Iconic K-pop girl group 2NE1 has made a stunning return to the spotlight, gracing the cover of DAZED Korea’s December 2024 issue. The quartet’s appearance on the magazine’s cover coincides with their highly anticipated comeback tour, thrilling fans worldwide and cementing their status as one of K-pop’s most influential acts.
2NE1, consisting of members CL, Bom, Dara, and Minzy, first debuted in 2009 under YG Entertainment. The group quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music, coupled with their bold fashion choices and powerful stage presence. Their debut single “Fire” set the tone for their career, showcasing their distinctive sound and charismatic performances.
Throughout their initial seven-year run, 2NE1 released numerous hit songs that defined a generation of K-pop, including “I Am The Best,” “Come Back Home,” and “I Don’t Care.” Their music videos garnered millions of views, and their concerts sold out venues across Asia and beyond. The group’s influence extended beyond music, as they became fashion icons and role models for young fans worldwide.
However, in 2016, fans were devastated when YG Entertainment announced 2NE1’s disbandment. The members pursued individual projects, with CL focusing on her solo career in the United States, Dara continuing her work in entertainment, Bom releasing solo music, and Minzy establishing her own company.
Fast forward to 2024, and 2NE1 has reunited for their “Welcome Back” tour, commemorating their 15th anniversary. The tour kicked off with three sold-out shows in Seoul from October 4 to 6, 2024, at the Olympic Hall. The concerts were a nostalgic journey for long-time fans, with the group performing their classic hits in their original form, capturing the essence of 2NE1’s iconic sound.
The “Welcome Back” tour has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, leading to additional concert dates being added in various cities. In Singapore, for instance, a second show was added on December 22, 2024, after the initial December 21 concert sold out rapidly. The tour spans multiple Asian countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, with more dates potentially being added.
2NE1’s comeback has reignited the passion of their fanbase, known as Blackjacks, and attracted a new generation of K-pop enthusiasts. The group’s decision to focus on their classic sound and image during the tour has been praised by fans and critics alike. As CL explained during their Seoul concert, “We felt greedy about what we wanted to show you guys, but we decided that we just want those of you, who have been our fans for a long time, to relive our memories together, and those who didn’t know us that well, to just know that there’s a group like us”.
The DAZED Korea cover serves as a visual representation of 2NE1’s triumphant return, showcasing their enduring charisma and style. As the group continues their tour and potentially releases new music, they prove that their influence in the K-pop industry remains as strong as ever. For young K-pop fans, 2NE1’s comeback is a chance to witness firsthand the magic of a group that helped shape the global phenomenon that K-pop has become today.
What are some of the most memorable moments from 2NE1’s Welcome Back Tour?
2NE1’s “Welcome Back” tour has been a significant event for K-pop fans, marking the legendary group’s return after nearly a decade. Here are some of the most memorable moments from their recent concerts:
- Grand Reunion Concert in Seoul: Kicking off the tour from October 4 to 6, 2024, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul, 2NE1 celebrated their 15th anniversary with a spectacular performance that included a powerful remix of “Come Back Home” and electrifying renditions of classic hits like “Fire,” “I Don’t Care,” and “I Am The Best.” The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia as fans sang along to every word, showcasing the group’s enduring popularity and impact on K-pop.
- Emotional Performances: The concert featured not only energetic tracks but also emotional ballads. Songs like “Missing You,” “It Hurts,” and “Lonely” allowed the members to connect deeply with the audience, evoking tears and cheers from long-time fans. CL expressed gratitude for the fans’ patience during their hiatus, making the reunion feel even more special.
- Star-Studded Audience and Support: The concerts attracted numerous celebrities, including members from other K-pop groups like NewJeans and BLACKPINK, as well as international stars such as Pharrell Williams, who sent congratulatory messages. This support highlighted 2NE1’s influence on newer generations of artists.
- Interactive Fan Engagement: The group made efforts to engage with their fans, affectionately known as Blackjacks. During the concert, they taught new fans the phrase “2NE1 nolza,” meaning “let’s play,” fostering a sense of community and shared excitement among attendees.
- Announcement of Additional Concerts: Due to overwhelming demand, 2NE1 announced additional shows in cities like Singapore, adding a second concert date after the first sold out quickly. This demonstrated their continued relevance in the K-pop scene and the eagerness of fans to see them live.
- Heartfelt Messages from Members: Each member took time to express their gratitude to fans for their support over the years. Sandara Park and Minzy shared touching reflections on their journey together and emphasized how meaningful it was to reunite after so long, creating an emotional connection that resonated deeply with the audience.
- Encore Performance: The concerts concluded with an encore that included fan-favorite tracks like “Crush” and a medley of hits, leaving fans exhilarated and chanting for more. Dara hinted at plans for an encore concert at a larger venue due to high demand, promising fans that this reunion was just the beginning.
Overall, 2NE1’s “Welcome Back” tour has been a celebration of their legacy in K-pop, filled with memorable performances, emotional reunions, and a reaffirmation of their status as icons in the music industry.
Members Profiles
CL (Leader)
Personal Details:
- Birth Name: Lee Chae-rin
- Stage Name: CL
- Birthday: February 26, 1991
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 162 cm
- Position: Leader, Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, Lead Vocalist
Key Highlights:
- Speaks Korean, Japanese, English, and French
- Spent much of her early life in Japan and France
- Trained initially at JYP before joining YG Entertainment
- Admires Lil Kim and dreams of being a rapper
- Known for her solo career and international recognition
- Has appeared in various commercials and was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list
Park Bom
Personal Details:
- Birth Name: Park Bom
- Stage Name: Bom
- Birthday: March 24, 1984
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 165 cm
- Position: Main Vocalist
Key Highlights:
- Speaks Korean and English
- Has an older sister who is a cello star
- Known for her powerful vocal abilities
- Christian
- Has two dogs named Choco & Danchoo
- Influences include Mariah Carey, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilera
Sandara Park (Dara)
Personal Details:
- Birth Name: Park Sandara
- Stage Name: Dara
- Position: Visual, Rapper, Dancer
Minzy
Personal Details:
- Birth Name: Gong Minji
- Stage Name: Minzy
- Position: Main Dancer, Sub-Vocalist
Group Information:
- Fandom Name: BlackJacks
- Fandom Color: Hot Pink
- Official Group Greeting: “What’s up! We’re 2NE1!”
- Group Name Meaning: Combination of “21st Century” and “New Evolution”
The group officially reunited on July 22, 2024, when YG Entertainment re-signed all four members, marking their comeback after their initial disbandment in 2016.