As this marks the return of a legendary K-pop girl group, the concert has been meticulously prepared with a setlist of their mega-hit songs and live band performances under YG’s top-tier support, fully reflecting 2NE1‘s identity.
The four members, united again on stage, are more determined than ever. 2NE1 expressed “This moment we’ve dreamed of has finally come true. We will show who we are and make everyone dance to 2NE1’s original music“, raising anticipation.
Here is the Q&A with 2NE1.
Q. This will be your first full-group concert in about 10 years and 6 months. How does it feel?
CL: We’ve had performances at Coachella and met up occasionally, but since it’s our 15th anniversary, we wanted to plan something special together. We never imagined it would become this big (laugh). We always said we’d do a concert together, and now it’s finally happening. I’m so happy.
Sandara Park: It feels like a dream, and it still doesn’t feel real. It’s been 10 years, which is a long time. Memories from the past decade flash by like a film reel, but I think it won’t fully sink in until right before we step on stage.
Park Bom: I’ve been waiting for this day. It feels like a dream. Right now, more than anything, I just want to prepare well for the stage, and I’m most looking forward to meeting fans again.
Gong Minzy: We’re all in a daze. I don’t think I’ll fully feel it until I’m on stage. I’ve had many dreams of the four of us standing on stage together, and now that’s becoming a reality. I’m really excited and looking forward to it.
Q. This moment is one fans have eagerly awaited as well. All three concert dates sold out in an instant—did you expect that?
CL: At first, I felt a bit sad that we couldn’t meet more fans, but the response and love we received gave us so much strength. We’ve been through a lot over the years, and there were things we had to overcome. I was nervous because you never know how things will turn out until they happen, but the reaction was so warm. And this concert hall is where 2NE1 held our first concert, so it holds a special meaning. Starting again here feels significant.
Gong Minzy: I spent a whole day reading through the reactions. I’m not usually emotional, and my MBTI is “T”, but I cried a lot (laugh). I’m so grateful that people still love us and have been waiting for us all this time.
Q. Preparing for this long-awaited concert must have felt different. What was the process like?
Sandara Park: It’s just the four of us doing what we’ve always done, and we’re working with the same dancers and staff, so not much has changed. This time, instead of trying to do something new, we focused on showing what 2NE1 originally did best. There’s been time since we last performed, and I think I’m doing even better than before (laugh).
Gong Minzy: It’s what we’ve always done, but we’re doing it in a different state of mind and condition. The members are more mature now, and standing in the same space as new people brings up many emotions. It feels fresh, and in the process, I’ve found healing and gained new insights.
Q. As a group with so many hit songs, how did you approach the setlist? Can you give a little spoiler?
CL: The root of the “WELCOME BACK” concert is to show the “classic” 2NE1. During past tours, we tried to show new things by changing choreography or rearranging songs, but this time, we want to present the original music of 2NE1. We’ve perfectly captured the essence of the stages you’ve been waiting for.
Park Bom: I wish we could perform all of our songs, but that’s not possible (laugh). Still, we’ve prepared a setlist that everyone can enjoy and feel, so you can look forward to it.
Q. What do you most want to show about 2NE1 through this concert?
CL: I want to show what kind of music 2NE1 has made. While we were active, our team’s style couldn’t fully settle in because it was still evolving. But with time, 2NE1’s music has matured and become more complete. For those who already know us, I hope this concert feels like a nostalgic reunion. For those who don’t, I hope they’ll discover what kind of artists 2NE1 really are.
Q. How did it feel to prepare for the concert with all four members after such a long time?
CL: Every moment felt precious. We’ve spent so much time together, and now we’re practicing and spending time together again. In the past, these moments felt natural, but now they feel more special and cherished. We’re preparing with the goal of enjoying ourselves and making memories. Everything feels so welcome.
Sandara Park: I’m already feeling sad. We’ve been practicing since July, and once we get into the venue and perform on stage, I think I’ll start missing the memories we’ve made in the practice room. Although we’ll keep going, everything feels so special now, and I want to savor every moment. Our individual personalities on stage have matured, so I hope you’ll focus on that as well.
Q. What kind of synergy did you expect from reuniting with YG, the company you started with?
CL: It feels really special and precious. This project was decided and progressed very quickly. We had vaguely talked about celebrating our 15th anniversary together, and in the end, it worked out, so it’s even more meaningful. Everyone is preparing with passion, and I feel grateful for every moment working with the people we fit so well with.
Sandara Park: It’s heartwarming and reassuring. The 2NE1 members have been with YG for at least 15 years. It feels like coming home, so everything is familiar and warm. Everyone knows our personalities well, so even though we’re working together again, it’s smooth and familiar, and everything is being realized well.
Q. Any must-see performances or highlights?
Park Bom: I think you’ll experience a wide range of emotions. It might be joy, nostalgia or the fun of singing along and dancing together. Whatever you feel, I hope this concert gives you a variety of experiences.
Gong Minzy: People have always paid a lot of attention to 2NE1’s live performances. This time, there are many stages where you can sing along and have fun with us. I’m expecting it to feel like a sing-along karaoke (laugh). You’ll definitely be reminded of what 2NE1’s stages are all about.
Q. How would you describe the “WELCOME BACK” concert in one word?
Gong Minzy: Let’s play! 2NE1’s music makes me feel like I can have the most fun. Just hearing the beat makes you want to dance. I hope the audience feels the same, and this has special meaning because our first concert was titled “NOLZA” (Let’s play).
CL: Making our mark. I believe this concert will clearly imprint the fact that 2NE1 exists, strong and unshakable. Despite the long time apart, we’ve come together again, and now we’re embarking on a tour. I hope this reunion and our activities become another positive example, contributing to the positive flow of K-pop.
Q. How do you feel about reaching your 15th debut anniversary, and any words for the fans who have been waiting for 2NE1’s stage and music?
CL: It’s been 15 years in terms of numbers, but I still feel like we’re in our sixth year. After such a long wait, we’ve reunited, and we’ll repay you with performances that exceed your expectations.
Sandara Park: I can’t believe it’s been 15 years already. We’re meeting Blackjack as a whole for the first time in 10 years. I’m a fan of 2NE1 myself. We’ve all been working hard in our own ways, and now we’ve finally reunited. Every day is emotional. I’ve always felt sorry to Blackjack, but this time, I’ll repay you properly with our performances, so be ready (laugh).
Gong Minzy: Thank you for waiting. I wonder how you’ve been able to keep waiting and loving us for 15 years. It’s truly precious. Since I debuted when I was young, I feel like the fans have witnessed my whole growth. This time, I’ll properly show my gratitude!
Park Bom: We’re well aware of the hearts that have been waiting for us for so long, and we feel the same way. We’ll meet your expectations with amazing performances, so please look forward to it!
Source: Daum
