CL of 2NE1 shared a heartfelt transformation, expressing that the group’s reunion after a decade has fostered a sense of family among the members, moving beyond its previous status as colleagues.
On Wednesday, 2NE1 appeared as guests on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, marking its first full performance in ten years. They described the experience as dreamlike.
Sandara Park recounted her emotional journey: “It was a crying party from the start because those who have supported us since our debut came to see us. It felt like we were in a 4,000-seat club. I went wild and danced even more.” She added, “I was in a daze on stage, realizing that friends who couldn’t attend our concerts a decade ago as students had come as adults. Hearing those stories made me feel proud,” capturing the poignant emotions of that moment.
CL reflected on the support from fellow artists like G-Dragon and NewJeans in the audience, saying, “Having fellow artists there made me feel even more celebrated. Their presence was comforting, healing, and truly uplifting.”
2NE1, a groundbreaking girl group launched by YG Entertainment, drew attention as the “female Big Bang” even before its debut. Sandara Park revealed, “The members’ passion was truly remarkable. Even though Minzy was in middle school, she stayed in the practice room until 3 AM. The lights were always on. Seeing such dedication made me want to be in a group with them even more.” Park Bom practiced her vocals so diligently that she naturally sang during dance rehearsals.
Reflecting on their strict training regimen, CL revealed, “At that time, the company didn’t have a cafeteria, so we ordered food from a local Korean restaurant. Aside from Sandara, we could only eat soft tofu stew. Minzy and I, in particular, survived on sandwiches.”
Reflecting on its debut in 2009, when they made history by winning both the Best New Artist and the Grand Prize as a girl group, CL admitted, “It’s probably similar to what others have said, but we didn’t realize the extent of our popularity at that time. We were so busy and always trying new things that we often wondered, ‘How much more do we need to innovate?’ We didn’t have the time to look back or think about where we were in the present.”
As an iconic group beloved by many, 2NE1 unexpectedly halted its activities after its performance at the 2015 MAMA. Sandara Park shared, “The hardest part was saying goodbye to the members, who had always been together. We had lived in the same dorm, and I found myself wondering, ‘What should I do now?’ and ‘Will I ever be on stage again?’” She expressed her feelings during that difficult time.
CL demonstrated her leadership, stating, “Even if we wanted to promote as 2NE1 again, we needed to be okay ourselves. So, I worked harder. I believed I needed to be in a good state. I never considered that we wouldn’t do 2NE1 again.”
The reunion has deepened their bond, with CL noting, “Back then, I thought I needed to be unemotional to lead effectively, so I didn’t engage in emotional exchanges. Recently, we’ve been talking about family and our lives, including dating. The members have become my friends and family, and it feels wonderful.”
>> G-Dragon, NewJeans Among Stars Celebrating 2NE1’s Comeback Concert
