Does 2NE1 hate BLACKPINK?

Recently, the K-pop fan community was shocked by YG Entertainment’s announcement about the return of the legendary girl group 2NE1. After 8 years of disbandment, the four members of 2NE1 will reunite on stage for their 15th-anniversary concert in Japan at the end of November and December. Following this announcement by YG Entertainment, netizens have been buzzing about 2NE1 and other groups managed by the top Korean entertainment company.

The most attention-grabbing topic on social media is the suspicion that 2NE1 does not like BLACKPINK. The evidence presented by a netizen is a status update by CL after being tagged in numerous posts containing Jennie’s solo music release from 2018. At that time, CL retweeted content about Jennie and stated: “U don’t send rabbits to kill a tiger.”

The topic “Does 2NE1 hate BLACKPINK?” is being actively discussed by netizens in Korea. The evidence cited is CL’s status update when tagged in posts about Jennie’s music. At that time, CL said: “U don’t send rabbits to kill a tiger,” which is believed to be directed at BLACKPINK.

CL’s statement caused a stir among the public. Many viewers speculate that CL was implying BLACKPINK is just “a rabbit” that cannot match 2NE1’s level. Thus, many people suspect there is a conflict between 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. The reason might be related to YG chairman Yang Hyun Suk previously calling BLACKPINK “a prettier version of 2NE1” and forcing the legendary group to disband to promote their juniors. “I tried to create another girl group like I did with 2NE1. However, this time I wanted the girls to be prettier and more talented,” Yang Hyun Suk once shared.

Debuting under the same management company, having the same number of members, sharing a similar musical style, and pursuing a girl crush image, BLACKPINK has always been seen as “2NE1’s little sister.” Moreover, BLACKPINK’s lineup is considered a copy of 2NE1, with Jennie taking the rapper position like CL, the unique main vocal Rosé similar to Park Bom, the “dancing machine” Lisa akin to Minzy, and the eldest Jisoo reminiscent of Dara. Therefore, BLACKPINK’s achievements and skills have been compared to 2NE1’s for many years.

However, fans say the relationship between 2NE1 and BLACKPINK is not tense or conflicting as rumored. CL’s status update was not aimed at Jennie or BLACKPINK.

Viewers point out that 2NE1 members have often expressed support for BLACKPINK’s activities. Park Bom has been “caught” liking BLACKPINK-related images and posts from fan accounts on social media multiple times. Dara has shown excitement and shared with fans moments when she saw Lisa’s advertisements on the streets. CL once posted congratulations to K-pop artists performing at Coachella 2023, including BLACKPINK. Therefore, fans of both groups urge netizens to stop baseless speculations that create fandom conflicts and disrupt the good relationship between 2NE1 and BLACKPINK.

Source: K14