After 10 years, K-pop girl group 2NE1 embarked on their three-day sold out “Welcome Back” concert in Seoul starting on Oct. 4 and will run until Oct. 6.
2NE1, composed of Sandara Park or Dara, CL, Minzy and Park Bom, debuted in 2009. Their last group concert was the “All or Nothing” world tour in 2014.
2NE1 members (from left) Minzy, Park Bom, CL and Sandara Park at their Seoul concert on Oct. 5 (Screenshot from Jikcamlens video on YouTube)
2NE1 with K-pop boy band WEi member Kang Seok-hwa (center) (Instagram)
2NE1 with comedians Jo Se-ho and Kim Sook (Instagram)
2NE1 with K-pop boy band Winner member Kang Seung-yoon (Instagram)
In 2016, or after seven years, YG Entertainment announced their disbandment.
The “Welcome Back” concert was to celebrate their 15th anniversary of their debut.
In an interview with Korean media outlet Osen, 2NE1 members talked about their new concert, which is being held 10 years and six months since “All or Nothing.”
“We’ve been on the Coachella stage and met up with each other here and there. However, since it was our 15th anniversary, we planned something special together, but I didn't know it would turn out like this. I always said that we would definitely have a concert together someday, and I'm so happy that it's finally happening,” said CL.
Sandara Park said, “It feels like a dream, and it still doesn't feel real. They say it's been 10 years, but it's been a long time. The past 10 years have passed like a film, and I don't think it'll feel real until we actually go on stage.”
“I've been waiting for this day to come. It feels like a dream. Right now, I want to prepare well for the stage more than anything else, and I'm most looking forward to the moment when I'll meet my fans again,” said Park Bom:
Minzy said, “Everyone is dumbfounded. I don't think I'll feel it until I stand on stage. I've dreamed a lot about the four of us standing on stage. I think it's time to see that come true. I'm really excited and looking forward to it.”
The three days of the Seoul concert sold out fast. The Seoul venue, Olympic Hall, is memorable for 2NE1 as it was where they held their first concert in 2011.
“At first, I was sad that I couldn't meet more fans, but I gained strength from the response and love you sent me. There must have been a lot to overcome because it's been a long time. I was nervous because I had to experience it myself and stand up to know, but they responded warmly. Above all, this concert hall is where 2NE1 had their first concert. It's even more special, and I want to put more meaning into starting here,” said CL.
Minzy added, “I've been checking the response all day. I'm grateful that you still love us and continue to wait for us.”
On their preparation for the concert, Sandara Park said, “We're doing what the four of us have been doing, and we're working with the dancers and staff who have been doing it before, so it wasn't much different.”
“And this time, rather than preparing something new, I thought about showing what 2NE1 used to do. Since there was time in between, I think I’m doing better than before,” she said.
Minzy said, “It’s the same things we’ve always done, but we’re approaching it with a different look and condition. The members have also become more mature, and it’s a moment where we enter the same space as different people, so I felt a lot of emotions. It’s a new approach. In the process, I’ve been healed in many ways and I’ve gained a lot of insight.”
About the setlist for the concert, CL said she “wanted to bring back to the roots of the concert the ‘classic’ 2NE1 itself. When we went on tour in the past, we tried to show new sides of ourselves, like changing choreography or rearranging songs, but this time, I want to show you the original 2NE1 music. We’ve perfectly captured the essence of the 2NE1 stage that you’ve been expecting.”
“I wanted to show you all the songs on stage, but I feel bad that I couldn't. But I think you can look forward to it because I've prepared a setlist that everyone can enjoy and feel together,” said Park Bom.
CL said while they were rehearsing and practicing for the concert, “every single moment was precious. We're spending time practicing together after such a long time after our individual activities. In the past, these times just felt natural, but now they're precious and even more special. We are preparing with the determination to make many memories while having fun together. Everything is great.”
Sandara said they started practicing for the concert in July ”but now that we are in the concert hall and on stage, I think we will miss the practice room and our current memories even more.”
“Of course, it will continue, but I think it is because things that were taken for granted in the past have become special. That is why I am trying to enjoy every moment even more. And since our individual and free-spirited appearance on stage has matured and matured, I hope you will pay close attention to this part as well,” she added.
(From left) Comedian Jo Se-ho, actor Lee Joon and comedian Kim Sook at 2NE1's concert in Seoul (Instagram)
Comedian Jo Se-ho and actor Lee Joon at 2NE1's concert in Seoul (Instagram)
(From left) Comedians Jo Se-ho and Kim Sook and actor Lee Joon at 2NE1's concert in Seoul (Instagram)
They said they felt comfortable working with YG Entertainment for the concert.
“It is really special and precious. This project was decided and carried out in a really short period of time. I vaguely thought about celebrating and creating our 15th debut anniversary with the members, but as a result, it is even more meaningful to be here again. Everyone is preparing passionately, and I am grateful for all these moments of working together with people who fit well,” said CL.
Sandara Park described it as “great and reassuring.”
“The members of 2NE1 have been with YG for at least 15 years. It feels like home, so it’s very familiar, and it’s warm every time we come. And since they all know our characters well, I think they’ll lead us well even if we meet again and work together, and it’s actually coming true,” she said.
When asked to describe their “Welcome Back” performance, CL said, “Stamping. I think this concert will clearly imprint that the group 2NE1 exists completely and firmly. It’s been a long time, but we’ve met again and are still together, and we’re continuing the tour. I hope that our reunion and this activity will become another positive example and create a good flow for K-pop.”
In messages to their fans, Sandara Park said, “I can’t believe it’s already been 15 years. It's been 10 years since we've had a full group concert with Blackjack. We've worked hard in our respective positions and finally met again. Every day is touching. I've always felt sorry towards Blackjack, but I'll repay you with a proper stage this time, so you can be prepared.”
“I know you've been waiting for a long time, and we've been the same. We'll go to stages that can meet your expectations, so please be by our side. I know that many fans are coming from overseas, so we'll show you a great performance during the upcoming Asia tour,” said Park Bom.