2NE1's Triumphant Return: "It's a Dream to Be Back in Front of You All"

연합뉴스 / 2024-10-07 05:00:52

▲ K-pop girl group 2NE1, consisting of CL, Sandara Park, Park Bom, and Gong Minzy, performs during its solo concert "Welcome Back in Seoul" held on Oct. 6, 2024, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park, in this photo provided by YG Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) -- "This is a scene I've seen in my dreams—us, the four of us, standing together before you. Seeing it come true shows that dreams do come true. Thank you so much for always staying by our side." (Gong Minzy)

"We were a group that paused for a while. Though there were various processes, the fact that we can be here with you now feels like a dream." (CL)

The anticipation matched the intensity. Hit after hit, songs familiar to any K-pop fan followed one another in succession. This was 2NE1's solo concert "Welcome Back in Seoul" held on the evening of the 6th at the Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park.

Sandara Park reminisced, "Olympic Hall is where 2NE1's first concert, 'Nolza', was held, so it's a very special place. It’s incredibly meaningful to reunite here for our 15th-anniversary celebration."

2NE1, consisting of CL, Sandara Park, Park Bom, and Gong Minzy, debuted in 2009 and quickly became one of the leading 2nd-generation girl groups with their bold performances, confident personas, and outstanding live vocals. From their debut hit 'Fire' to subsequent hits like 'I Don't Care' and 'Ugly', they made their mark with unique personalities and fashion that always grabbed attention.

In November 2016, 2NE1 announced their disbandment, and in January 2017, they released their final song, 'Goodbye'. This solo concert marked their first in 10 years since 2014.

As the venue dimmed and the four members appeared on stage, the audience erupted in deafening cheers. The concert kicked off with a line from 'Come Back Home', followed by CL’s powerful rap leading into their debut track 'Fire', instantly setting the festive tone. Fans, filling the hall, joyfully sang along to the catchy chorus, quenching their long-held thirst for live performances from the group.

Among the crowd, one fan stood out for perfectly mimicking Sandara Park’s iconic "pineapple hairstyle" from the 'Fire' era.

CL displayed her undiminished charisma, moving energetically across the stage, while Gong Minzy's powerful dance moves were so intense they left her knees bruised. The distinctive vocal tones of Park Bom and Sandara Park also remained intact, much to the delight of fans.

Famous for their endless hit tracks, 2NE1 performed back-to-back hits, including 'Clap Your Hands', 'Can't Nobody', and 'Do You Love Me'. The members’ dynamic live performances, accompanied by the booming sound of the live band, filled the venue with energy. The vibrant beats and catchy melodies, combined with colorful laser lights, transformed the concert into a wild party. Fans in the standing area raised their lightsticks high, jumping along to the music.

At one point, the members shouted "2NE1!" and fans enthusiastically responded with "Nolza!" (Let's play!).

The concert, held over three days starting on October 4th, sold out early. Celebrities, including Yoon Do-hyun, CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa, girl group NewJeans, and TV personality Noh Hong-chul, were spotted in the audience, cheering on the group. YG’s junior girl group BABYMONSTER also made an appearance as guest performers, supporting their seniors.

Throughout the concert, top K-pop stars like IU, NewJeans, IVE, TWICE, aespa, Stray Kids, Zico, TREASURE, and G-Dragon sent video messages of support.

CL’s solo performances of 'The Baddest Female' and 'Mental Breakdown', followed by 2NE1’s emotional tracks like 'Missing You', 'It Hurts', and 'Lonely', captured the audience's hearts. CL's captivating vocals filled the venue, while Gong Minzy's strong vocals also shone. Fans joined in by turning on their phone flashlights, immersing themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of the 2010s.

As the concert neared its end, upbeat hits like 'Ugly', 'I Am the Best', and 'Go Away' brought the energy back up. The members ran out onto the extended T-shaped stage, making eye contact with individual fans and connecting with them directly.

CL, overwhelmed with emotion, said, "For us, the four of us, this is such a healing experience, and it's all thanks to you."

Park Bom added, "I am so happy to greet you again as 2NE1."

Sandara Park, choking up, said, "Even though we’ve all been doing solo activities, I’ve always wanted us to be together as four."

Instead of the typical encore chant, fans shouted, "Let’s play more!" prompting the members to return to the stage once again.

2NE1 wrapped up the concert with an encore medley of hits like 'Crush', 'I Don't Care', 'Ugly', 'Go Away', and 'Can't Nobody'. After the Seoul concert, they will embark on an Asia tour, with stops in Manila, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kobe, Tokyo, and Taipei.

Sandara Park teased, "We’ve seen that many fans couldn’t get tickets due to the frenzy. Shouldn't we hold an encore concert? Hopefully, in a bigger venue where we can gather with even more fans!"