, Minzy released her first English language solo single, "All of You Say".

On April 17, 2020, Minzy left Music Works.

CL
2009–2013: Debut with 2NE1 and solo career beginnings
Lee took on the stage name 'CL' and was placed as the leader and main rapper of 2NE1.

In August 2009, she collaborated with label-mates G-Dragon and Teddy Park of 1TYM for the single "The Leaders", featured on G-Dragon's first solo album, Heartbreaker. The same month, CL collaborated with fellow member Minzy for "Please Don't Go", which charted at number six on the Gaon Chart by the end of November.

Her first solo single, "The Baddest Female", was released on 28 May 2013.

For 2NE1's second album Crush, CL wrote the lyrics and co-composed the music for the tracks "Crush", "If I Were You", and "Baby I Miss You". She also wrote the lyrics for her solo track "MTBD", as well as the track "Scream".

2014–2019: Stand-alone singles and featured appearances
In October 2014, it was announced that CL was planning to debut as a solo artist the following year in the United States, teaming up with Scooter Braun as her manager.

In May 2015, she featured in Diplo's single "Doctor Pepper", alongside Riff Raff and OG Maco.

In November 2015, CL released her first single "Hello Bitches", as a teaser for her upcoming EP Lifted. The lead single, "Lifted" was released on August 19, 2016. The song appeared in the Top 30 of iTunes’ Hip-Hop/Rap chart within three hours of being released, peaking at 21. On October 29, 2016, CL kicked off her first North American tour, the Hello Bitches Tour, in New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom, and concluded in Toronto on November 14.

Alongside Shaiana, she featured on Lil Yachty's song "Surrender", an exclusive track off of the Target deluxe edition of his album Teenage Emotions, released on May 26, 2017.

CL also recorded an original single titled "No Better Feelin'" for the My Little Pony: The Movie soundtrack, released on September 22, 2017.

On January 4, 2018, she was reported to make her Hollywood debut as an actress in Peter Berg's film Mile 22 that stars Mark Wahlberg.
On February 25, 2018, CL performed at the 2018 Winter Olympics closing ceremony at Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium, performing parts from "The Baddest Female" and the 2NE1 global hit "I Am the Best".

2019–present: Departure from YG Entertainment and In the Name of Love
On November 8, 2019, YG Entertainment announced that CL did not renew her contract with the company.

On December 4, right after leaving YG Entertainment, she began releasing previously unreleased tracks as her solo EP project In the Name of Love for three consecutive weeks.

Miscellaneous:
* 2NE1 was known for their interesting hairstyles.
* Despite being a successful as a group, 2NE1 didn't have it easy.
YG publicly called the members really ugly.
* Being put down like this paired with the pressure from the industry, debuting young (Minzy), insecurities about their future promotions, mistreatment towards the members from within the company and loneliness caused a lot of mental issues and this ultimately let to a lot of fans believing caused Park Bom's plastic surgery addiction, CL struggling with her weight, Minzy getting a nose job and Dara thinking she wasn't necessary in the group.
* Always being treated unfairly, Minzy opened up in 2018 about her depression and why she left 2NE1. Before leaving the agency, she begged for a solo career, but was denied.
* Minzy graduated from Baekseok University with impressive grades.
* A former YG staff member exposed the unfair treatment and their supposed songs were given to BLACKPINK, a group that YG himself called a group like 2NE1 but then pretty.
* YG completely blamed Park Bom for 2NE1's disbandment.
* Park Bom opened up about her controversy and insomnia in a Billboard interview.
* Park Bom was known for her love for corn, something she wasn't allowed to eat when dieting in her 2NE1 days. During Queendom however, (G)-Idle visited her agency and gifted her a basket filled with corn, which she happily tucked into.
* With Lifted not being that successful, CL struggled a lot trying to make it in the USA. With her releases constantly pushed back or cancelled, CL got frustrated and publicly called YG out on it. On top of that, her talk-show also got cancelled.
* Sandara is the icon of "baby-face", earning herself the nickname "vampire" for her youthful skin and look. In 2012, she was announced to be one of the most beautiful women of her time (1980s).

Sources:
Wikipedia: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
CL Official Channel, JUSTJKB, Mnet K-POP, SBS KPOP, 2NE1 ♪, YG ENTERTAINMENT

Previous: Nine Muses, 4Minute, Girl's Day, Sistar, Secret, Orange Caramel, Rainbow.
Next: hint

I did a lot of research for this week and I put a LOT of time and effort into making this post, but I also had to edit a large portion because there was a lot of information to go through (and the post is already very long). So if you are missing something from the post: that's probably why. Despite that, I really hope I did them justice.
I hope you also read the miscellaneous section, it gives more information on their YG struggles and extra background information, a lot of it is really interesting to read in my opinion and worth taking a look at.
Anyway, Happy 11th Anniversary, 2NE1 ❤️. I specifically waited to make this post until now despite multiple requests so we could celebrate this week!
Let me know what you think of this week? Did you bring your lightstick? You guys were already going wild last week when I hinted at this week, so please leave your essays down below ;-)
Also, I made the hint for next week a little more difficult again!

Comments

[myrrhcat.livejournal.com]

ohhhh the emotions!! TT
2ne1 were my FIRST EVER kpop group. over the years i had heard a few random songs (mirotic, gee, hello venus' debut) but i remember seeing a gifset of i am the best on tumblr and i just loved the aesthetic so i checked out all of 2ne1's music videos. i downloaded them all and watched them on repeat (probably would have contributed a lot to their streaming numbers if i had watched them on youtube, but... my internet was spotty lol) and while i didn't quite "get" their sound at first, i gradually fell in love with it. their sound was more western than any other kpop group but it was still new to my ears. i burned cds of their discography and listened to it nonstop in my car from 2013-2014. i have no idea how i still loved the songs after that much repetition (especially since their discography was so SMALL) but i really did.
i watched all of 2ne1 tv too, and i checked out other groups but no one was comparable to 2ne1 for me. i loved their personalities, their music, their looks and their amazingly creative high-fashion mvs. kinda wish i could go back to that era sometimes... i didn't know any korean at the time so i just imagined meanings to most of the lyrics which really drew me in... and i wasn't used to the fast-paced schedule of the kpop industry so one album a year was more than enough to keep me satisfied.
i got into the group during falling in love era, and i really started kicking myself once i got super into them, because they had performed in my state a year before that. if only i had started a little earlier!!
minzy was my bias, but i really loved each member and had a special soft spot for bom. she deserved so, so much better. being criticized for her looks, leading to surgery, leading to more criticism, ad infinitum... but she's so sweet and her voice is so amazing, even if it deteriorated due to poor coaching, she still has one of the most unique and addictive vocal tones in kpop.
and lastly... corn? corn is bad for diets? i never got that. yes it's a carb but it's one of the healthiest carbs you can have in its natural form... ugh. i hope she's eating as much as she wants now.

next week... dal shabet? b.b.b? :)

[dior-chic.livejournal.com]

Omg your guess makes more sense than mine! I thought of Be Ambitious 😂 sounds like it’ll be Dal Shabet :))

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

Their videos are SUPER flashy and fun to watch.

(Also I hope your guess is right)

[pikapika217.livejournal.com]

someone reposted lifted? lol

2NE1 will always be the ultimate example of why it's a BAD idea to be a woman at YGE - well, modern day. let's not forget how YG sabotaged his wife's group so that she wouldn't have options for herself and would eventually date & marry him, gross - because not only did they have EVERYTHING going for them they were poised for greater success and barely were able to release music. They're why I was worried about BlackPink from day one too because YGE has made it clear that women & their careers will never get the respect they deserve.

Them all coming back together for the 10 year anniversary was really sweet and, really, all I can do is wish them the best.

[dior-chic.livejournal.com]

Just gotta start with: always and forever Fuck YG

Ahhhh 2NE1...I think in the early 2010s is be like OMG 2NE1!!! And now I’m like ah I really liked them, but in a lot of their ways they’re a product of their time. Imo a lot of their stuff did not age well at all. But I have nostalgia for certain songs, so I have a soft spot even though if they were released these days I’d probably be cringing lol. But I also acknowledge when these came out I was in their main demographic, and since then I’ve naturally grown out of it (I say this as I listen to Charli XCX’s new album, my taste in music is so grown now~ /s)

Favorite songs: FIRE, I Am The Best, Lonely, Do You Love Me, It Hurts, Try to Follow Me, Come Back Home (unplugged version is great too), I Don’t Care, Can’t Nobody, Gotta Be You
Not a favorite, but ‘Ugly’ gives me the feels with the lyrics with how they were treated.
Usually I like to deep dive to b-sides I didn’t listen to previously, but I’m skipping it this time as I’ve mentioned, the lack of nostalgia means I’ll probably not be into a lot of them. Sorry girls 😬

General thoughts about their timeline:

I was introduced to them with Fire. I thought they were SO COOL 😎 lmao. These girls naturally caught my attention on stage. 2010-2011 were their best years imo. Whatever they put out I was really vibing with lol.

Then 2012-2013 came and eh. A lot of their new stuff wasn’t doing it for me. 2013-14 was weird in the sense that SNSD and 2NE1, they were the kpop girl groups that defined kpop for me, and here they were releasing boring songs that I easily checked out of promotions (to be specific 2013 for 2NE1, 2014 for SNSD) Do You Love Me is the only song I really liked.

2014 I think they bounced back for me Music-wise as I liked their new stuff again, but I did notice I started losing interest in the group despite liking the songs. It’s kinda where I became the casual fan I’m at now.


So in tldr: I went from being really into them to a casual fan. But I have a soft spot for them for how they were treated. God...just fuck YG man. So much emotional bullshit they had to put up with. Who wants to be known as the ugly group? And with everything Park Bom went through 😔😔😔 It felt like I watched 2NE1 basically be thrown out and it’s a huge reason why I can never fully get behind Blackpink because they were pushed as the ‘2NE1 - but prettier :)’ replacement group. that has always made me really uncomfortable. If 2NE1 disbanded in a natural progression type of way, I think I’d be more welcoming of BP, since I like listening to all types of girl groups.

Thoughts on the girls individually:

- CL I currently have mixed feelings on. I just associate her with appropriation lol, but I mean that’s how she’s literally been trained by YG Ent, that’s what her career is based on. I’m not gonna act like I didn’t love some of her solos (like Hello Bitches, ahhhh the cringe but I ate it up), but it’s just some reflection I’ve had over the years that idk if i feel as comfortable. Lifted is legit one of the worst songs ever LMAO, I’m being hyperbolic but I’ll never revisit it lol. I’m glad she’s finally freed from YG clutches and hopefully she has growth in her future music.
- Dara is forever a cutie. I don’t have any strong feelings but I just wanna see her thrive as always
- Minzy deserves credit for being the first one to bail 🎉 good for her!!! I haven’t loved any of her solos tbh and I know her next company also was a struggle, so I hope her future releases do well. She’s gone through a lot, I want her to see her succeed
- Speaking of going through a lot: Park Bom!!! Protect her at all costs lol! But seriously seeing her first solo back after her scandals and getting positive attention, it was such a huge moment!! As a vocalist, she has that YG technique that can reallyyyyy get on my nerves. Some songs it works, some it’s like ahhhh my ears don’t like this 👎 but as always, I just want to see her thrive.


So overall: they’re not my favorite group, but I generally want these girls to be happy since of all the bs they had to deal with it. Thanks for making my late teens/early 20s fun as fuck ❤️

[dior-chic.livejournal.com]

Oh and one observation - Sistar and 2NE1 both have final goodbye songs. Sistar’s was really emotional for me, I felt sad but understanding that Sistar came to an end. (Also the lyrics aren’t exactly goodbye to fans, it’s still a sad love song, but certain lyrics tug at the heart strings because they can relate to a bigger picture). But 2NE1’s I felt kinda empty listening to theirs, just because of their career projection and (broken record here) how they were treated toward the end of their career.

Also OP great job! I know this post took a lot of research and it shows 👍

[lostintheechoes.livejournal.com]

2NE1!! one of the first groups that got me into kpop. they will hold a special place in my heart!

[racquelle2005.livejournal.com]

I have a lot of mixed feelings about my time as a blackjack tbh. 2ne1 was the first girl group I truly ever loved. I had a hard time relating to other girl groups like snsd at the time as I was in high school and their "girl that every man wants" image just wasn't relatable to me.

I think unlike other blackjacks, I was not that surprised when they disbanded. The industry is brutal and the board of directors decided that it wasnt worth the investment anymore. I think what hurt me more about 2ne1s last few years was the overwhelming hate they got from the outside as well as other akgae fans. I absolutely hated going into their posts. I got so upset about the awful things people said about them and then they had the nerve to act hurt when they disbanded ugh


I know everyone talks about how YG treated 2ne1 but can we also have a conversation about how other kpop fans treated 2ne1? People in this own community had icons of CL with no make up on because they thought it was "funny" how ugly she was. 2ne1 got it bad from non fans and the media. They were always in the "prettier" groups shadow and got heat for not being appealing enough to your average uncle fan.

[violoncelliste.livejournal.com]

i remember the hate they were getting even after their disbandment.. damn did it hurt to read those posts and comments. my favourite were those who hated them in the name of feminism (this still happens!!! i know it's mostly younger fans but i'm so tired). at least i unlearned the black and white thinking pretty fast thanks to those people :/

[broadcities.livejournal.com]

i was never a huge fan but i love many of their songs still hold up so well imo - come back home, falling in love, i love you, do you love me.. and when i first got into kpop i was so impressed by i am the best! they really paved the way for so many groups now.

[yuwkon.livejournal.com]

i didn't know some of these facts but YG blaming Park Bom for 2ne1's disbandment????????????? really?????? just say you didn't handle this scandal very well and go. fuck YG!

MAMA 2015 performance remains iconic. as a casual fan, i remember screaming and hyping for 2ne1! even the crowd was so hype about this stage.

i miss 2ne1. :(

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

Talking about 2NE1 makes me feel like a grandma reading her grand children a story from long ago times. Except I'm a senior Kpop fan yelling at junior fans about things that happened 5 years ago???

2NE1 was the very start of my Kpop journey. Happy eleventh anniversary to me too, then. I had been into Jpop since 2007, found bits and pieces of the Wonder Girls and Lee Hyori in 2008 and then stumbled upon 2NE1's Fire mv in 2009.... I loved their colourful visuals, high energy choreo and fun songs. Okay, this particular mv has NOT aged well, but those things have kept me tied to Kpop to this very day. (Western music really lost its edge and sense of FUN in the early 2000s, and only recently has regained its colourfulness and crazy concepts imo).

While they promoted I didn't always 'like' them. I put that down to YG overhyping them and fans doing the same. Who remembers the YG stans of the early 2010s and their 'Only YG artists are REAL artists' agenda? lmao. I don't think they were the perfect group that people made them out to be, but they were mad talented and to this day a group that deserved it's popularity. I think they played a big part in making girl crush a much more acceptable concept for girl groups, although many of those now sport a much more watered down version of what 2NE1 did. 2NE1 wasn't ~pretty~ and did what the boys did and that's exactly what made them cool. @YG you can CHOKE

[violoncelliste.livejournal.com]

Who remembers the YG stans of the early 2010s and their 'Only YG artists are REAL artists' agenda?

why did you have so say it lmao that was terrible. and some people still do that!! how did we not get anywere as a species in those 10 years.

[tiffturn01.livejournal.com]

2NE1 will always hold a special place in my heart. They were the group that got me into Kpop. I remember staying up during my Thanksgiving break and watching so much of their content. I got into them after their MAMA 2011 performance. To this day, I haven't loved another girl group the way I love 2NE1, they were the best of the best to me. I will always be bitter about their ending, especially because it didn't have to happen.

[audiograms.livejournal.com]

OP YOU ARE AMAZING ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[aures.livejournal.com]

thank you so much, comments like this really make me so happy ♥

[violoncelliste.livejournal.com]

OP you made me cry!! I knew a 2ne1 post is going to make me cry. Still, you did such a great job, it must have taken so much time! it mostly hurts, but thank you for this trip down the memory lane

in 2009 there was a panel at an anime convention I went to about asian commercials, I only caught the last 10 minutes of it, but that's when they played Lollipop and I never looked back. I played it so often my brother (who was 4 at the time) actually knew the lyrics. I remember how shocked I was when he started singing along, I guess it's because he was very little and it was easier for him to learn the korean sounds? idk

2ne1 will always be first in my heart as a kpop/girl group. I am one of those annoying people who says they are the best girl group that ever was (of course i mean for me, different strokes for different folks and all that). I never could and still can't identify with the very feminine and/or just 'dream girl' concept, it's just not me. I loved that Dara who was conventionally the prettiest member had those weird hairstyles, clothes with unflattering silhouette, she looked a mess sometimes (i mean all of them did) and she loved it! she had so much fun with those looks! they were all sexy and attractive but in ways that I enjoyed and felt comfortable with. Not to mention they were an absolute joy to watch on stage. No choreo can replace attitude and they had more than several groups combined. It doesn't matter to me if they were the most talented, I'm not going to argue that (neither would I defend them when it comes to things they did wrong) , but no other group made me feel how they did. They did wonders for my self-esteem as a weird 15 year old and it's devastating to me that they were hated for the very things I loved about them.

Music wise I genuinely loved all of their title tracks except for 'Do you love me' and I still cry a bit to 'Ugly', which is one of my favourite songs ever :) CL's album from last December was a wonderful Christmas gift. I'm glad neither of them gave up on music or each other.

[apori.livejournal.com]

They did wonders for my self-esteem as a weird 15 year old and it's devastating to me that they were hated for the very things I loved about them.

Ouch yeah there it is. It's the same for me. At times it almost felt like they were taking the blunt of the hatred that would have otherwise hit me (makes no sense but young me looked at them that way), and it makes it even more hurtful to imagine as an adult with better understanding of just how harmful that shit can be for them as public figures but still young women. They are still unmatched on stage for me, the four together had everything and was magic *sniff*.

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

2NE1 was first mentioned by South Korean press in late 2004.

Oh I didn't know that. How typical of YG, announcing a new group years before the actual debut.

2NE1 really had a great discography, but if you compare them to other groups their run was rather short, only 5-6 years... what a shame.

[dior-chic.livejournal.com]

Yea that was my same thougth about their career feeling short, that’s how I felt with Secret too. Like damn they didn’t even get the full 7 years

[apori.livejournal.com]

One of the (many!) great things about your series OP is that we get to remember and celebrate all parts of these GGs careers, rather than the ending which is the most recent thing in our memory and which lbr is often also not great.

This week I'm hit me deep in the heart strings. I haven't actually processed the end of 2NE1 yet, even after all this time. The thing is, I don't even think it's necessarily a bad thing. 3/4 are free from YG now, and it's for the better. I wouldn't trade having them back as a group under YG for anything, and at the time Minzy left she also wanted to and had her reasons for leaving the group not just YG. For me, even though YG (lied and) said they would go on as 3, I considered it the end when Minzy left. Goodbye is like the epilogue in Harry Potter, lol it's there and we acknowledge it but we don't think about it much.

It's something I'm still sad about, but to me nothing can threaten their place in kpop history. It doesn't matter if others "outsell" or "outperform" or what ever, what they did stands alone and is, that overused kpop word "iconic" but they actually are. I am the best mv.... There's just a bitter feeling left in me because of the potential that was wasted through no fault of theirs. It's for the best that it's over (in that shape and form) but it was the result of horrible treatment and it's tough for me to swallow even today. I know it's contexual and corcumstantial but I feel that if there ever was a group was hallyu potential, it was them. Even more so than the ones killing it today, even more than BB. It's what it is, and who cares about western fans tbh, but there again is the potential that was not harvested.

Their surprise ot4 stage at Mama is one of my goat moments. I wasn't following things too carefully at that point, so I was one of the fans actually surprised hahaha, but holy shit. And that's the last time (so far anyway) we saw them perform together.... My heart. There was a time where I would watch that daily, still get teary thinking about it lol.

The way they were treated by fans, including Blackjacks, still traumatizes me. I don't think it's possible to recover from some of it, especially Bom but I hope I'm wrong. I just wish them all peace and success going forward.

Wow what a messy way to say I have some feelings. They gave us very few albums, but the impact for me is bigger than some of my other faves with 200+ songs.

[violoncelliste.livejournal.com]

we're really going through it in this post 😂

but god, same

[frequency.livejournal.com]

i initially thought i'd have a lot to say with this post, but now that it's here... i'll keep it quick, lol.

i tapped out of their music after their 1st album; for me, everything else was pretty disappointing after that. i don't blame them for that, though. they should've had a producer other than teddy. 😬

YG really fucked them over in so many aspects.

[dior-chic.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean. I really loved 2NE1 in the beginning, that’s when I was so into their music. Revisiting their discography, yea there’s songs I liked along the way but overall it shows most of my fondest memories came from a short time frame.

That’s when I realized I liked 2NE1, but didn’t loveeee them as like a life changing group (I feel like that feeling I get from Dreamcatcher, but I’m just speaking from my experience)

[krispy-bacon.livejournal.com]

I'll never love another girl group the way I loved 2NE1. They were the best. I really hope they start to flourish. And I really hope for a reunion again someday.

[aleksu7.livejournal.com]

An iconic and legendary group from the best era of kpop. I never liked YG music but I have to agree that I gave everything on clubs with Fire or I am the best which is a BOP, history of kpop at this point. They didn't have great voices and were quite bad live (in terms of vocals) but damn if they were not one of the most charismatic groups (especially CL and Minzy), I'm sorry but Blackpink wishes they could have half the charisma this group had. Like me, not being a fan of them, always watched their performance and enjoy them.
Also I love Bom, she is a cutie pie a sunshine that deserves every good in the world.
And this might not be 100% related but it kinda bothers me or disappoint me, that the big boom of kpop, at least internationally, is happening this era and not on the prior one (yes I'm talking snsd, 2ne1 etc) where, overall, groups were way better.

Edit to shout-out the amazing work on this post, great job

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

And this might not be 100% related but it kinda bothers me or disappoint me, that the big boom of kpop, at least internationally, is happening this era and not on the prior one (yes I'm talking snsd, 2ne1 etc) where, overall, groups were way better.

The thing that makes me sad is a lot of newer fans refuse to listen to earlier-gen groups so they're missing out on a LOT of good music.

[aeries-amethyst.livejournal.com]

2NE1's debut is still on my list of the best kpop debuts ever. These girls had me shook when I first saw them on my screen! Fire is so iconic! "Ay ay ay ay ay ay ay! We're 21! Ay ay ay ay ay ay ay! You better ring the alarm!" They were the first GG I hardcore stanned before I finally gave Soshi a chance and saw the light lmao XD I am still pressed as a panini that they beat Genie with IDC but I am not mad that CBH beat out Mr.Mr

Whilst I love 2NE1's bangers, because lbr they had so many bops...I really liked their ballads. Because whew, these girls really know how to emote even when singing those slower songs. That's why If I Were You and It Hurts hit me right in the feels every single time!

Fave Songs: Fire (obviously), Follow Me, IATB, DSTM, DYLM, CBH, It Hurts, IIWY, ILY, Can't Nobody, CYH
Honourary Mentions: Crush, Hate You, Lonely, Go Away, Ugly because this song makes me so sad

As for the solo songs, I will always have a soft spot for Bom even if her tone and technique are not my fave. Don't Cry and Spring are two songs that I am just in love with! I start belting out every time they pop up on my playlist. Even though Dara has not released much music, Kiss is just that song! CL was actually my 2NE1 bias but her music is kinda hit or miss for me, especially with the way her career hasn't panned out the way she would have liked. Minzy's music hasn't really clicked with me that much either. Regardless, I wish all of them the best in their solo endeavours! \o/ These girls have been through so much and the industry plus fans were so brutal to them. They should have had a longer career. I am still so fucking furious at YG for treating them like he did and of course he treats BP the same way. Sigh, I just hope they're happier now.

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

Because whew, these girls really know how to emote even when singing those slower songs. That's why If I Were You and It Hurts hit me right in the feels every single time!

Thank you! There is so much emotion in It Hurts, sooooo much. That bridge gets me every time.

[myungung.livejournal.com]

whew, thanks for this series once again OP. this was pretty detailed! I won't consider myself as a fan of 2ne1, but I did follow their news here and there.

Only got into their songs with Lonely and Hate You era, and it seemed that it was already the beginning of their reduced activities. their songs were not always to my liking, but I like the energy they put into performing, and it was really refreshing to watch them! I actually liked their slower songs, and when it was CL and Minzy focused (oops). It's really wasted how their careers turned out with the mismanagement, and I at first thought 2ne1 could be pretty huge with how the members had so much individual activities when compared to their contemporaries.

one of the main highlights of their career would probably be the MAMA surprise, and everybody really thought they could come back. alas, it wasn't meant to be. I also hated how the girls were made to be this badass group and pitted against other groups, which kinda affected the ability for them to really mingle with idols on screen. but I'm glad that the 4 of them have now put those misunderstandings in the past, and it's really nice to see their friendship going strong. Dara really seems to be the glue in the group

[aures.livejournal.com]

thank you as always for stopping by and leaving such a beautiful comment <3 i really appreciate and love that!

i agree re: Dara being the glue, but also kinda Bom? She always mentions them! i love that

[rightclick5ave.livejournal.com]

2NE1 was the reason I got into kpop in 2012... Dara's side shave in I Love You is why I'm here eight years later ;~; I'm over YG groups and my Blackjack phase but I still get a twinge in my chest whenever I listen to their songs. they were successful but they deserved a lot better than how YG treated them and I'll never be over THAT :(

[typhlogirl.livejournal.com]

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN.....(actually i should start with giving you kudos for the crazy amount of work this must have taken, OP!!!)

I was never really into the fandom side of KPOP until later, but I listened to 2NE1 regularly. My first time in Korea coincided with the release of CRUSH in 2014, so that album is very special to me. You couldn't escape their songs in Seoul and I loved it lmfao, I had the album on REPEAT!

They were performing in Seoul on one of the nights I was there, and I COULD have gone but I was concerned about stuffing things up (I know no Korean)....I don't regret not going but if I'd known they'd end in such a lacklustre manner I would have :/ but either way IATB still remains THAT SONG.

ugh lemme go put CRUSH on and suffer FUCK YOU YG!!!!!!

[aures.livejournal.com]

thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment <3 i really appreciate it

[premonitioner.livejournal.com]

I was only ever a casual 2ne1 fan, but I'll always be furious about how dirty they were done

[lightframes.livejournal.com]

OP, thank you for saving this post for their anniversary 🥰

I didn't get into 2NE1 until early 2010. I was OBSESSED with the Lollipop video. I used to come home after class and watch it over and over again. It was so bright and colorful and I thought Bom and Dara were adorable.

The Fire (Space) video has some super memorable visuals (not always for the right reasons as there was some cultural appropriation with Dara). But Bunny Bom with the playing cards and CL on the motorcycle remain top tier for me. They just seemed so cool and futuristic. I still love the song, too.

I Don't Care was the first 2NE1 song I heard and I still love it to this day.

The release of To Anyone was HYPE. Album full of hits!!! And the videos were just as good!!! I remember changing my ringtone from Go Away to Clap Your Hands to Can't Nobody. In Can't Nobody I know everyone likes suit Minzy but I'm really fond of CL's outfit in the opening scene. Go Away had dating violence which I know was hard for some people to watch, especially since it ends with CL's crash in the car race. Clap Your Hands gave me Bom's perfect red hair and super smoky eye (well the whole era did that). Some songs were meant to be heard live and this is one of them. I'm jealous of everyone who got to see them live because I never did. It Hurts was GORGEOUS, thank you for giving us spooky Halloween visuals! This song always makes me teary, especially when Bom comes in with that perfect blue hair and those perfect vocals. To Anyone was the album that made me realize she's my favorite member.

I'm not going to lie... I don't really like I Am The Best that much lol I love the video and the message but I hardly ever listen to the song. Another unforgettable visual - 2NE1 breaking all the records!!! I'm a Hate You girl, though, I love that song and video. That song went on repeat for the rest of the summer.

I Love You was another summer jam (I'm sensing a pattern). Bom's feather lashes 🥰

I love the whole dystopian vibe of Come Back Home. It's such a beautiful video. The whole Crush album was really good. Baby I Miss You is my favorite 2NE1 album track.

In summary, regardless of how anyone feels about them as a group they made a mark in K-pop history. THEY DESERVED BETTER.

Favorite single: It Hurts
Favorite album track: Baby I Miss You
Favorite video: It Hurts
Favorite member: Bom
Favorite individual look: Punk Dara - I Am The Best
Favorite concept: Hate You

[aures.livejournal.com]

thank you so much for your beautiful comment <3 thanks for stopping by!
they really did deserve better, but it's good to see they have been able to develop so much since their 2NE1 days, i really appreciate that about them