Credits: Billboard
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2NE1, one of K-pop’s most iconic groups, made headlines throughout 2015 and 2016 as members pursued solo careers and personal ventures, all while fans anxiously waited for their return to the stage. However, despite brief reunions and individual successes, the group’s story came to a bittersweet end in November 2016, when YG Entertainment officially announced their disbandment.
In March 2015, 2NE1 reached a new milestone, being one of only two Asian performers honored at the YouTube Music Awards, an achievement that highlighted their global influence. Despite this recognition, the group’s activities as a unit began to wane following the controversy surrounding Park Bom’s hiatus due to a drug investigation in 2014. With Bom stepping out of the spotlight, the remaining members of 2NE1 explored independent careers in the entertainment industry throughout 2015.
2NE1 Solo Ventures That Saw Dara, CL, and Minzy’s Independent Path
Sandara Park, affectionately known as Dara, re-established herself as an actress, starring in a number of successful web dramas, including Dr. Ian, We Broke Up, and Missing You. Dara’s return to acting reignited her career, allowing her to gain further prominence outside of music. Meanwhile, Gong Min-ji, the youngest member of the group, made a bold move by opening her own dance studio, the Millennium Dance Academy, which showcased her passion for dance and choreography.
While Dara and Minzy took on ventures in Korea, CL set her sights on the global stage. In November 2015, she made waves in the U.S. music industry with the release of her solo track “Hello Bitches,” a bold, edgy anthem that showcased her fierce personality. CL’s solo career was seen as one of the most highly anticipated moves from a K-pop artist in the U.S. market, and her international debut further cemented 2NE1’s global appeal.
2NE1’s Final Group Performance
Despite their independent ventures, 2NE1 surprised fans with an unexpected reunion at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in Hong Kong. CL took the stage with solo performances of “The Baddest Female” and “Hello Bitches,” but the night took a dramatic turn when the remaining members Bom, Dara, and Minzy joined her to perform 2NE1’s smash hits “Fire” and “I Am the Best.”
The reunion performance was a significant moment for both the group and their fans, as it marked their first live stage as a complete unit since 2014. The performance quickly became the most-watched girl group performance of the night and was named one of the best performances of 2015 by Fuse, alongside international superstars like Beyoncé and Madonna. 2NE1 was one of only two non-Western acts to receive such recognition from the site, further proving their global impact.
Hiatus and Final Disbandment of 2NE1
Following the high of their MAMA performance, 2NE1 slipped into an extended hiatus throughout 2016, leading to widespread speculation about the group’s future. In April of that year, fans were dealt a heavy blow when YG Entertainment confirmed the departure of Minzy, who chose to leave the group and the agency after her contract expired. Her exit left the group as a trio and added uncertainty to their potential comeback.
Then, on November 25, 2016, YG Entertainment officially announced 2NE1’s disbandment. The statement acknowledged the group’s influence and legacy but explained that after Minzy’s departure, it was difficult for 2NE1 to continue as a group. CL and Dara renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment as solo artists, while Bom was released from her contract, officially ending her time with the company.
2NE1’s Farewell Song: “Goodbye”
Although their official disbandment was announced in 2016, 2NE1 gave fans one final gift. On January 21, 2017, the group released their farewell single, “Goodbye,” which was recorded by the three remaining members, CL, Dara, and Bom. The heartfelt ballad was inspired by a letter that CL had written to Minzy following her departure from the group. The song served as a final tribute to their time together and a farewell to their loyal fans.
“Goodbye” was a success, topping the Billboard World Digital Songs chart, and entering the national charts in France and Finland, reaffirming the group’s popularity and influence even in their final chapter.