Feature: Feminism and K-Pop – Why 2NE1 Matters!

By Guest Contributor refresh_daemon, cross-posted from Init_Music 

Even though I’ve been able to mildly appreciate the various idol pop songs that are produced by the mainstream Korean pop industry, it’s only been in the last couple months that I’ve been particularly drawn to any particular idol group and its music. This group is YG Family’s 2NE1, a girl idol pop quartet, which debuted in 2009.

Interestingly enough, I first encountered 2NE1 via an introductory post regarding the discussion about cultural appropriation on Racialicious and before anything else, I was struck with the group’s eye-popping wardrobe and surprisingly found myself appreciating the production and songwriting of “Fire”, but soon after, my awareness of the group faded until Anna/helikoppter at IndiefulROK pointed towards a cover of 2NE1′s “I Don’t Care” by folk songstress obsession of mine, Osoyoung.

Again, in its stripped down arrangement by Osoyoung, I was struck by the smart songwriting and even lyric writing of the song and ended up searching out the original and promptly got addicted, searching out the videos that were made for their original debut and onto their first album. And while I have to credit former 1YTM member Teddy Park’s excellent production and songwriting talents for drawing me into the group, as he is 2NE1′s principal producer/songwriter, I have to say that I was also impressed by the image projected by this group, which might have started off a touch cute, but the quartet quickly developed a very defined image of feminine strength and independence.

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MTV Iggy: Diplo’s Already Picked a Best New Band Finalist!

Diplo has already picked a best new band finalist and its none other than 2NE1! ^^ Of course! Who else would it be right Blackjacks? I love what Diplo said about 2NE1:

 “They’re beautiful. They have crazy charisma. They’re amazing live. It’s like loud; there’s dancing, there’s explosions, there’s crazy stuff all over the place; confetti, canons. Their fanbase in Kpop is so enormous, that they already have a head start over all the rest of these groups. It’s like, battling a superhero in this category. So, I’m definitely running on 2NE1. “

While we are on the subject, let’s not forget to vote for 2NE1 in MTV Iggy’s Best New Band in the World! ^^ Let’s make this happen for the girls! Check out the video in MTV Iggy!