Cover 2NE1 is set to make a historical splash with their 15th anniversary comeback tour (Photo: Instagram/@2ne1official)
2NE1 is set to make a historical splash with their 15th anniversary comeback tour (Photo: Instagram/@2ne1official)
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Blackjacks around the world rejoice as YG Entertainment confirms legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1’s comeback
YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk dropped a surprise video at midnight announcing that legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1, the agency’s first successful girl group, will be reuniting for their 15th anniversary. The highly-anticipated celebration will begin with a concert tour comprising a series of shows extending into 2025.
Read more: 2NE1 surprises Blackjacks, reunites on Coachella 2022 main stage
2NE1 is expected to perform in early October in Seoul before continuing through Osaka and Tokyo in late November and December respectively. Yang suggested that there would be more tour stops ahead, saying, “We’re in the process of adjusting schedules for further performances.”
Above YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk drops 2NE1 announcement and 2025 plans
Formed by YG Entertainment in 2009, 2NE1 was the entertainment titan’s first K-pop girl group composed of members CL (Lee Chae-rin), Dara (Sandara Park), Bom (Park Bom), and Minzy (Gong Min-ji). Through their active years, the multiple-award-winning quartet left an indelible mark in the Korean entertainment industry, making waves by breaking typical stereotypes of K-pop.
See also: The Hallyu tsunami: 3 Korean entertainment giants conquering Asian markets
Known for their unabashed experimentation of music, trendsetting fashion and trailblazing style, and an unforgettable stage presence with magnetic charm and charisma that draws fans in, the second-generation K-pop girl group became one of the leading figures of the Hallyu and took the world by storm.
In 2015, the group went on a hiatus, and each member pursued solo ventures. Their only group activity was a surprise performance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mama) in Hong Kong, which became the most-viewed Mama performance by a girl group. Shortly after, Minzy announced her departure from 2NE1, leaving Blackjacks (2NE1 fans) in dismay. In 2016, YG Entertainment announced that the group would be disbanding and their final single, Goodbye, was recorded as a trio and released in January 2017.
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In April 2022, 2NE1 performed their hit song I Am the Best for the first time since their disbandment with a surprise reunion at Coachella, which was named by several publications as one of the year's best performances at the festival, placing it amongst the biggest pop culture moments of the year.
Above 2NE1's jaw-dropping surprise performance at Coachella 2022
2NE1 members celebrated the news on their respective social media accounts shortly after Yang’s official announcement.
Additionally, Yang confirmed that 2025 will be a big year for YG Entertainment, with the possibility of the artists and groups in their portfolio actively promoting simultaneously. This includes another highly-anticipated comeback from global superstars Blackpink. Fans can also expect rookie group Babymonster to embark on a world tour.
Read more: YG Entertainment’s K-pop girl group Babymonster makes explosive debut
Yang also hinted at the debut of a new group, saying, “Our so-called ‘Next Monster’ is also currently waiting in the wings so I’d like to introduce them to fans as well.”
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
