From elaborate sets to solo performances, the group gave Singapore their all
SINGAPORE — It would be easy to dismiss 2NE1 as yet another Korean pop act — especially when you see their elaborate stage design — but they are really anything but. Playing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday night, the four-member group, comprising CL, Minzy, Dara and Bom, set the stage on fire.
It is a mark of 2NE1’s strength as good entertainers that even though half of the audience probably couldn’t understand the mostly Korean lyrics, they were on their feet for most of the two-hour show. Starting with the title track of their newest album Crush, the girls appeared in glittery red and gold military-inspired outfits with a group of male back-up dancers dressed in pink. The set was energy-filled, fun and edgy — all trademarks of the group that pioneered a new, stronger brand of femininity in the K-pop scene.
The second set saw 2NE1 change into all-white outfits and entering the stage via silk swings, making it seem as if they were floating in from the clouds. Performing a laid back, acoustic version of Come Back Home, the members showed off their individual vocal strengths and they garnered loads of cheers when Dara introduced the song, Ugly: “We all feel a little ugly sometimes, on the inside and out, and this is to remind you that you are beautiful.”
After their third costume change (this time the girls came out dressed in their familiar urban streetwear) the group returned to performing their signature hip-hop sounds, complete with choreography. Minzy, in particular, showed off her agility — effortlessly doing a split before gracefully bouncing back up.
The girls also brought four lucky male fans on stage and sat them down in chairs as they danced provocatively around them. It was hilarious, to say the least, as the boys tried their best to look straight ahead instead of eyeing the shimmying performers in front of them.
2NE1 also performed some of their new singles and greatest hits, such as Scream, I’m The Best and a rock and roll version of I Don’t Care. However, they saved the best for last: When it seemed the girls had left the stage, they suddenly reappeared at the back of the stadium and walked along aisles to the stage to say hi to their fans. That up close and personal touch showed just how much range 2NE1 has: They can be tough, edgy performers, but also graceful, soulful singers who are capable of singing to a crowd of thousands as though it were an intimate, private session. If 2NE1 keeps producing shows like this one, they’ll be around for a long, long time.
Seoul sisters: 2NE1’s similarities with Western pop’s biggest stars
DARA IS K-POP’S…
HAYLEY WILLIAMS
How similar are they? Both ooze spunk.
2NE1‘s prettiest and most bubbly member Dara is one of the main reasons why these girls’ shows are filled with electrifying energy and boundless, mind-blowing fun.
Like how Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams is the perennial livewire of the US pop punk band, Dara never fails to light up the group’s performances. At 2NE1‘s last concert here in December 2012, she spontaneously pulled a hapless guy from the audience up on stage and kissed him on the cheek.
Williams, 25, is no stranger to doing things on the fly too. Back in 2010, during Paramore’s Honda Civic Tour in Phoenix, she reprimanded a boy in front of the entire audience when he kissed her without permission – after he was invited to do a sing-along with her.
“Don’t kiss me…That’s disgusting,” she scolded him.
Of course, Dara and Williams also grab attention with their flashy tresses. Redhead Williams likes having pink and green streaks in her hair, while Dara has changed her hair colour so many times we’ve lost count. Platinum blonde, bright blue, purple, auburn – you name it, she’s sported it.
[INDONESIA] 2NE1 sets Jakarta on fire with ‘All Or Nothing’ concert
June 8th, 2014 – The night Indonesian Blackjacks have been waiting for five solid years finally came. For the very first time, four-membered group 2NE1 set foot in Jakarta for their second World Tour, ‘AON: All Or Nothing’. 2NE1 members CL, Dara, Bom, and Minzy thoroughly went all or nothing through the concert’s four main segments, which were represented by the colors pink, white, red, and black.
2NE1 kicked off with a track from their latest album ‘Crush’ which instantly earned them a huge wave of cheers. They didn’t allow the high energy to wane the slightest as they continued to pump up the excitement with songs ‘Fire’ and ‘Clap Your Hands’. The image for the concert’s first segment, Pink for fierceness, was definitely shown during the next song ‘Pretty Boy’. In the midst of the performance, a huge battle tank model emerged and the girls got in to take a laser gun each, shooting the crowd with green lights which, if anything, attracted louder screams.
Turning the atmosphere around, 2NE1 then gracefully showed up on hanging swings in white attire to perform ‘Missing You’. The song was then followed by a chain of more ballads, ‘If I Were You’, ‘Come Back Home (Unplugged Version)’, and‘Ugly’ for the White segment of the concert.
Enough with the slow pace, 2NE1 then came back again full force with more energetic songs. This time though, the songs are all conveying the message of love and are complemented with sexier choreographies. The highlight was during ‘I Love You’when the members of 2NE1, accompanied by male back dancers, each performed a short solo dance.
Despite the fierceness they’ve shown during their performances, 2NE1 couldn’t help showing their cute sides during the ment. Dara said “I really want to go to Bali” and when Minzy asked “with who?”, she innocently replied “with my future boyfriend”,which caused the fans to go wild. Bom also multiplied the screams by tenfolds when she said “Do you guys love our songs? And do you guys love me? I love you too!”. Unfortunately, leader CL was absent from the ment as she was preparing for her solo stage. It was all dearly paid though, as she totally owned the stage with her solo songs, ‘The Baddest Female’ and‘MTBD’.
The concert is slowly reaching its peak. Next songs were the group’s most popular hits. On top of everything else was ‘I Am The Best’ which was performed on motorbikes. Not only did they got the fans screaming along to the lyrics they knew by heart, the whole crowd also jumped and danced all through the song.
“I’ll never forget tonight. I don’t know why it took us so long to come here.” said CL, which was followed by Minzy’s assurance that they’ll be back again as soon as possible. Sooner than everyone wanted to, the concert was coming to and end. The last two songs were rock version of ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Go Away’, which kept up the atmosphere high until the very last.
Not long after 2NE1 bowed their thanks and exited the stage, fans started chanting “We want more!” which earned them more songs for encore. During ‘Lonely’, 2NE1 showed how eager they were to get closer to their fans by visiting the Festival and Gold class to shake hands with fans. It seemed as if Indonesian fans left them such good memories that Dara said “I love you guys as much as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), and Indonesia is totally one of my favorite countries!” and CL said “This is the best first impression I’ve ever got.”
As if fatigue was nothing, 2NE1 then performed two more upbeat songs, “Gotta Be You” and “Can’t Nobody”. But unfortunately this time, it really was the end. Each members bowed and waved their goodbyes, then took their leave.
Without doubt, 2NE1 have secured a position in everyone’s heart not only as an ordinary idol group, but as true performers who went 200% on stage. Always, it’s all or nothing.
SOKOREAL.COM would like to sincerely thank Synergism Entertainment for the chance to cover this event!
K-Pop Sells: Why Korean Pop Stars Are The World’s Best Advertisers
K-Pop is all about selling.
Selling out? That’s the way some fans Western fans look at it when suddenly their favorite anti-establishment indie band’s song is blaring from a McDonald’s commercial.
When you’re a K-Pop star, though, selling is right at the top of the job description. Whether it’s supplanting the latest Galaxy model into the hottest K-drama, negotiating contracts with an energy drink, or embedding ads within music videos, advertisers have certainly figured out how to use Korean pop culture to drive sales.
One popular example of a music video hawking a product is 2NE1’s “Kiss” video for Cass beer. The video plays out like a steamy love story that would appear in a K-drama, with two troublemakers playing hard to get amidst a backdrop of pool parties, bikinis, young love, killer dance moves, and – of course – seemingly endless supplies of Cass beer.
“I think the Korean celebrity strategy can only work if the following conditions are met – one, the targeted country has to be interested in Korean cultural content. Second, the celebrity is relatively well-known, and third, he or she is the right person for the product. The New York Times ad drew mixed responses because most of those conditions were not satisfied. In contrast, if an electronics firm wanted to use 2NE1 to a hip and trendy smartphone in Southeast Asia, the chances for success would be much higher.”
Until U.S.-based K-Pop fans can turn on their TVs and see Rain or 2NE1 selling them a tablet, they’ll have to rely on videos like this one from Girls Generation and 2PM that encourages Koreans to head to the Caribbean Bay water park. It will definitely get U.S. K-Pop fans dancing and in the summer spirit, but only time will tell if it’s enough to inspire them to open up their wallets and see Caribbean Bay in real life.
(A/N: Omitted non-2NE1 related parts. Read full article here.)
[WATCH] 2NE1 Girls Rap, Flaunt K-Pop Fashion in ‘Gotta Be You’ Single
The members of the K-Pop quartet 2NE1 not only sing but also rap in their new single entitled “Gotta Be You” as they strut their stuff in K-Pop fashion.
Mixing music with fashion in the music video, Dara, Minzy, Bom, and CL showcased hair, makeup and accessories that scale the color spectrum. Such fierce fashion statements showed in the video include the zombie-inspired dresses worn by Bom and CL.
While the sentimental lyrics talk about being in love with someone who is giving up on the relationship, the visuals of the video featured nothing but the brightness of the pop-art world.
The music video is filled with glamour shots. On the other hand, there is a crucial point where CL gets drenched inside a car wash that toned down the fashion display while seemingly giving way to the part of the lyrics that talks about longing.
It is also noticeable that none of the girls cracked a smile in the entire video despite the brightness of the colors featured.
Throughout the video, there are splashes of graffiti, neon and emoticons as well as references to Andy Warhol’s “Brillo Boxes” and Roy Lichtenstein comic books.
Musically, “Gotta Be You” allowed each 2NE1 girl’s unique timbre to be highlighted. There is a part where the youngest member Minzy vocally rips on the chorus with the main vocalist Bom.
“Gotta Be You” peaked at number 16 on Billboard‘s World Digital Songs Chart and at number 4 on K-Pop Hot 100, according to Billboard.
Before the official music video was released, fans had only heard the song performed by the girls live on stage during their TV performances and Asian tours
After their successful debut single “Fire,” 2NE1 rose to fame with several hit singles racking up more than half a billion views on their official YouTube channel. They have also toured sold-out shows around the world and collaborated with superstars like will.i.am and Skrillex.
Recently, 2NE1 leader CL has collaborated with Psy and G-Dragon of Bigbang for a new music video, Korea Herald reported.
CL also did her job as the leader to support Dara in her recent gig as a guest DJ in a Korean radio show called “Volume Up,” All Kpop reported.
Dara took to Instagram to describe the workplace of her DJing gig as a “cringeworthy” set.
10 days after the much awaited concert of 2NE1 in Manila, a lot of fans still has the #AONHangover.
To relieve this, we listed down the 21 things we loved about All Or Nothing in Manila!
1. Krungy
Since the day she touched down Manila few days before their ”All or Nothing” World Tour, 2ne1’s Sandara Park did not fail her fans as she was all over the local news and television shows promoting and doing her job as the group’s Director Of Communications. With interviews and TV guestings left and right, it just shows how much she missed Manila. It seems only yesterday when she captured the hearts of the Filipinos with her fresh look and witty personality. She still was the same Krung-Krung from Star Circle Quest 10 years ago; funny, down to earth, humble, CRAZY and can speak in straight Tagalog! In fact, she even requested to be interviewed in Tagalog! How’s that for a Korean superstar with no Filipino blood? Sandara genuinely loves the country and considers Philippines as her hometown. No wonder why even she has been gone for a while, she always has a special place in Filipinos’ hearts.
2. Jollibee
Sandara loves Jollibee and she always makes it a point to eat here if she has the opportunity. During their visit here in Manila, Jollibee threw them a “Jollitown Kiddie Party”. As seen on Sandara’s instagram posts, the 3 other members of the group, CL, Minzy and Bom together with their crew had a fun time with the happy bee. Jollibee even had a showdown with the girls while dancing to CL’s “Menboong”. And guess who won? Some photos of Jollibee with 2ne1 were also posted on Jollibees’ official twitter page.
3. Scream
A special mall appearance was arranged by the organizers and an Open Press Conference was held at Shangri-La Plaza’s East Wing the night before the concert. Kring Elenzano and Jimmy Kim hosted this event. Cover group “Sapphire” opened and performed some of 2ne1‘s hits. Fun games and activities hyped up the program as fans were waiting for 2ne1’s arrival. Prizes were raffled off to fans who participated in the Shangri-La Plaza’s special promo and 30 of them were given a rare photo opportunity with 2ne1! Special right?
As expected, the crowd went wild as the girls arrived and stepped on stage. Shang’s East Wing was surrounded by running and screaming fans. Every time the girls waved at their fans, do cute things with each other and answered questions from the media, fans screamed! We couldn’t even hear ourselves anymore! A huge screen was set-up in the old wing near the fountain area in order for more people to watch the live feed from the open press con.
4. NOLZA!
During the press con, we personally congratulated the girls as they celebrated their 5th year anniversary and asked them to describe their experience with 2ne1 in ONE WORD. Leader CL quickly acknowledged and answered, “NOLZA” which means “Let’s Party!” in Korean. With just that one word, it seemed like every Blackjack in the venue connected with each other and with the girls. Screams filled the venue. If only we could see the hearts of all Filipino Blackjacks who were there, they were all probably jumping and partying inside as they were all hyped up for the big concert the next day!
5. Filipino Blackjacks
2ne1 fans are called Blackjacks. Filipino Blackjacks were probably the luckiest this year as the 2ne1 AON fever started early with Sandara Park arriving days ahead and appeared on local TV shows. Since the day rumors has spread that 2ne1 will be having a concert in Manila, dedicated Blackjacks started preparing for the girls arrival! Pre-event activities were held and different projects were planned. Loyal Blackjacks participated and contributed money, time and effort to make every project a success. Some projects were organized by local fan bases like 2NE1PH such as, Project Message Book, Project Banner, where different banners were displayed inside the concert area and outside the venue; Project Care, on the other hand, gave the girls a cake in celebration of their 5th anniversary; Project Light-up MOA Arena gave away light clappers to the crowd; Project Back To School Wreath – it is a tradition in the K-pop world where fans share their blessings through charity by offering a wreath during concerts. In Manila, a special Back To School wreath was offered and school supplies were donated to less fortunate children.
6. Soundcheck Party
Not all sound checks are open for fans to watch and 2ne1 is one of the few artists who we know holds a Soundcheck Party. It is also a great treat to Blackjacks to see the girls in their casual wear and sing in a more relaxed environment compared to what they usually see during their public appearances and full production performances. Some of the lucky Blackjacks who were able to purchase VIP Packages enjoyed a 30-minute exclusive sound check with 2ne1. The girls sang 3 songs and the Blackjacks cheered like it was the actual concert.
7. MAY 17
This date marks the special day for 2ne1, their anniversary! 2ne1 celebrated the 5th Anniversary of their debut in Manila and arranged a special stage during the concert. Cakes from fans were displayed on stage and the girls placed icing on each other’s faces! They also acknowledged the 2ne1 team up on stage and introduced them to the audience. Minzy together with Dony of Hi-Tech dancers, did a “sexy dance” while the crowd sings Happy Birthday to the group.
8. Fashion
Aside from their songs, fans also loved 2ne1’s fashion! Their public appearances and concerts are also considered fashion shows. To name a few, during AON, the girls wore outfits from Jeremy Scott’s Moschino and Adidas creations, SAM MC London and Virgil Abloh‘s Off-White. And it is not just the girls! Blackjacks also came in fashionable outfits and some flashed their own collections of the same brands! Some of the die-hard 2ne1 fans also cosplayed and re-created their own version of 2ne1‘s famous outfits and get-ups!
9. Winner
AON in Manila started 8:00pm on the dot. With no opening act, 2ne1 themselves opened up the show. The girls brought a special guest to entertain the fans during intermission, YG’s newest boy group Winner! The boys were both talented and good looking! They definitely won the hearts of the Filipina fans! They performed 2 songs, “Just Another Boy” and “Go Up”. We have our eyes on this group, another product of YG Entertainment to look forward to.
10. Hi-Tech
These talented guys had been backing up 2ne1 during live performances for so long and have gained countless of followers too. No wonder why during AON in Manila, they had their own share of fans from the crowd! Screaming fangirls and fanboys (who are girls by heart) went crazy every time they flashed their intense moves and well-toned bodies! The Kwon twins who are the cutest from the group did not disappoint fans during CL‘s solo performance of GZB & MTBDas they danced topless showing off their six packs!
11. Menboong
During the press conference, CL beyond words promised her fans that she will just show in the concert how she truly feels about being Manila… and she really did! We were blown away with just her stage presence… she is really the baddest! Just imagine how we all had a mental breakdown every time she danced, sang, rapped and flipped her hair! Her solo stage is probably one of the highlights and most awaited part of AON. Blackjacks went wild as she performed “GZB” (The Baddest Female) and “Menboong/MTBD” (Mental Breakdown). As what Sandara always say about CL, “SEXY!”
12. Best In Fan Service
From their open press con and special appearance in Shangri-La Plaza up until the night of the concert, Minzy has probably returned smiles and waved over a thousand of Hi!s and Hello!s to their fans. The maknae (Korean term for youngest/bunso) of the group is all grown up and has embodied more grace, beauty and confidence. “Dalaga na talaga si Minji!”(Minji is really all grown up to a young lady) And so we award the Best in Fan Service to “not-a-baby-anymore” Gong Minzy!
13. I Love You
Since there’s no baby in 2ne1 anymore, the girls spiced things up a little and showed fans their sexy side! Sandara called some of her local celebrity friends on stage, Sam Milby, Joross Gamboa, Jason Abalos and Ram of G-Force. The boys got a lap dance from 2ne1 as they performed I Love You. Sandara on Sam, Bom on Joross, Minzy on Jason and CL on Ram. Lucky fellas!
14. In Or Out
Together with 2ne1 and Hi-Tech dancers, Dara performed her 2004 single In Or Outduring the encore. Bom sang some lines in Filipino which was impressive! Minzy and Hi-Tech perfected the dance steps, while CL was kind of lost doing it. As per Sandara, she missed the practice because she was in the restroom during rehearsals! 2ne1 promised to give their Filipino Blackjacks a special treat and this was a real treat as it is refreshing to see them perform a Filipino song.
15. Boom Panes!
Sandara learned a new song “Boom Panes” from Vice Ganda, a local comedian during her guesting on his TV show. During the concert, Dara showed her “Boom Panes” moves which drew cheers from the crowd. Blackjacks then started chanting for other members to show their “Boom Panes” moves. CL was hesitant at first saying “I know what you guys mean, but I’m gonna pass!” But persistent Blackjacks together with self-proclaimed CL Fanclub President Sandara was able to persuade her. Though she ended up saying “Boom Vaness, boom boom Vaness Vaness,” the crowd still cheered as it was cute to see the baddest female do funny things on stage. Bom and Minzy also did their own version of Boom Panes! Vice Ganda probably was the proudest person in the arena during this moment! Boom Panes!
16. Bom Mais!
We’ve heard a lot of people say, “She’s so beautiful in person”, “her voice is really great live” and “she is too funny and cute with her…corn!” Blackjacks know this for a fact, Bom loves corn or mais in Tagalog. Honestly, during the encore we are waiting for some fans to throw corn on stage as a gift for Bom. We were not disappointed as one fan gave her a corn stuffed toy! Bom looks cute holding and playing with her corn on stage during encore. Looked like she wanted to eat it! Bom Mais!
17. Come Back Home
AON in Manila can be considered as Sandara Park‘s homecoming. With all the fame and success, she still considers Philippines as her home. During the encore, Dara expressed how happy she was to celebrate their 5th anniversary in Manila. CL then who was busy checking out their anniversary cakes captivated the hearts of the Filipinos when she said, “We’re gonna do this,” puts icing on Sandara‘s nose, “and no one else because it’s your hometown. But I’m gonna do this…” puts icing on her nose and said, “Because I wish this was my hometown too!”Bom and Minzy started out putting icing on each other’s faces and all four girls run around the stage chasing one another.
To show how much they are welcome here, a banner from fans saying “We Will Always Be Your Home” was displayed in the arena. Indeed, 2ne1 has found their 2nd home in the Philippines and they can always Come Back Home here, anytime they want!
18. Fire
From start until the end, 2ne1‘s energy did not go down a single level and showcased a top notch performance. Blackjacks were left in awe as they were no longer watching 2ne1 on the internet; it was all happening LIVE! Everyone was on their feet. Waving light sticks filled the whole arena. Hit after hit, Blackjacks danced and partied with 2ne1 knowing the choreography and even the lyrics of each and every song by heart. Both 2ne1 and the crowd were on Fire that night, seemed like cameras and mobile phones were the only ones left battery empty.
19. Can’t Nobody
What we loved most about AON in Manila is the connection and interaction between 2ne1 and Filipino Blackjacks. Compared to other Korean artists who has been here, 2ne1 need no interpreter anymore, with CL who is very fluent in English and Sandara who is flawless in speaking in Tagalog. This probably is the reason why there’s no dull moment during the press conference and concert. We saw how comfortable the girls were on stage every time they interacted with their fans… especially Sandara! There came a point when Sandara talked to Bom in Tagalog and quickly realized, “Ay hindi ka nga pala marunong mag-Tagalog!”(Oh! I forgot that you don’t know how to speak Tagalog!) Funny moments like this are very rare and priceless for Blackjacks.
20. Charity Ball
After the concert, a K-pop charity ball was held in Solaire Grand Ballroom with 2ne1 as special guests. Like what CL said, they were just supposed to drop by and say hi. But the girls decided to stay longer and performed “Falling In Love” for the fans. Part of the proceeds from the charity ball will go to the PKCI’s Student Beneficiaries.
21. Gotta Be You
Blackjacks were very thankful to Pulp Live World for bringing AON in Manila. The show was a huge success probably because of Pulp’s Happee Sy-Go, who is considered as the Fairy Godmother of K-pop fans in the Philippines. There’s no other person in the concert industry in Manila who we know who fully understands the world of K-pop and most importantly, its fans. She has gone beyond her way to cater all the needs of Filipino Blackjacks and to give everyone a great production. So if it’s K-pop, it’s Gotta Be You Happee… it has Gotta Be Happee!
Who would’ve thought the “Pambansang Krung-Krung ng Pilipinas” would later become one of Asia’s best charms?
Sandara Park, or simply Dara to her millions of fans, made waves in the country a decade ago with her charming Korean looks–waving to crowds “Mahal ko kayo”while crying her eyes out.
At 31, the K-pop superstar is a cry baby no more and appears to be the sweetest among the girl group of four.
What’s even more impressive is Dara never forgets where she came from. Her love for everything Filipino was even more evident when the honorary Filipina held their second concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 17. From “In or Out” to “Boom Panes,”Dara made us realize that it doesn’t take a tinge of Filipino blood to love what she calls home.
But of course, Pinoys’ most obvious way of showing our love for Dara is a sellout concert with excellent crowd reception.
2NE1‘s Manila concert leg was made extra special as they celebrated their fifth anniversary here.
But of course, Pinoys’ most obvious way of showing our love for Dara is a sellout concert with excellent crowd reception. 2NE1‘s Manila concert leg was made extra special as they celebrated their fifth anniversary here. Pinoy fans reciprocate Sandara Park‘s love for the Philippines by giving 2NE1 an extra warm welcome (and yes, numerous Twitter trends).
And yes, Dara taught Park Bom, CL and Minzy her Tagalog hit “In or Out,” as well as Vice Ganda‘s latest dance craze “Boom Panes.”
Dara Park, Park Bom, CL and Minzy didn’t fail to give their Pinoy fans (a.k.a Blackjacks) an awesome performance to remember.
2NE1 went all out in Manila, left fans nothing to regret
MANILA, Philippines—Just like how most K-pop concerts would go, the Mall of Asia Arena was already flooded with 2NE1 fans early May 17. Some lined up as early as they could to get a good spot within the venue, while some did so to have plenty of time to talk K-pop with their fellow fan boys and girls. What’s observable among the crowd though, was the resemblance of 2NE1’s aura that they emitted. Everyone looked unaware, but just like the group they were cheering on and waiting for, the Filipino Blackjack crowd (both males and females) reeked of so much “swag.”
Celebrity Blackjacks
It was already expected that 2NE1’s All Or Nothing tour will be highly attended by local celebrities as one of the girl group’s members, Sandara Park, used to be a local artist in the Philippines herself. It came as a surprise, however, when INQUIRER.net bumped into the likes of Alodia Gosiengfiao (a renowned cosplayer in Asia) as well as Liza Soberano, a rising Kapamilya star.
Alodia who came with her boyfriend Eric Ejercito told INQUIRER.net that she’s also a fan of K-pop. She confessed that she even used to collect albums of different K-pop artists, while 16-year-old Liza shared that she has been listening to 2NE1 since she was 13.
‘Starting’
As the media were only allowed to enter the venue by the time the concert was about to start, we had to rush inside the arena when we heard the organizer, Happee Sy-Go, call out a gentle “Starting.”
When we got in, it was an arena packed with colorful light sticks that greeted our sight. Everyone was more than ready to party as much as the girls of 2NE1 were more than prepared to give their Filipino Blackjacks the ultimate concert experience of their lives.
Lights, camera, party!
When the show started, the audience were right away treated to an above-average display of lights. And the sound system? It felt like a fine set of headphones serenading the arena with the heart-thumping party songs of 2NE1.
Avid fans of the group probably already knew that the first track in the concert’s set list is “Crush,” but when Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy came out, it still appeared that none of them had any idea as the excitement reached its first peak that night, while the screams and cheers got louder and stronger.
From “Crush” to “Fire” to “Clap Your Hands,” the entire arena sang and grooved along with the girls who are performing a full-blown concert in Manila for the first time.
Everyone was then taken to a throwback to 2009 when “Pretty Boy” played. This track is included in the group’s first ever self-titled mini album “2NE1,” released in less than two months after their debut. One more song heightened the crowd’s partying mood, “Don’t Stop Music,” then the girls switched to an emotional ballad with “Missing You,” followed by another sombre song, “If I Were You.”
2NE1 showcased even more of their soulful side with the unplugged version of “Come Back Home” and a mellow “Ugly.”
It’s time for Winner
It was heart-warming when the Blackjack crowd delivered the same intensity of cheers for 2NE1’s hoobae (Korean term for junior), Winner. The boy group composed of Jinwoo, Seunghoon, Mino, Seungyoon, and Taehyun came up on stage right after “Ugly” to showcase their own songs “Just Another Boy” and “Go Up.”
Back to party
The 2NE1 party vibe was gradually revived when the girls came back on stage with colourful outfits to perform “I Love You,” “Gotta Be You,” and “Do You Love Me?.”
“I Love You” sold out in particular as actors Sam Milby, Joross Gamboa, Jason Abalos, and G-Force member Ram Julianda made a special participation in this act. The crowd went wild when each of the girls lap-danced to their partners.
In between songs, Sandara Park would exclaim her remarks in Tagalog, and at the same time, she translated her thoughts to Korean for her members. Before CL’s solo stage, Sandara told the crowd that they are really happy to be celebrating their 5th anniversary in Manila. Minzy followed by saying “I’m so happy to be here. Are you guys happy too?”
After the short dialogue with the audience, the three (Bom, Dara, and Minzy) left the crowd with the music video “Happy.”
World-class calibre performances
When the group’s leader, CL, came out for her solo stage, the supposed “Korean pop” concert turned into what seemed like a Beyonce or Shakira show. CL caused mouths to hang wide and open with her sizzling performance of “The Baddest Female” and “MTBD (Mental Breakdown).”
After her solo, CL did not change outfits anymore as she was immediately joined on stage by the other three for “Scream” and “I Am the Best.”
The Pambansang Krung-Krung ng Pilipinas
What came next caused the crowd to crack in laughter as Sandara Park successfully made her 2NE1-mates do the new “in” expression “Boom Panes” popularized by Kapamilya star Vice Ganda.
But when they got back to business, CL said that it means so much to the group to be here as they know that the Philippines is “Dara’s hometown.”
More performances
One of the much-awaited performances of the night has got to be “I Don’t Care.” Some must have expected to hear the pop and sweet version of the song, but what 2NE1 brought to the floor was a rock version that allowed not just the girls but also the crowd to headbang.
The arena then got back to dancing and jumping when the set list finally got to another crowd favorite “Go Away.”
The show has supposedly ended after “Go Away,” but 2NE1 knew that their Blackjacks will probably ask for more. So after quite a while of hearing the crowd cheer for an encore, the girls came back in tees and pants to perform “Lonely,” “In Our Out,” (this time it wasn’t just Sandara who performed it but the entire group), “Gotta Be You,” and “Can’t Nobody.”
They also blew their birthday cakes, chatted with fans, thanked their management and staff, and showcased their handsome managers on stage (seemingly headlined by Jjangmae) before they officially ended the show.
The fire that keeps burning
One of the realizations that hit this writer after the concert was this: even after five years of being in the music industry, 2NE1’s fire can only burn bigger and hotter. Equipped with their melodious songs, unique artistry, and highly-competent management, 2NE1 has more than enough fuel to keep travelling in this musical journey where they are loved not just by one nation but by the whole world.
It was, in fact, a cherry hit for Sandara when she said that it is their music and fans that make them unique, because in ways more than one, this is true for 2NE1.
They weren’t kidding when they said they will set the roof on fire. They did, and this made every attendee of their “All or Nothing” tour H-A-P-P-Y.
The 2NE1 All Or Nothing Tour in Manila was brought to us by PULP Live World.
2NE1’s Dara Is Excited To Become A Special Radio DJ!
Girl group 2NE1’s very own Dara revealed her sentiments regarding her recent decision to become a radio station’s special DJ!
Starting on May 26, Dara will be in charge of replacing actress Yoo In Na forKBS 2FM Yoo In Na’s Volume Up. She will be the DJ temporarily, filling out the spot for only a week until June 1. Yoo In Na had to leave her spot as she had scheduling conflicts with her filming for Chinese movie Wedding Bible.
Dara stated through her agency, “I have always expressed my desire to become a radio DJ. Now that I finally get to do it, even for a short period of time, I am excited.
She added, “I better prepare a voice that sounds nice at 8 P.M!”
On the other hand, 2NE1 has been busy with their world tour ALL OR NOTHING, as they have previously released their second studio album CRUSH. They are constantly meeting their fans all over the world. The girls will be continuing their tour in Malaysia with a show on May 24 at Kuala Lumpur.
Make sure to wish 2NE1 a happy 5-year anniversary!
We're an international fanblog dedicated to 2NE1's Fresh Vocals and Actress, Sandara Park!<3
Please take note of the following guidelines:
Rule #1 Do not bash.
Rule #2 Keep your comments related to the post.
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Thanks and have fun! <3
Schedule
March 30, 2017, 7:00PM KST - SBS Power FM Park So Hyun's Love Game
April 2, 2017 - Get It Beauty Episode 7
April 2, 2017, 3:45PM KST - MBC Section TV Entertainment Relay
April 6, 2017 - "One Step" Korean Premiere
April 9, 2017 - Get It Beauty Episode 8
April 9, 2017 - Running Man with Sandara Park and Han Jaesuk
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