2NE1 is still on fire

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It’s been five years since K-pop group 2NE1 debuted with “Fire” in 2009.

This year, 2NE1, composed of CL, Bom, Sandara Park and Minzy, is on the comeback trail with their new album “Crush.”

2NE1 (www.newsen.com)

“Crush” debuted at No. 61 on the Billboard 200, setting a record as the highest-charting K-Pop album on the chart.

“Until this week’s chart, the scene had only hit as high as No. 126 with Girls’ Generation-TTS’ Twinkle’ EP in 2012,” noted Billboard.com.

2NE1 is not resting on their laurels, taking their motivation from the group motto, “never getting old.”

“I personally don’t like the feeling of easiness. I believe once you start to enjoy the comfortable feeling, that’s the end of everything. Each member still has a lot to show in terms of our different personalities and styles. If we keep doing what we do, time will fly,” said CL, according to YG Life blog and Star News.

For Sandara, she said she will keep on trying on different hairstyles.

“It is important to keep looking for new challenges. Personally, I’m always pursuing for changes by trying different hairstyles, although the ‘palm tree’ and ‘vegetable’ looks failed. It is better not to go overboard on things sometimes,” she said, referring to her hairstyle when they promoted “Fire.”

2NE1 has been promoting “Crush,” which was released online last February 27.

The group held their first fan signing event in three years last March 15 at Times Square mall in Seoul.

The last time they held a similar event was in 2011 when they were promoting their second mini album.

Last March 16, 2NE1 won their first music TV chart win for “Come Back Home” on SBS “Inkigayo.”

“Crush” is 2NE1′s second studio album since “To Anyone,” which was released in 2010.

“It took four years. Since our first album includes many single songs, it feels like this second album is actually the first regular album in our hearts. We tried various types of music and genre and stepped out of the boundary, so I’m exceptionally proud that the album came out to be great,” said CL.

Sandara said they are “having a great time because we released many new songs after a long time.”

2NE1 also noted that “fans’ support is great motivation. There’s nothing rewarding than fans’ support and them being proud of us.”

How do they see themselves in the next decade?

Sandara said, “I hope we stay the same after 10 years as well. We would probably be enjoying ourselves, just like now, not getting any older. My wish is to age stylishly, regardless of work, dressing like this and dying my hair blue even when I become a grandmother.”

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:
http://www.mb.com.ph/2ne1-is-still-on-fire/

To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.com