K-pop has been in the Philippine radar for more than a decade now, thanks to its catchy music, meaningful lyrics, and eye-catching visuals.
But before the rise of K-pop groups like BTS, TWICE, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN, lots of senior groups have worked hard to make the mark that the genre has today. Among them is the K-pop girl group 2NE1.
2NE1 is one of the most popular and well-respected girl groups from what fans dub the “Golden Era” of K-pop (2008-2012) and the 2nd generation of K-pop.
Their disbandment in 2016 brought a lot of tears among K-pop fans, making their reunion this 2024 a sight to see for many.
In October 2024, 2NE1 is set to kick off their reunion tour titled 'WELCOME BACK,' and Filipino Blackjacks are hopeful to see the four K-pop idols on Philippine stage.
Meanwhile, meet the 2nd generation K-pop queens, 2NE1, in this gallery:
2NE1 is a four-member South Korean girl group under YG Entertainment. They debuted on May 6, 2009 with the iconic song “Fire.”
2NE1 members include CL as the group's leader, Bom as the main vocalist, Minzy as the main dancer, and the Philippines' Pambansang Krung-Krung, Sandara Park.
Before their debut in May of 2009, 2NE1 was introduced to the public through a collaboration with label-mates, BIG BANG. They released a song titled “Lollipop” in line with their endorsement of a smartphone from LG.
Some of the greatest hits of 2NE1 include “I Am the Best,” “Lonely,” “COME BACK HOME,” “I Don't Care,” and “FIRE.”
In 2009, 2NE1 received the MAMA Song of the Year award for their song “I Don't Care.” According to reports, they were the first K-pop idol group to receive a daesang (major award) in the same year of debut.
In 2014, 2NE1 made history with their studio album 'Crush,' after it became the first K-pop album to enter the top 100 of Billboard 200, ranking at 61.
After their successful endeavors as a group for nearly five years, 2NE1 members started to seek individual activities in the latter part of 2015.
Some of the solo activities that 2NE1 members did were CL's US solo debut with “Hello B*tches,” Sandara's acting projects, and Minzy's opening of Millennium Dance Academy.
During her iconic performance at the MNET Asian Music Awards in 2015, CL surprised the crowd with a performance with her co-members where they sang “I Am The Best.”
According to reports, no one knew about the appearance of 2NE1 at CL's solo performance at MAMA aside from the members and dancers themselves.
In November 2016, YG Entertainment announced the unfortunate news of the disbandment of 2NE1. This came after the departure of Minzy from the group in April 2016.
Following their disbandment in 2016, 2NE1 released their disbandment song “Goodbye” on January 21, 2017. It was recorded by the remaining three members, CL, Bom, and Dara, and was based on the letter written by CL to Minzy for her departure from the group.
Almost five years after their disbandment and nearly seven years since their last performance, 2NE1 surprised the world when they performed as a group at CL's set in Coachella in 2022 where they sang their hit song “I Am The Best.”
On July 21, 2024, YG Entertainment brought the K-pop world to a high when they posted on their social media accounts a poster of 2NE1 with the caption that said, “WELCOME BACK, 2NE1.”
Days after YG Entertainment's announcement, 2NE1 confirmed that they are going to do a reunion tour called 'WELCOME BACK' on October 5, 2024.
2NE1 was set to kick off its 'WELCOME BACK' tour with a two-day concert at the Olympic Park on October 5 and 6, 2024. To enjoy more time with K-Blackjacks, YG Entertainment announced that they are adding a show on October 4, 2024.
Asian Blackjacks were ecstatic when YG Entertainment announced that 2NE1 would perform in Asia for their 'WELCOME BACK' tour.
After years of wishing and hoping, Filipino Blackjacks are finally about to witness the K-pop phenomenon that is 2NE1.
The group will perform in the country on November 16, 2024. Ticket prices and concert venue are yet to be announced.