2NE1, once South Korea’s most iconic girl group, is making a major comeback in late 2024, almost a decade after their unexpected breakup. The group’s reunion is sparking renewed interest in their split in 2016 and what led to it.
The Rise and Fall of 2NE1
2NE1, consisting of members Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy, quickly rose to fame in the early days of K-Pop. As YG Entertainment’s flagship girl group, they played a key role in establishing the label’s reputation. They achieved significant milestones, such as being the first idol group to win a Daesang (the top awards at major K-Pop events) for Song of the Year with “I Don’t Care” in 2009. They were also the first girl group to hold an international tour and the first Korean artist to chart on the Billboard 200 with their 2014 album Crush.
What Caused the Breakup?
2NE1’s downfall began in 2014 when it was revealed that Park Bom had tried to bring Adderall into South Korea. The medication, which Bom had been prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder while living in the U.S., was legal there but caused outrage in South Korea. Although Bom provided evidence showing her prescription and treatment plan, the scandal damaged her reputation and, by extension, the group’s.
During Bom’s hiatus, the remaining members pursued solo projects. When their contracts with YG were about to expire, Minzy chose not to renew hers, leaving 2NE1 as a three-member group. YG Entertainment announced the disbandment on November 25, 2016, without informing the members in advance. This move led to accusations that YG had abandoned 2NE1 due to the controversy surrounding Bom, while shifting focus to a new group, Blackpink.
Life After Disbandment
Post-disbandment, the members had varied experiences:
- Park Bom eventually signed with D-Nation Entertainment and made a comeback with her 2019 single “Spring.”
- CL left YG in 2019 after her contract expired and began releasing solo music.
- Dara stayed with YG until 2021, focusing on her acting career, and later signed with Abyss Company, releasing her first South Korean EP titled Sandara Park.
- Minzy faced challenges with her new label Music Works but continued to release singles and appear on variety shows.
Now, with tensions seemingly eased, 2NE1 is reuniting for an international tour to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Announced by Yang Hyun Suk, the tour will include dates in South Korea and Japan, starting in October 2024 and extending into 2025. This will be their first major concert since 2014 and their first performance since a one-off reunion at CL’s Coachella set in 2022.
Fans, known as Blackjacks, have eagerly awaited this reunion, hoping it will bring closure and joy after the abrupt end of their beloved group.
