2NE1

2NE1 (Hangul: 투애니원; Japanese: トゥエニィワン; RR: tu-aeniwon; shortform of New Evolution 21st Centur^y; pronounced “to anyone” or “twenty-one”) is a popular South Korean hip-hop/pop girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2009. 2NE1 consists of four members: CL,Dara, Bom and Minzy. The group’s name 2NE1 stands for “New Evolution of the 21st Century”.

They first appeared in “Lollipop“, a commercial campaign with Big Bang for LG Electronics, and their debut single “Fire” was released on May 6, 2009. Since then, the group has released twoextended plays, 2NE1 and 2NE1 2nd Mini Album, and one studio album, To Anyone.

Fans of 2NE1 call themselves “Blackjacks”, a reference to the card game Blackjack (which is also known as Twenty-one).

2NE1 has been crowned as “Best New Band in the World” at the MTV’s Iggy in 2011.

PRE-DEBUT

The group was first mentioned by the press in late 2008. YG Entertainment announced that the group would consist of four members and debut sometime in May 2009. The company stated that the group had trained for 4 years, and that their debut album would contain songs produced by 1TYM leader Teddy Park.The group’s name was initially announced as “21″; however, due to the discovery of a singer with the same name, the group was quickly renamed “2NE1″.

2009 – DEBUT

In collaboration with Big Bang, 2NE1′s first CF song was “Lollipop“, digitally released on March 27, 2009. The song was created for LG to promote their Cyon phone. The music video debuted on March 28, 2009. Although it was not a promoted single because it was an advertisement (there were problems with network chart eligibility), “Lollipop” went to number one on various online charts and topped the online chart of music television network Mnet for four weeks in a row.

On April 30, YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk revealed that 2NE1′s debut song would be ahip-hop and reggae song, and that it would be digitally released on May 6, 2009. Titled “Fire”, the song was written and produced by 1TYM‘s Teddy Park.Teasers of the song were released on their official website at the beginning of May, with a 20-second clip released on May 1.

“Fire” was released as planned on May 6, with two versions of the music video — a “space” version and a “street” version — released the same day. During the first 24 hours, the videos received over one million views. The group’s first performance of the song was on May 17, 2009, on SBS‘s Inkigayo,beginning the group’s activities.

Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet’s online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; “Lollipop” and “Fire” both won “Song of the Month” and the group won “Rookie of the Month” for May 2009. 2NE1 received their first Mutizen award after their fourth stage performance in SBS Inkigayo (Popular Song) on June 14, 2009. They received their second Mutizen award on SBS Inkigayo on June 21, 2009. Two days afterwards, 2NE1 signed a deal with Fila to become the models for the new commercial campaign.

“I Don’t Care” was released as the second single on July 1, 2009,with promotions starting in early July.Yang Hyun Suk stated that the song would demonstrate a softer, more feminine image.A reggae version of “I Don’t Care” was performed on SBS‘s Inkigayo, signaling the end of promotions for the song. However, due to the remix’s popularity, it was released to digital outlets on September 3, 2009, and became their next digital single.

Along with three other groups representing Korea, 2NE1 performed in the 6th Asia Song Festival in September 2009, where they received the 2009′s “Asian Newcomer’s Award.”

2NE1 received many year-end awards, including Best Rookie Award and Song of the Year Award. Their hit single I Don’t Care was named 2009′s Best Selling Song on music sites Bugs, Monkey3, and Cyworld.

 2010: Return to group activities, and To Anyone

On February 9, 2010, without previous notice, “Follow Me” (Korean: “날 따라해봐요”, “Nal ddara haebwayo“) was released to digital outlets and used as a theme song for Samsung Corby Folder.Over the summer, 2NE1 traveled to Los Angeles and London in order to record English songs for a possible American debut with The Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am. So far, group has recorded 10 songs. YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk stated that the girls are planned to debut sometime in 2011 or early 2012, after The Black Eyed Peas‘ global tour and 2NE1′s own activities in Korea and Japan.

The first studio and full length album, To Anyone, was released on September 9, 2010 and was a huge success.The album contains 12 tracks including three title songs, namely “Clap Your Hands” (Korean: “박수 쳐”), “Go Away” and “Can’t Nobody“, which were promoted simultaneously. 2NE1 won first place on Mnet M! Countdown for “Clap Your Hands” on the day of their comeback, followed by a K-Chart win the next day on KBS Music Bank for “Go Away”, and a Mutizen a week after their SBS Inkigayo comeback for “Can’t Nobody.” Overall, 2NE1 won first place eleven times on various music shows.

To promote the album, the group made its first entertainment show appearance as a group on KBS variety-talk show Win Win.2NE1 also aired the second season of 2NE1 TV.

On October 21, Yang Hyun Suk announced that 2NE1 would be releasing a follow up song on October 31, later revealed to be “It Hurts (Slow)” (Korean: “아파”). It was first performed on SBS Inkigayo. The music video is directed by Kim Hye Jung, the same director for G-Dragon‘s “Butterfly.” The music video was released on November 1 and was themed for Halloween.

In addition, on October 28, it was revealed that 2NE1′s official record label in Japan will beAvex, and that To Anyone would be re-released in Japan on December 8, 2010. However, the release was delayed to an indefinite time. The group also promoted in Thailand, where To Anyone released on October 28, 2010.On November 26, 2NE1 released the single “Don’t Stop the Music” as a “special gift for Thai fans”

2011: International expansion, and Korean Comeback with Ugly

Originally, 2NE1′s Japanese debut was planned for December 2010, but this was delayed to September 2011, with singles releasing throughout the summer. 2NE1′s American promotions with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas has no set time for release yet, because of the Black Eyed Peas’ album release of The Beginning and subsequent touring.

On January 19, “Can’t Nobody (English Version)” was released on Recochoku as ringtones andringback tones. On February 2, the “Can’t Nobody (English Version)” music video was made available for download through iTunes Japan. On February 22, Avex announced that 2NE1 will release their Japanese debut single “Go Away“, previously used as a Korean promotional single, as a ringtone on March 9, 2011. On March 16, the group released 2NE1, their first extended play, in Japan, with no promotions because of the earthquake. It debuted at number twenty four on the Oricon charts, selling 3,860 copies. It was later announced to be the theme song of Japanese television program Mezamashi TV.2NE1 planned to make their official Japanese live debut on Music Station, but have since postponed their debut because of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. 2NE1 participated in the Naver “Pray for Japan” campaign alongside many other Korean celebrities, helping to raise funds for earthquake victims.

On April 18, 2NE1 announced their Korean comeback plans, pushing their mini-album Ugly’s promotions forward, from July to April.Member Park Bom’s solo project was unveiled on April 21; after Park Bom sang an acoustic version of Don’t Cry on YG on Air, leader CL said a new Korean single called “Lonely” would be released May 12, 2011. A behind-the scenes-ofLonely was shown on the second episode of YG on Air, and the music video of Lonelypremiered May 11, 2011. On June 24, 2NE1 released a single produced by Teddy Park at midnight, titled I Am The Best. Within 24 hours of release, “I Am The Best” topped all the major Korean charts, except for Monkey3 where the song was ranked second. As the day progressed, the song ultimately became first and certified as a “perfect all-kill”. On July 21, 2NE1 released their animated music video, “Hate You”, directed by Mari Kim, which also topped all major Korean charts. On July 28, along with the release of the full mini-album, the single “UGLY” and its music video were released, and again Ugly topped all major Korean charts. 2NE1 made a perfect all-kill with their new album as all singles released topped all major Korean charts.

Promotions for 2NE1′s Korean comeback were scheduled to end around late August. Following the end of promotions, 2NE1 had their first sold-out solo concert at the Olympic Hall in the Chamsil Olympic Park on August 26, 27 and 28 in Seoul, South Korea.

After concluding Korean promotions for Ugly, 2NE1 made their official debut in Japan in September.Prior to this, 2NE1 has released Japanese versions of “I Am The Best”, “Hate You”, and “Ugly.”

In the beginning of October, MTV Iggy an international branch of MTV that promotes new and international music, held a global competition with 10 bands from all around the world who competed in a voting competition globally for the “Best New Band” in the world. With their song “I am the Best”, “Four million of you voted, representing 168 countries around the world”, they were crowned winners of this title on the 10th November, 2011, and are performing at Times Square New York in December due to this honour, marking their first U.S Award and embarkation of their American music industry take over.

2NE1 also released the Japanese version of “Go Away” on November 18, 2011 in three version, following their late 2011 Japanese album and promotions.  The film clip also showcased their gifted Adidas Multicolored Original Wings by American designer Jeremy Scott who has been a major part in their global success. 

Musical styles

Their comeback album, To Anyone, was marked by a strong shift into electronic music. “Go Away“, the most successful promotional single from the album, is classified as dance.However, songs like “It Hurts (Slow)” are R&B, another style that also characterized their first EP. The three title tracks, “Clap Your Hands,” “Go Away,” and “Can’t Nobody” were noted for their lasting impressions, as they topped music charts weeks after releaseIn 2NE1′s debut EP 2NE1, the group was noted to have a distinct, mixed style. While “Lollipop” was categorized as for pop, debut single “Fire” is predominately influenced by hip hop. “I Don’t Care,” however, was intended as a song with a reggae feel.

Thematically, 2NE1′s music explores independence and female empowerment, such as in songs like “Go Away” and “I Don’t Care”.

Image

2NE1 is known for a “unique and edgier style”.During their debut single, the group was noted for being “hip-hop warriors” and the female counterpart to Big Bang but changed this perception with “I Don’t Care” into strong, feminine women.During the “It Hurts (Slow)” music video, the members were noted for their gothic, black attireand strange hair and wigs.

2NE1 has also been known to have close ties and relations with fashion guru and global fashion designer Jeremy Scott as he has stated they are somewhat his “muses”.

Influences

The 2NE1 cited different girl groups influences like Destiny’s Child. Park Bom, lead vocalist, cited American singers , Beyoncé and Mariah Carey as her main influences because of their strong vocals and powerful performances. She has listed hip hop and R&B as her favorite music genres.Youngest member Minzy cited famous entertainer Michael Jackson, while leader CL said producer Teddy Park and American entertainers Madonna and Lauryn Hill are her role models.Dara states that singer-actress Uhm Jung Hwa is her inspiration. She also likes Jennifer Lopez music and style very much that she naturally became her role model as she sang along with her music growing up.

Discography

Korean discography

Studio albums

• To Anyone (2010)

Extended plays

• 2NE1 (2009)
• 2NE1 2nd Mini Album (2011)

Japanese discography

Extended plays

• NOLZA (2011)

Singles (Physical)

• “Go Away” (2011)

Solo Tours/Concerts

NOLZA (2011)

• Concert Date: August 26, 27 & 28, 2011
• Concert Venue: Olympic Hall at Olympic Park Korea

Nolza in Japan (2011)

 Other Concerts

YG Family Concert (2010)

• Concert Date: December 3-5, 2010
• Concert Venue: Olympic Stadium at Olympic Park Korea

Pink Play Concert (2010)

• Concert Date: Summer, 2010
• Concert Venue: Han River, Seoul, Korea

Pink Play Concert (2011)

• Concert Date: September, 2011
• Concert Venue: Han River, Seoul, Korea

The Party Concert (2011)

• Concert Date: Summer, 2011
• Concert Venue: Manila, Philippines

YG Family 15th Anniversary Concert (2011)

• Concert Date: December, 2011
• Concert Venue: Olympic Stadium at Olympic Park Korea

YG Family Concert (2010)

• Concert Date: January, 2011
• Concert Venue: Various

Television

• 2NE1TV (2009)
• 2NE1TV Season 2 (2010)
• 2NE1TV LIVE:WORLDWIDE (SEASON 3) (2011)

Awards and recognition

When the group debuted, their song “Fire” and the subsequent live performances were dubbed unconventional and impressive. They won many awards on the weekly music shows, such as The Music Trend and Music Bank. “Fire” also brought them the Song of the Month and Rookie of the Month awards for May. “I Don’t Care” brought them similar success and recognition and led 2NE1 to win the Song of the Year award at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards. The same year, the group earned Cyworld Digital Music Awards for Top Selling Artist, Best Rookie Group, Bonsang Award, and Best Song for “I Don’t Care”.The group was also nominated at the 2009 Golden Disk Awards for the Popularity Award, Rookie Award, and the Digital Bonsang.At the Melon Music Awards, the group was one and the only rookie of the Top 10 artists in South Korea and the Best New Artist.They won This Year’s Stage, This Year’s Album, This Year’s Song on 2009 GQ Awards. They received 4 out of 10 nominations on Rhythmer Awards 2009 including Rookie of the Year, R&B Artist of the Year, R&B Single of the Year for “I Don’t Care” and R&B Album of the Year for their 1st Mini Album. Rhythmer.net is famous for hip-hop and R&B promotion for both mainstream and underground Korean music.

2NE1 won their first Artist of the Year and Album of the Year award for To Anyone at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards, in addition to awards for Best Female Group and Best music video for “Can’t Nobody“.

2NE1 was crowned “The Best New Band In The World” by MTV (television channel Iggy on November 10th, 2011.

Source: Wikipedia

STAGE NAME		BIRTH NAME		DATE OF BIRTH	POSITION
ROMANIZED	HANGUL	ROMANIZED	HANGUL
CL		Lee Chae Rin	이채린	February 26, 1991 (1991-02-26) (age 20)	Leader, Lead Rapper, Main Vocalist
Minzy		Gong Minji	공민지	January 18, 1994 (1994-01-18) (age 17)	Maknae, Main Dancer, Vocalist, Main Rapper
Dara		Sandara Park	박산다라	November 12, 1984 (1984-11-12) (age 27)	Vocalist, Visual
Bom		Park Bom	박봄	March 24, 1984 (1984-03-24) (age 27)	Lead Vocalist