Concert at Olympic Hall, Olympic Park from 4th to 6th
Reunion after 10 years, Seoul starts Asia tour
"We will perfectly capture the essence of classic 2NE1"
"The moment we dreamed of has finally come true. We will properly show who we are."
Ahead of their 15th anniversary debut concert, the group 2NE1 expressed a resolute determination. 2NE1 will hold their solo concert 'WELCOME BACK IN SEOUL' at Olympic Hall in Seoul Olympic Park for three days from the 4th to the 6th.
This marks the first time in about 10 years since March 2014 that 2NE1 will stand on a solo concert stage. YG Entertainment explained that since this is the stage where the K-pop legend girl group returns as a complete unit, the concert is being meticulously prepared under YG's support to fully embody 2NE1's identity, including a setlist composed of their representative hit songs and live band performances.
After announcing their disbandment in November 2016, 2NE1 members focused on solo activities. Leader CL left YG in 2019 to become independent, and Sandara Park also expanded her activities by joining Abyss Company after her contract with YG ended, appearing in variety shows and musicals. Park Bom and Gong Minji released solo albums and pursued music activities.
The decision to reunite as solo artists was made earlier this year. To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the members expressed their desire to hold a concert this year to Yang Hyun-suk, YG's general producer. The two sides met in June, and on July 22, they officially announced their reunion along with plans for a new album and concert. Yang said, "Since they have many hit songs, I want to create a successful performance together with all the staff."
2NE1, Full Group Performance for 15th Debut Anniversary D-1 "Very Excited and Thrilled" [Photo by YG Entertainment]
The concert will start in Seoul and continue with an Asia tour including Kobe and Tokyo in Japan, Manila in the Philippines, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Singapore. Proving the 10 years of waiting, the concert tickets sold out instantly as soon as reservations opened, leading to an additional day being added to the originally scheduled Seoul performances on the 5th and 6th.
Before the concert on the 3rd, the members expressed through YG, "We will make everyone jump and play with 2NE1's original music."
CL said, "We have performed at Coachella and met separately from time to time. However, since it is the 15th anniversary, we planned something special to do together, but we didn't expect it to come this far. We always said we would definitely hold a concert together someday, and now that it is finally happening, I am the happiest."
Sandara Park said, "It feels like a dream and I still can't quite believe it. Ten years is a long time, isn't it? The past 10 years pass like a film, and I think I won't feel it until just before stepping on stage."
Park Bom said, "I have been waiting for this day and it feels like a dream. Right now, more than anything else, I want to prepare the stage well, and I am most looking forward to the moment I meet the fans again."
Gong Minji said, "Everyone is in a daze, and I don't think I will fully feel it until I stand on stage. I have dreamed many times of the four of us standing on stage together, and now we can see that dream come true. I am very excited and thrilled."
As this is their first solo concert in 10 years, 2NE1 asked fans to expect a 'classic look' on this stage.
CL emphasized, "What we wanted to bring as the root of the 'Welcome Back' performance was the classic 2NE1 itself. In the past tours, we tried to show new sides by changing choreography or rearranging songs, but this time, we want to show the truly original 2NE1 music. We perfectly captured the essence of the 2NE1 stage you have been expecting."
Sandara Park confessed, "This time, rather than preparing something new, we thought a lot about showing what 2NE1 originally did again. Since time has passed, I think we are doing better than before."
CL said, "We want to properly show what kind of music we have done. Actually, during our active years, since we were in progress, the team’s color could not fully take root. But as time passes and matures, I think 2NE1's music becomes richer and more complete."
She added, "For those who knew us, I hope this will be a chance to feel the emotions of that time again with joy, and for those who didn’t know us, I hope you will newly realize 'So this is what kind of artists 2NE1 was.'"
The joy of meeting fans after a long time is probably mutual for the members. Gong Minji said, "Many people have shown great interest in 2NE1's live performances. This time, there will be many stages where you can sing along and enjoy with us. We are looking forward to a 'group karaoke' experience. You will definitely be able to properly feel, 'Ah! This was the 2NE1 stage~' again."
Park Bom said, "You will be able to feel and experience many emotions. It could be joy, or the fun of singing along and jumping together. Whatever feelings you have, I hope it will be a performance that lets you feel various things."
Finally, regarding their 15th anniversary, Sandara Park said, "I can't believe it’s already the 15th anniversary. This is the first time in 10 years that we are meeting Blackjack (2NE1 fandom name) with a full group concert. I am also a fan of 2NE1. After working hard in our own places, we finally meet again, and every day is moving. I have always felt sorry for Blackjack, but this time we will properly repay you on stage, so be prepared."
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