Ever since its inception in the late 1990s, South Korea’s K-pop scene has captivated a global audience, making it one of the country’s most successful exports. In a world where pop sensations come and go, K-pop bands are proving to be some of the most enduring, with dedicated fan bases and online communities that transcend borders. At the forefront of the genre were 2NE1, who were instrumental in K-pop’s second generation.
2NE1 represented and inspired the South Korean music industry, paving the way for a new wave of bold, edgy, fashion-forward, and bombastic girl groups. They continue to influence the industry, even years after their disbandment. To understand 2NE1’s dominating pulse, it’s important to note that their first hit was not ‘Fire,’ but a cell phone ad. ‘Lollipop,’ a collaboration with ‘Big Bang,’ the labelmates of 2NE1’s record label YG Entertainment, was a rainbow explosion of a music video that introduced 2NE1’s members in a spectacular way. Pushing against stereotypes, they were undeniably charismatic and uniquely glamorous, breaking the mould of what it meant to be a girl group in K-pop, inspiring a new wave of girl-crush groups.
2NE1 took influences from hip-hop, R&B, techno, and more. These sounds were always part of K-pop, but they had never been quite so prominent before in a girl group’s DNA as they captured global attention. They set the standard for a genre of K-pop that would ultimately be known as “Girl Crush,” a stylized show of boldly feminine anthems. Themes such as introspective pop-rock and the forthright reggae-trap ferocity gave 2NE1’s songs a preciousness felt by fans all around the world. With edgy sound and vibe, 2NE1 managed to cross international industry boundaries and became the darlings of creatives across fashion and music worlds.
During their career, 2NE1 may have had a limited discography, but their impact was felt broadly. Long breaks and scant releases were common throughout their tenure before the band finally disbanded abruptly in 2016 with a final single ‘Goodbye.’ Though their time was brief, the two albums, two EPs, and nearly 20 singles 2NE1 released changed the K-pop world forever. Their influence can still be felt with other active girl groups today such as (G)I-DLE, EVERGLOW, and ITZY who hail from the stylistic heritage set down by 2NE1.
2NE1 was the voice of a generation. For both their fanbase, known as Blackjacks, and the general K-pop listener, they were a little bit rowdier, rebellious, and fiercer than what came before. The sheer presence of the women who made up the group made them an instant success. Their confident image carried them to the top of the game. Months after their disbandment, CL reunited the group on-stage for the first time since 2015 at Coachella in 2022, giving hope to fans for a potential reunion album or single. Even though they are no longer together, their legacy continues to endure, and their impact on the K-pop industry will never be forgotten
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