Article: Billboard – 2NE1 Gets Sentimental in “Missing You”

The K-pop quartet return at their most vulnerable yet.

2NE1 has caught the attention of both the East and West with forward-thinking music, fierce fashion and carefree attitudes. But the K-pop girl group is showcasing their most vulnerable and mature side yet in new single “Missing You,” which brings surprises in the song composition and video.

Opening with subtle bass and guitar plucks — recalling productions by The xx — the first verse adds in bubble pops, hip-hop shouting and woozy harmonies over a swelling electro-pop production. But soon, soft piano chords get thrown into the mix, growing louder with each measure before listeners find themselves at an acoustic chorus featuring piano pounding and guitar strumming, letting the vocals shine.

2NE1’s singles from earlier this year “Falling in Love” and “Do You Love Me?” — both of which found big success on the K-Pop Hot 100, peaking at No. 2 — were crafted around catchy, repetitive choruses. But “Missing You” is just a striking, perhaps more so, even without a simple hook.

The music video also shows a softer different side for the group — particularly leader CL. Dressed in fashionable, at times witch-like, winter gear, the girls spend most of the video on the verge of tears singing the heartbreakingly bitter lyrics. The video’s talking point is undoubtedly when CL goes nude for a daring naked scene during the second chorus. The rapper/singer wistfully sits in a room of deteriorating cement, covering herself with only her arms and legs.

Look out for haters to call out the comparisons from Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” but CL does sad and naked with way more class.

It’s not the first time 2NE1’s done sad for a single (see “Lonely” and “Ugly”), but it’s certainly a standout moment as the music, vocals and visuals are convincing of the group’s maturation.

In February, CL first told Billboard about the track, saying, “I was really connected to that song because I was missing my fans and the stage. I love that song. I know people will love it.” Look out for it to make a splash on the K-Pop Hot 100 this week or next.

Despite 2NE1’s label initially promising a single every month until an October album release, 2NE1 fell silent after the August release of “Do You Love Me?” But apparently moving right along, the group has revealed plans for a new world tour in 2014, announcing the Asia stops today. Member Dara added, “Wherever Blackjack fans are is a reason for us to visit. So, foreign promoters, give us a call.”

2NE1 was and still is the only K-pop girl group to hold an arena tour in the U.S. after two concerts in summer of 2012.

Credit: Billboard

Article: 2NE1’s ‘Missing You’ Ranks No.1 Within 8 Hours of Release

2NE1 is back with another hit song Missing You.

2NE1’s Missing You was able to take the first spot in 9 major music charts, namely MelOn, Mnet, Bugs, Olleh, Cyworld, Daum, Naver, Genie and Monkey3, in just 8 hours since the track was released on November 20.

Missing You is the third single album the group released this year, following Falling in Love and Do you Love Me. This newest track is a wintery ballad that harmonizes the members’ vocals with low bass beats and piano sound in a rock ballad style.

The music video that was released with the track also shows the members beautifully against the snowy background, as they sing out the feelings of sadness and loneliness following a breakup.

The four members put on their best acting skills, while CL, who has been known as the ‘tough one’ in the group shows a different side of her by going nude and showing her tattoos in a bathtub.

YG Entertainment commented, “CL, who is always full of confidence, challenged herself to go nude for this music video. Her nude shot is aimed to show not sexiness, but the internal beauty and loneliness a woman feels. It’s almost like a picture of a famous artwork.”

2NE1 will begin performing Missing You at 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and plans to perform globally around China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan to meet with fans starting in March 2014.

Credit: MWave

Article: 2NE1 Park Bom and Sandara Park Leave Fans Curious with Their ”Emergency Press Conference” Scheduled for the 18th

Ssangpark (2NE1’s Park Bom and Sandara Park) leave fans curious with the sudden notice of their ‘’emergency press conference’’ on the 18th.

On the 15th, YG Entertainment’s official blog uploaded the picture above in which is written ‘’Emergency Press Conference, 11/18/2013, Monday 9.00AM/ Location: YG’s Cafeteria’’.

In the picture there’s two microphones placed with the ‘’SsangPark’’ logo getting many curious as to why 2NE1’s Park Bom and Sandara Park will have an press conference out of the blue.

2NE1 recently confirmed their ‘’MAMA 2013 in Hong Kong’’ attendance plus there has been rumors going around whether 2NE1 will have a comeback soon and perhaps might show something new on the ‘’Mnet Asian Music Awards 2013’’. With this notice of their press conference, it has sparked many interest and expectations.

This year 2NE1’s leader CL started 2NE1’s promotions with her solo track ‘’The Baddest Female’’ followed by the group’s return with ‘’Falling In Love’’ and ‘’Do You Love Me.’’ Along with that 2NE1’s oldest Park Bom and Sandara Park formed the duo ‘’SsangPark’’ that would do promotional stuff for the group and the rest of YG family.

YG Entertainment representative stated that ‘’The press conference isn’t really an emergency, rather a fun new way for future plans for 2NE1 and about their new songs they’ll release.’’

The press conference will be held on the 18th Monday 9:00 AM at YG’s very own Cafeteria.

Source: Nate

Translated By: Yasmine@WeLoveBom

Article: Dazed Digital – “2NE1’s Korean Journey”

2NE1’S KOREAN JOURNEY

KPOP’s baddest and best girl group touch down to speak about I LOVE YOU and their fans

2NE1 do not play by the rules. Since debuting in 2009 they’ve become one of K-pop’s most recognisable and internationally celebrated groups. Despite being put together with the same lazer-eyed accuracy that marks K-Pop’s rigorous selection process, the word ‘manufactured’ feels misused when referring to Bom, Dara, Minzy and CL.

The notion of ‘girl power’ might be old school to the West but until 2NE1 stamped their studded heels down, female K-Pop acts felt more like candy coloured day trip for little girls or a skimpily clad, ajhussi pleasure fest. Experimental visuals sit alongside big, bold concepts that allow 2NE1 to demonstrate both strength and femininity, while in CL they have a leader both outspoken and encouraged to be, a rarity for the South Korean entertainment industry. Their first, and so far only, full studio album was in 2010 and despite repeated hints and rumours of an October 2013 release, 2NE1 are keeping everyone hanging.

This fleeting London visit saw their first ever live UK performance; another tease for their fandom, the Blackjacks, who took to Twitter on November 4th to voice their impatience for new material. It might have trended worldwide but guess what, the official line is as vague as ever, no matter how hard you ask. And really, we did ask.

Dazed Digital: Fans have been waiting a very long time for your return but it keeps getting pushed back. What, besides CL’s solo, have you all been doing and why has this new album taken so long to come out?

Dara: After releasing “I LOVE YOU” we immediately went on a world tour to meet with our foreign fans which pushed back our album plans.

Bom: Before our (summer) comeback we continuously recorded songs, maintained our health by working out and decided what kind of items and concepts we should wear and do for our new single. We were working hard to prepare for the album.

Click the link below for the rest of the interview!

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Article: 2NE1 Performs at the Congratulatory Ceremony for “KBEE 2013” in London

2NE1 performs for the Congratulatory Ceremony of the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo held at the Old Billingsgate, London, United Kingdom today.

The Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo were in London, United Kingdom for the past three days, holding exclusive exhibitions and business meetings. On its second day, the event held a Congratulatory Ceremony where they held a ceremonial performance courtesy of their K-Pop Ambassador, 2NE1.

The ceremony started with a traditional drum and visual art performance, followed by a fashion show and a performance by a percussion quartet. 2NE1 headlined the show as the event’s ambassador, performing their hits “Do You Love Me,” “Lonely” and “I Am The Best” with invited ministers, exhibitors and fans in the audience. The rest of the event held special screenings of the hit drama “Jewel In The Palace” as they celebrate its 10th anniversary, followed by a special animation screening.

The Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo is scheduled to hold their third and last day on November 6th, where they will hold a mix of traditional and digital performances, followed by a special screening of “The Outback” and a Memorial Event commemorating United Kingdom’s Korean War Veterans. The event also launched YG Entertainment’s “Hologram Concert” which featured exclusive digital concert performances with PSY and 2NE1.

The Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo is described to be the world’s first and largest annual exhibit promoting Korean culture. It was hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and was organised by KOTRA and KOCCA. Already on its fourth year, they have appointed 2NE1 as their honorary ambassadors for the event.

Credit: Koreaboo