2NE1 has received a welcome back from fans!
From October 4 to 6, 2NE1 made their long-awaited return on the stage with their “WELCOME BACK” concert to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary, kick-starting their global tour at Olympic Hall in Seoul with three days of exciting performances.
With back-to-back nostalgic performances of numerous hit songs, 2NE1 once again proved that no stage is big enough to fit their overwhelmingly powerful presence.
Heralding their return with “COME BACK HOME,” 2NE1 set “FIRE” to their stage with their opening stage. They continued to hype up the audience with hits such as “CLAP” and “CAN’T NOBODY,” showcasing eye-catching performances as seasoned veterans.
After teaching new and longtime BLACKJACK (2NE1’s official fan club) the phrase, “2NE1 nolza” (literally meaning “let’s play” in Korean), 2NE1 continued to captivate audiences with “DO YOU LOVE ME,” “FALLING IN LOVE,” and “I DON’T CARE.”
As 2NE1 prepared for their next performances, the concert also showcased pre-filmed congratulatory messages from IU, NewJeans, IVE, TWICE, BABYMONSTER, aespa, Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, KISS OF LIFE, BOYNEXTDOOR, Zico, TREASURE, BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, and Pharrell Williams. In the touching montage of messages, many new-generation K-pop artists conveyed their heartfelt congratulations, celebrating the return of artists they long respected and looked up to while chasing their own dreams of becoming K-pop artists.
After receiving a boost of energy from the messages, CL performed her solo songs “THE BADDEST FEMALE” and “MTBD.” 2NE1 soon returned on stage as a full group, delivering emotional performances of “MISSING YOU,” “IT HURTS,” “IF I WERE YOU,” and “LONELY.”
To support 2NE1’s return, YG Entertainment’s latest girl group BABYMONSTER took to the stage to perform their songs “SHEESH” and “BATTER UP” as well as a special mash-up of 2NE1 songs. Expressing their excitement to perform, the group shared, “It’s an honor to be here to celebrate 2NE1’s 15th debut anniversary,” adding how much they also enjoyed watching 2NE1’s performances as well.
After VCR clips of 2NE1TV highlighting 2NE1’s roots and journey over the 15 years, 2NE1 returned to the stage for “I LOVE YOU,” “UGLY,” and “GOTTA BE YOU.”
Taking the time to interact with BLACKJACKS, CL shared, “We’re so happy to gather together at this meaningful place.” Sandara Park continued, “Olympic Hall is a very meaningful place to us. We had our first concert ‘NOLZA’ here.” Addressing both new fans who were attending their first 2NE1 concert as well as longtime fans who were present at their first-ever concert, Sandara Park conveyed her resolve to work hard to perform for fans.
Park Bom remarked, “While preparing for the concert, I felt so grateful, and it was such a meaningful time I’m so happy to greet everyone.” Minzy added, “I just want to take the time today to say thank you again. Our unnies, I love you so much! Our BLACKJACKS, I love you!”
Sandara Park further teased an upcoming encore concert for those who were unable to get tickets, sharing, “I think we’ll have to hold the concert at a bigger venue, tweak the set list, and change our outfits.”
The concert came to a close as 2NE1 performed “COME BACK HOME,” “I AM THE BEST,” and “GO AWAY,” leaving the fans jumping and singing along.
As fans called for 2NE1’s encore performance with “2NE1 nolza,” the members returned to bid farewell to fans with “HAPPY,” “IN THE CLUB,” “CRUSH,” and a medley of their hit songs before taking their final bows.
Following their stops in Seoul, 2NE1 will hold their “WELCOME BACK” Asia tour. Stay tuned for more updates on 2NE1’s tour!
Photo Credit: YG Entertainment