2NE1 (Korean:투애니원;RR:Tuaeniwon;pronounced[tʰu.ɛ.ni.wʌn]) is a South Koreangirl group formed byYG Entertainment in 2009. The group consists ofBom,CL,Dara, andMinzy. Known for theirmusical experimentation, fashion, and stage presence, they are a leading figure of theKorean Wave and among the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time. They are recognized for expanding girl group styles in the Korean music industry, which in turn broke stereotypes ofK-pop.
By the end of 2014, 2NE1 amassed a total of nine number-one songs on theGaon Digital Chart, becoming the group with the most number-one singles in South Korea. Following a two-year hiatus, in 2016, Minzy departed the group and YG Entertainment announced their disbandment. Their final single, "Goodbye", was released in January of the following year. They made a surprise reunion performance atCoachella 2022, and in 2024, announced a reunion under YG. They embarked on theWelcome Back Tour that same year, which attracted over 250,000 people.
The group's name was initially "21", however, their name was changed to "2NE1" upon discovery of a singer with the same stage name.[1] The name, spoken in Korean to the approximate English pronunciation for "to anyone" and "twenty-one", combines the phrases "21st century" and "New Evolution".[2]
In May 2008, reports began circulating in South Korea media about the potential lineup ofYG Entertainment's upcoming girl group, then dubbed "female BigBang".[3] On May 19, the agency said thatPark Bom andCL—who had both previously made appearances in the music scene—along withMinzy would be part of the new group, with the additional possibility ofSandara Park joining the final lineup.[4] In early 2009, YG officially confirmed that the four members would debut as part of a group in May of that year, making them the first girl group to debut under the agency sinceBig Mama in 2003.[5] The company stated that they had trained for four years and that their debut album would contain songs produced by former1TYM leaderTeddy Park.[5][6][7]
2NE1's firstextended play (EP),2NE1 (2009), was preceded by two singles. The first, "Lollipop", was recorded with labelmateBigBang and released on March 27, 2009, to promote theLG Cyon phone of the same name.[5] Although a music video was filmed,[8] "Lollipop" was not promoted because of its product advertising; this created issues with its eligibility to enter the music charts in South Korea.[9] The second single, "Fire", was written and produced by 1TYM's Teddy Park.[10] The single, featuring elements ofhip-hop andreggae, was released in May.[11] Two music videos for "Fire" were released: a "space" version and a "street" version.[12] Within 24 hours of the single's release, both videos each accumulated over one million views—a feat that "has never been seen before."[13] "Fire" and "2NE1" subsequently became popular online search terms.[14] The final single, "I Don't Care", was released alongside their first eponymous EP in July. Promotional activities that followed demonstrated a softer, more feminine image for the group that contrasted the edgier tone conveyed in "Fire".[15] "I Don't Care" was the most-downloaded song that month, and the music platformBugs later named it the most-downloaded song of the year. It topped the platform's chart, with four of the group's other songs tracking in the top 100, making 2NE1 the group with the most top-100 songs on Bugs in 2009.[16] The song was ranked number one onCyworld's 2009 year-end popularity chart in January 2010, the third consecutive track by a YG group to top the annual list.[17]
Although group members recorded and released solo material throughout late 2009, 2NE1 performed a reggae version of "I Don't Care" onInkigayo in September; the reggae version became popular and was released as a digital single on September 3.[18] Buoyed by the singles' success, sales of2NE1 reached 120,000 units by the following year.[19] 2NE1 performed at the sixthAsia Song Festival in 2009, representing Korea with three other groups and receiving the Asian Newcomer Award.[20] In February 2010, the group released "Try to Follow Me" digitally to promote theSamsung Corby cellphone, with no previous announcement.[21] The song peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart.[22] 2NE1 traveled to Los Angeles and London in mid-2010 to record English-language songs for an American debut album with music producerWill.i.am of theBlack Eyed Peas, recording 10 songs in their initial sessions.[23]
The group released its first full-length album,To Anyone, on September 9. It debuted at number seven on theBillboard World Album Chart[24] and amassed 120,000 preorders before its release.[25][unreliable source?] Several ofTo Anyone's twelve tracks were released as singles, and the top-three hits "Clap Your Hands", "Can't Nobody", and "Go Away" were released with the album.[26] 2NE1 was the first group in K-pop history to have three singles from one album top different music program charts, and was the first artist to top theInkigayo chart for four consecutive weeks.[27][28] The Halloween-themed music video for the fourth single fromTo Anyone, "It Hurts (Slow)", was released on October 31.[29] A fifth track, "Don't Stop the Music", was released on November 26; the song, recorded as a "special gift for Thai fans", was also used in conjunction with the group'sYamaha Fiore endorsement.[30]
On January 19, 2011, the English-language version of "Can't Nobody " was released by the Japanese digital retailerRecochoku as aringtone andringback tone.[31] The following month, its music video was made available for download throughiTunes Japan. The group went on to hold The Party, their one-off solo concert held at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines on June 4, 2011, both as their first ever solo and international concert.[32] The group's Japanese debut single, "Go Away", was released as a ringtone on March 9;[33] it was later used as the theme song for the Japanese television programMezamashi TV.[34] 2NE1's first Korean EP,2NE1, was released in Japan on March 16, 2011; promotional activities were canceled, however, due to theTōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[35]2NE1 debuted at number 24 on theOricon charts, selling 3,860 copies in its first week.[36] Plans for their Japanese debut onMusic Station were postponed due to the earthquake,[37] and the group participated in theNaver "Pray for Japan" campaign with other Korean celebrities to raise funds for earthquake victims.[38]
2NE1 promoting the Japanese release of "Go Away", 2011
The group released its second EP,2NE1 (2011), with the number-one hits "Lonely", "I Am the Best" and "Ugly", and the top-three hit "Hate You".[39][40] Bom's solo single "Don't Cry" additionally reached number one for two consecutive weeks. The EP was a success, topping theGaon Music Chart and selling over 108,000 copies.[citation needed]Spin Magazine ranked the EP the sixth-best pop album of 2011, ahead of albums byColdplay,Ellie Goulding andRihanna.[41] In late August, 2NE1 began theirNolza Tour with a solo concert at the Olympic Hall in Seoul's Chamsil Olympic Park. Originally scheduled for August 27 and 28, tickets for both dates sold out instantly, and a third show on August 26 was added.[42] The singles from the second EP were some of the year's most popular songs in South Korea. Three reached the top 10 of the year-end 2011 Gaon Digital Chart: "Lonely" at number four, "Don't Cry" at number five, and "I Am the Best" at number 7.[43]
2NE1 embarked on their first Japanese concert tour in September at theYokohama Arena as part of their Nolza Tour. All 70,000 tickets were sold out within a day and revenue from the concerts was expected to exceed₩10 billion.[44] The Japanese edition of2NE1 2nd Mini Album was released on September 21, 2011, which sold over 48,000 copies and reached number one on theOricon Albums Chart, making 2NE1 the second South Korean girl group to top the chart in its history.[45] The Japanese-language versions of "I Am the Best", "Hate You", "Go Away", and "Lonely" were also released. That October, MTV'sIggy held a global competition in which 10 bands from all around the world competed in a voting competition for the title of "Best New Band".[46] With their song "I Am the Best", the group was awarded the title on November 10, 2011, making it their first American award.[47] 2NE1 traveled to and performed at New York City'sTimes Square in December to accept the honor, where they were described as "an unparalleled presence in today's K-Pop scene".[48]MTV wrote that "it's a sign of the times", symbolizing "America opening its doors to pop music from around the world".[49] At the end of 2011, 2NE1 was awarded the New Artist Award at the53rd Japan Record Awards.[50]
2NE1 at the YouTube K-pop Awards in November 2011
On March 28, 2012, 2NE1 released their first full-length Japanese albumCollection along with their second Japanese single "Scream". The album includes Japanese versions of their Korean songs such as "Love Is Ouch", "Fire", and "I Don't Care", and a cover ofMadonna's 1984 hit song "Like A Virgin". Multiple editions of the album were released, some of which include a DVD containing the group's Japanese and Korean music videos, according toOricon's music website. The album peaked at number 5 on the Oricon Daily Chart and sold over 32,000 copies in Japan.[51][45] Later that year, 2NE1 were invited to perform at the 2012 Springroove festival in Japan alongside American and Japanese hip hop artists. 2NE1 and the subgroupGD & TOP had been invited to play at the festival the previous year, but it was canceled due to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster.[52] 2NE1 also collaborated with Japanese hip-hop groupM-Flo for the song "She's So (Outta Control)", which is included on M-Flo's sixth studio albumSquare One. "She's So (Outta Control)" was released as the album's lead single on February 29[53] and reached number 43 on theBillboardJapan Hot 100.[54]
In May 2012, 2NE1 performed at the International Recognized ExhibitionExpo 2012 opening ceremony in Yeosu.[55] In recognition of their unique musical style, fashion, and contributions in the global spread ofHallyu, 2NE1 were chosen byCheil Communications in to speak for international advertising and communication experts at the world's largest advertising event, theCannes Lions International Advertising Festival in June; in a survey conducted by the Paris office of theKorea Tourism Organization, they were voted as the favorite K-pop girl group among French Hallyu fans, with nearly 65% of the vote.[56] The group concluded their Japanese promotions by performing at the2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, which took place on June 23 at theMakuhari Messe, where they won the Best New Artist Video award for "I Am the Best".[57] A non-album single "I Love You" was released in Korea on July 5, 2012, topping the Gaon Digital Chart and became their sixth number-one single.[58]
At the end of that month, 2NE1 embarked on their first worldwide concert tour and second overall, theNew Evolution Global Tour. It included 15 shows in various countries throughout Asia and North America from July to December, attracting a total of 180,000 people, and was the first world tour by a K-pop girl group.[59][60] Following the group's Los Angeles concert at theNokia Theatre L.A Live, 2NE1 become the first K-pop girl group to be listed on theBillboard Current Box Score listing, ranking at number 29 with over $650,000 in ticket sales from a virtually sold-out concert.[61]Black Eyed Peas membersWill.i.am,Apl.de.ap[62] and chairman ofInterscope Records,Jimmy Iovine also attended the concert.[63] Shortly after the conclusion of the tour, 2NE1 and BigBang made MTV Style's list of "Best Band Style of 2012"; the two YG Entertainment groups were the only Asian acts to appear on the list of 10, which included the western groupsOne Direction,The Wanted,Backstreet Boys,Spice Girls,Destiny's Child,Fun, andNo Doubt.[64]
2NE1 released the English-language single "Take the World On", a collaboration with American singer Will.i.am, on March 14, 2013. The song was used in a commercial for theIntel Ultrabook series of laptops.[65][66] On March 21, in anElle interview, CL confirmed that the group had not yet planned an album for the United States but wanted to produce more songs in English.[67] A second collaboration with will.i.am produced "Gettin' Dumb", which included his bandmate Apl.de.ap. The song appears on will.i.am's second album,#willpower, which was released on April 23, 2013.[68] 2NE1's next singles were not on an album; the chart-topping, reggae-themed "Falling in Love" was released on July 8, 2013.[69] On July 22, the song was voted MTV Iggy's "Song of the Summer" by readers of the website.[70] The second non-album single, "Do You Love Me", was released on August 7 and became a top-three hit. In October, it was announced that 2NE1 had been appointed honorary ambassadors for the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo 2013 inLondon.[71] The ballad "Missing You" was the group's third standalone single of the year and was released on November 21. It topped theGaon Digital Chart[72] and received more than one million downloads by the end of the following year.[73] According toInvest Chosun, the group collectively grossed ₩40 billion in 2013.[74]
In January 2014, 2NE1 appeared on an episode ofThe Bachelor and the finale ofAmerica's Next Top Model (filmed in South Korea).[75] The group releasedCrush, its second Korean-language studio album, the following month.[76] The singles "Come Back Home" and "Gotta Be You" were released at the same time; "Come Back Home" topped the Gaon Digital Chart for two consecutive weeks and was the group's ninth (and final) number-one single in South Korea, extending their lead for the most number-one singles on Gaon by idol groups.[77] Furthermore, the rest of the songs on the record also experienced success on the charts; Nine out ofCrush's 10 tracks made the top 20 on the weekly comprehensive chart for two weeks.[78] The album sold 10,000 copies in the U.S. and peaked at number 61 on theBillboard 200 chart, setting a US record for the highest-charting and best-selling K-pop album.[79][80] ALos Angeles Times article said that the album was "doing more important work than crossing over — it's ushering in K-pop's future, in America and everywhere."[81] The music video for "Gotta Be You" was released on May 21 as a celebration of the fifth anniversary of the group's debut.[82] 2NE1 released the Japanese edition ofCrush on June 25, 2014, and it reached number four on the Oricon Daily Album Chart.[51]
2NE1 began its third tour, theAll or Nothing World Tour, after the release ofCrush. The tour stopped in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, and Malaysia for twenty concerts in 16 cities between March and October.[83][84][85] The group received worldwide recognition at the end of 2014.Crush appeared on several publications' year-end lists; it was the only record by an Asian artist to be selected forFuse TV's "40 Best Albums of 2014"[86] andRolling Stone's Best Pop Albums of 2014, ranking alongside albums byTaylor Swift,Ariana Grande, andMaroon 5.[87] It also toppedBillboard magazine's list of the year's best K-pop albums.[88]Crush placed eleventh onBillboard's year-end World Album chart, the chart's first entry by a K-pop group.[89] The group's 2011 single, "I Am the Best", was featured onMicrosoft'sSurface Pro 3 "Head to Head" commercial in August 2014.[90] The song, the first by a K-pop group to top theBillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart,[91] received airplay on radio stations in New York and Boston and was one of the few non-English songs played on US radio.[92] Due to its renewed popularity, it was released in the US on December 10 byCapitol Records.
Later that month, MTV Iggy included "Gotta Be You" on its list of 2014's top 14 global pop songs; a readers' poll made it the website's song of the year.[93][94] On December 21, 2014, 2NE1 performed "Crush" and "Come Back Home" at the 2014SBS Gayo Daejeon and received the Best Female Group award.[95][96]The Straits Times named 2NE1 one of the top 10 most streamed Asian artists in Singapore during 2014, the only appearance from a K-pop artist.[97] It was reported the following month that 2NE1's earnings for the first half of 2014 totaled₩27.5 billion (US$23.4 million), placing the group among South Korea's highest-earning entertainers.[98]
2NE1 was one of two Asian performers honored at the March2015 YouTube Music Awards.[99] Dara re-established her acting career, starring in web dramas such asDr.Ian,We Broke Up, andKBS'sMissing You; Minzy opened the Millennium Dance Academy.[100] CL began a solo career in the US with the release of "Hello Bitches". 2NE1's only group activity in 2015 was a surprise performance at the2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong: after CL's performance of her solo singles "The Baddest Female" and "Hello Bitches", 2NE1 reunited to perform "Fire" and "I Am the Best".[101] The performance was the most-viewed MAMA performance by a girl group.Fuse named it one of the best performances of 2015, alongside those ofBeyoncé and Madonna; 2NE1 was one of two non-Western acts mentioned by the website.[102] The group was the 16th-most-reblogged K-pop group onTumblr for 2015,[103] andSpotify mentioned 2NE1 and CL in its "Year in Music" Twitter campaign for achieving over one million listeners and being played for a combined time of 165 years.
2NE1 received China's 2016 Korea First Brand Grand Prize award for the "Top 10 Most Anticipated K-Stars of 2016".[104] After more than a year of hiatus in April 2016, YG Entertainment confirmed Minzy's departure from 2NE1.[105] On November 25, 2016, however, the company announced that 2NE1 would be disbanding; CL and Dara remained signed as solo artist and Bom was released from her contract.[106][107] On January 21, 2017, the group released their last single "Goodbye" which was recorded by the three remaining members,[108] inspired by a letter that CL wrote to Minzy after she left the group.[109] The song became their second single to top theBillboard World Digital Songs chart[110] and entered the national charts in France and Finland.[111][112]
In 2021, Minzy and CL revealed that they were not informed of 2NE1's disbandment beforehand, contradicting YG's statement that the decision had been made after "long discussions" with the remaining members.[113][114] The news triggered significant public backlash against YG, with many criticizing the agency's lack of communication and mismanagement.[113]
On April 16, 2022, all four members of the group reunited to perform "I Am the Best" at theCoachella festival. It marked the group's first performance in over six years since the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in December 2015.[115][116] 2NE1's performance was well received by commentators, withTeen Vogue writing that their appearance is "officially going down in history" as one of "the most exciting reunions in recent memory".[117]The A.V. Club ranked it one of the year's 10 best Coachella performances,[118] whileVariety named it one of the key moments in K-pop during 2022.[119]L'Officiel Singapore deemed it amongst 10 biggest pop culture moments of the year.[120]
On July 22, 2024, YG Entertainment announced that 2NE1 would be reuniting for a series of shows to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Their fourth concert tour, theWelcome Back Tour, began at Seoul'sOlympic Hall on October 4, 2024.[121] On December 9, it was announced that 2NE1 will perform at the 2024SBS Gayo Daejeon for the first time in 10 years.[122] They performed a medley of singles including "Fire", "I Don't Care", "Ugly", and "I Am the Best".[123] The Welcome Back Tour concluded at theKSPO Dome in Seoul on April 13, 2025,[124] drawing over 250,000 people in total with a gross of $44 million.[125] Due to medical advice calling for increased rest, Bom announced a temporary hiatus from her activities with 2NE1 on August 6, 2025.[126]
2NE1 at Nikon & YG's "A Shot A Day" ceremony in 2011
2NE1 has been featured in numerous advertisements and promotional campaigns throughout their career, endorsing multinational corporations such asIntel,Nikon,Adidas,Samsung,LG,Etude House,Singtel,Nintendo,Fila, among others.[127] Following the introduction of 2NE1's characters in the video gameSudden Attack in September 2009, the group earned over₩2.2 billion (US$2 million) from character purchases within seven months alone.[128] In January 2011, 2NE1 were named amongst the highest-earning celebrities in South Korea with an asking price of ₩800–900 million per endorsement—the highest range among girl groups in the country.[129] TVCF ranked them among the top 10 most popular CF models of the year in South Korea, and were only one of the three idol groups listed.[130]
In 2012, 2NE1 were highlighted as one of the first emerging global CF stars representing South Korea with their worldwide endorsement campaigns of Adidas and Intel, with contracts worth over ₩1 billion each.[131] In early May 2013, the website "2NE1Loves.com" was launched with videos of the members; the project was later revealed as a "2NE1 LovesShinsegae" endorsement for a department store and forChrome Hearts.[132][133] 2NE1's songs have been used in various advertisements; "Lollipop" for theLG Cyon phone, "Try to Follow Me" forSamsung's Corby Folder,[21][5] and "Don't Stop the Music" for theYamaha Fiore. "Go Away" was used as the theme song for the Japanese television programMezamashi TV.[34]
In the aftermath of the2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, 2NE1 participated in Naver's "Pray for Japan" campaign to help raise funds for victims.[134] Following the group's Going Together Concert in Hanoi in November 2011, 2NE1 donated ₩25 million won from the revenue earned from the concert to support scholarships for Vietnamese students.[135] In January 2012, the group donated ₩20 million won to the Yonsei UniversitySeverance Hospital for hearing-impaired children from low-income families.[136] Beginning in July of that year, multiple fansites of 2NE1 raised around ₩20 million as part of Tree Planet Korea's "Star Forest Project" in efforts to prevent desertification and minimize food shortages in Africa. Around 1,300 mango trees were planted in the village ofTonj, South Sudan by 2013 and was named the "2NE1 Forest" in honor of the group and its fans.[137]
2NE1's influences include theSpice Girls (top) andTLC (bottom).
2NE1 has credited theSpice Girls andTLC as musical influences.[138] Observers have compared 2NE1 to the Spice Girls for embodying the "girl power" mantra in South Korea—a concept that the latter popularized globally in the 1990s. In an article published throughYahoo! Singapore in June 2011, an editor wrote, "If there is a K-Pop girl group who represents the term 'girl power' most fittingly, it would be 2NE1." The editor noted how the group stood as a representation of "the ideals of female empowerment in music" in the "age of the hallyu phenomenon".[139] 2NE1 has also citedDestiny's Child as an inspiration.[140]
Each member of the group has been described as distinct in voice quality, image and fashion style;[141]Park Bom cited Beyoncé andMariah Carey as her main influences for their strong vocals and powerful performances and listed hip hop and R&B as her favorite musical genres.[142] Minzy citedMichael Jackson and Rihanna,[143] and group leaderCL called producer Teddy Park and American entertainers Madonna andLauryn Hill her role models.[144]Dara named singer-actressUhm Jung-hwa as her inspiration, and she idolized Filipino singerRegine Velasquez. She also enjoyedBritney Spears's style and music, citing her as a role model whose songs she sang while growing up.[143]
2NE1 has experimented with numerous musical genres with their songs during their career, encompassing hip hop, R&B, electropop, reggae, and dancehall.[145]NME remarked that, "Beyond themes, the quartet also presented an alternative in terms of genres as well, taking influences from hip-hop, R&B, techno and more – while these sounds were always part of K-pop, but they had never been quite so prominent before in a girl group’s DNA".[146] The group's "ability to produce something fresh and out of the ordinary with every new release", according toABS-CBN, "has placed them in a league of their own".[147]
2NE1's debut single "Fire" was noted as a catchy hip-hop and electropop number that utilized instrumentations of synthesizers and reggae styles, possessing "loads of attitude"[148] and strong, sophisticated energy.[149] With its infusion of reggae, the song showed the possibility that the genre could become popular in South Korea as it is worldwide, which had previously been described as a "barren land" for the reggae market.[150] Their follow-up single, "I Don't Care", aimed to further make reggae mainstream in the country's music scene; it combined medium-tempo R&B with soft reggae melodies, at the same time showcasing a more feminine side of the group in contrast to their previous release.[15]
2NE1 debuted with a hip-hop and electropop sound in "Fire". Music critics have credited it for its role in breaking the stereotypical image of South Korean girl groups.[151][152]
In their debut studio album,To Anyone (2010), "Go Away" continued with their electropop anddance styles[153] while other tracks such as "It Hurts (Slow)" utilizedcontemporary R&B.[154] "Clap Your Hands" became known for its urban hip hop while "Can't Nobody" was noted for its catchy hooks, chorus and rap section.[148] Music webzineIZM complimented the album's vitality and musical versatility, but criticized it for its over-reliance onautotune software, calling it a distraction.[155] Their self-titled second mini-album the following year was described as "a collision of electro-house, hip-hop, and pop-rock guitar" and was referred to bySpin as possibly the "year's most boldly thrilling recorded statement."[41] Theelectro house dance track "I Am the Best" was a "jaw-dropping, vibrant triumph of pure swagger and verve".[156] "Lonely" was a 180-degree transformation from 2NE1's usual musical styles and praised for itsacoustic sound and raw vocals.[157]
Thetrot-infusedEurodance single "I Love You" was described as "a perfect summation of pop's present and future", integrating traditional and modern musical elements with pulsating synths and ghostly background vocals.[158] "Falling in Love" built upon the reggae styles established through their early albums;Complex called it "[breaking] new ground", noting reggae's popularity in the neighboring market of Japan in contrast to it being a relatively newer phenomenon in Korea.[70] "Missing You" saw another diversion from the group's signature sound, characterized for its slow chorus, acoustic guitar, grand piano, and vocal harmony.[159] In their final studio album,Crush (2014),Fuse commented on its composition and the group's knack for genre-melding, "opening with the title track that blends Indian tabla drums and switchboard-button buzzing, followed by the reggae/trap-hybrid single "Come Back Home".[160]
2NE1's concert tours were also known for a variety of costumes, props, and effects[161] and were well-received by domestic and international media. Their three-day concert in Seoul on their 2011 Nolza tour was praised for the performance atmosphere and members' individual strengths.[162][163] On their 2012 New Evolution Global Tour, the shows featured an array of costume designs and incorporated stages that were transformed into a theme park, a club, a sporting arena, a fantasy world with giant inflatable props, conveyor belts, and a video wall simulating a roller coaster.[48] In a review of the group's two-day concert at theOlympic Gymnastics Arena, domestic publication SSTV praised the show's production and the live performance: "2NE1 properly showed the essence of performance."[164]AsiaOne called 2NE1 "ace live performers" and "trendsetting style icons in the eyes of devotees around the globe".[165] After the group's August 17 New Jersey concert,The New York Times called the show the second-best concert of 2012.[166] Jeff Benjamin wrote forBillboard that "A few short years ago, it would have been unthinkable that a Korean girl group would have been able to fill up an East Coast arena. But 2NE1 proved that they – and K-Pop in general – are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with".[59] August Brown of theLos Angeles Times called 2NE1 "every direction that pop culture is going – female, global, digital and danceable" and wrote that the group is "pop [in its] best ways".[62]
2NE1 performing "Fire" in June 2009
Since their debut with "Fire" in 2009, 2NE1 has become known for their style, charisma and stage presence.[147][167] The group's first live performance of "Fire" on SBS'sInkigayo on May 17 of that year was noted for a strong, sophisticated feel and "powerful charms".[168] The performance had a broadcast rating of nearly 15 percent per minute, and Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records andPerez Hilton expressed fondness for the group.[169] Establishing a hip-hop image with "Fire", the group changed its concept after the release of its eponymous debut mini-album. Their style for "Pretty Boy" included print leopard pants, while they opted for simpler outfits for "I Don't Care" (black-and-white ensembles), showcasing a more-youthful choreography and offering a "unique charm".[170]
The group has attracted attention for their outlandish, statement-making fashion and have been referred to as regional trendsetters and style icons.[171][172][162] Carolina Malis fromSouth China Morning Post said that "[2NE1] constantly defied the traditional Korean female stereotype by embracing daring, colourful and audacious looks that helped make bold make-up a viral beauty trend."[173] The group's concerts often included over 100 custom-made outfits, ranging from street style to modern chic to futurism, which have been called the "2NE1 Collection".[162] Their style was described byHarper's Bazaar Singapore as ranging from ultra-punk to über-glamorous to unapologetically urban.[174] The "fiery, renegade concepts of 2NE1", as CR Fashion Book stated, "captured the essence of independence and rebellion" and attracted the attention of fashion brands worldwide.[175]
2NE1 at MTV Daum Music Fest 2011
In the group's music videos, performances and photoshoots, the members were often seen inMoschino,Alexander Wang,Balmain,Givenchy,Versace, KTZ,Jeremy Scott andMary Katrantzou[172][174] and were credited with popularizing international fashion houses such as Givenchy and Balmain in South Korea.[176] In a May 2015 interview, fashion expert David Yi remarked that "[2NE1] started wearingHood By Air before anyone else did, same withOff-White and a lot of different brands we see at VFiles now. Now it's very trendy to wear these European brands and streetwear brands together."[176] Also distinguished for their individuality, Janelle Okwodu fromVogue noted how girl group members are rarely lauded for their individual fashion style, except for groups like 2NE1 and the Spice Girls.[177] They have experimented with a variety of hairstyles and colors;[178] CL's "bull-horn" hair and Dara's "Vegeta" hair became media topics after the 2011 release of "I Am the Best".[179] Dara's "palm-tree hair", first seen in 2009's "Lollipop", has been described as a definitive look of 2000s K-pop.[180] In a consumer survey researching trends in the Singaporean fashion market in 2013, the group was ranked first among female K-pop artists whose style most wanted to imitate.[181]
For broader coverage of this topic, seeKorean wave.
Recognized for breaking the stereotypical K-pop girl-group image, 2NE1 are known for pioneering the "girl crush" concept. In contrast to the "sexy" or "cute" female stereotypes, the group is said to have rewritten history and brought about the expansion of girl group styles in the industry.[182][183]Rolling Stone called them "undeniably one of the most influential acts" of their generation, widening K-pop's musical scope and stated that in the process, they "exerted a huge influence on the generation of artists" that came after them.[184]KAIST named them the most influential musical artist in their Power Entertainer Korea report in March 2013.[185]Billboard ranked 2NE1 among the top K-pop girl groups of the decade, citing the group for "pav[ing] the way for a more empowered side to K-pop girl groups."[186]SCMP called them one of the most iconic girl groups of their time,[187] whileNME wrote that "acts across K-pop [put] their own spin on the genre elements that 2NE1 first popularised."[146]
2NE1 as promotional ambassadors for the South KoreanMinistry of Justice in 2010
The group's work has been recognized globally—Billboard's Caitlin Kelley called "I Am the Best" "one of the most iconic girl crush concepts on many levels",[221] whileStereogum's Tom Breihan ranked its video the 2nd best music video of the 2010s.[222]Pitchfork named "I Am the Best" one of 45 highlights in girl group history,[223] whileBillboard ranked it and "I Love You" the fourth- and 67th-greatest K-pop songs of the 2010s, respectively.[224] "Fire" and "I Am the Best" were considered by music-industry experts some of the genre's defining girl-group songs inMelon andSeoul Shinmun's list of top 100 K-pop masterpieces of all time.[225][226]GQ named "I Am the Best" one of 24 songs that shaped the decade worldwide,[227] while "Come Back Home" was inducted into the Korea World Music Culture Hall of Fame in 2023.[228]
Rolling Stone Korea remarked that upon disbanding, 2NE1 "was eventually honored in K-pop's hall of fame" as "K-pop welcomed a new generation."[229] Various media publications such asThe Independent,[116]Billboard,[230] andPollstar[231] have referred to them as the "Queens of K-pop", whileOfficial UK Charts called them the "original K-pop queens".[232] In 2017, editor-in-chief of webzineIdology wrote that the group established a new image of Korean female idols and went the farthest, creating a K-pop fandom abroad. Music critic Kim Yun-ha wrote that "the expression 'reminiscent of 2NE1' will remain as an eternal praise of K-pop legends".[183]
2NE1 received a number of awards and honors. When the group debuted, their song "Fire" and its subsequent live performances were praised as unconventional but impressive. They received their first two awards on the weekly music showInkigayo, and received more with their next singles onMusic Bank.[233] "Fire" was theCyworld Song of the Month and 2NE1 the Rookie of the Month in May 2009.[234] "I Don't Care" received theSong of the Year award at the2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards, making 2NE1 the first idol group and musical artist in South Korean history to receive adaesang in their debut year.[235] The group received a number of awards at theCyworld Digital Music Awards, including Top-Selling Artist, Best Rookie Group, Bonsang Award, and Song of the Year (for "I Don't Care").[236] At the inauguralMelon Music Awards on December 16, 2009, the group was the only new act chosen as one of the top 10 artists in South Korea and received the Best New Artist award.[237] After analyzing its online music charts throughout 2009, Mnet.com music portal named 2NE1 the "Artist of the Year".[238]
They received the most awards of any group at the2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards atThe Venetian Macao, including two daesangs (Artist of the Year andAlbum of the Year, forTo Anyone),[239]Best Music Video for "Can't Nobody", andBest Female Group.[240][241] They were the first artist to receive all three daesang awards in the history of the Mnet Asian Music Awards.[242] The group received three awards at the second Melon Music Awards in December 2010, including Album of the Year.[242] 2NE1's second EP received theAlbum of the Year award at the third Melon Music Awards, although they did not attend the ceremony; they are the only female group to receive the award more than once. At the2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards, the group received the Song of the Year award for "I Am the Best"—the first artists to receive the award multiple times—while "Lonely" won theBest Vocal Performance – Group award. Following the ceremony, the group received a total of four daesangs (two Songs of the Year, one Album of the Year, and one Artist of the Year), and remains the most by any female act at MAMA.[243]
In November 2012, 2NE1 received thePrime Minister Commendation atKorean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, an honor bestowed in recognition of public service and/or excellence in a given field. The organization called them a leading figure of the Korean Wave, contributing to the development of popular culture with their powerful image and music.[244] From 2009 to 2013, 16 of their songs placed within the top 100 on the annualMelon record charts—making them the act with the fourth-most digital hit songs in South Korean history, followingSG Wannabe, BigBang, andDavichi.[245]Star News named1st Mini Album (2009),To Anyone (2010), and2nd Mini Album (2011) among the most successful digital albums in history, with the former two albums being the top digital albums of that year.[246]Gaon Music Chart further named them the artist with the most hit songs in South Korea during 2011.[247] 2NE1 has sold a cumulative total of 66 million digital and physical records worldwide, making themone of the best-selling girl groups of all time.[248][249]
^Lee, Hye-rin (March 30, 2009).YG "원조 21에게 미안, '여자빅뱅' 이름 2NE1로 교체" [YG "Sorry to original 21, 'Female Big Bang' name will be replaced with 2NE1"] (in Korean). Asia Economy.Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. RetrievedMay 6, 2009 – viaNate.
^'여성 빅뱅' 그녀들이 온다...YG, 박산다라 캐스팅 4인조 라인업 [YG's 'Female Big Bang' are coming ... Sandara Park's casting in 4-member lineup].Sports Dong-a (in Korean). May 16, 2008.Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 2, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Hyeong-woo (May 19, 2008).양현석 '여자 빅뱅' 산다라박 합류 시사 [Yang Hyun-suk's 'Female Big Bang' Sandara Park joins preview].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 2, 2022.
^abcdPark, Kyeong-eun (March 28, 2009).여자빅뱅' 5월 초 데뷔, 新 여자아이돌 대 격돌 ["Female Big Bang" Debut in May, Female Idol Groups Crash (Together)].Good Day Sports (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on May 6, 2012. RetrievedApril 7, 2016.
^Hong, Jae-hyun (January 6, 2009).여자 아이들그룹 '3차 대전' '애프터스쿨'·YG 3인조... '불꽃경쟁' [Female Idol Groups, Three of Them in War: "After School" – "YG's Trio" ... Flower War].The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. RetrievedMay 6, 2009.
^'여자빅뱅' CF통해 모습 공개한다 ['Female Big Bang' to be revealed through CF].uKopia. March 26, 2009. Archived fromthe original on September 18, 2012. RetrievedJanuary 27, 2022.
^Lee, Lim (April 17, 2009).빅뱅-2NE1 '롤리팝', CM송 최초 가요프로 1위 될까? [Will Big Bang-2NE1's 'Lollipop' become the first CM song to top the charts?].MyDaily. Archived fromthe original on September 8, 2011. RetrievedMay 7, 2009.
^신예 여성그룹 2NE1, 첫 타이틀곡 '파이어' 발표 [Rookie female group 2NE1 releases first title song 'Fire'].Hankyung (in Korean). May 7, 2009.Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. RetrievedJanuary 27, 2022.
^양현석 '2NE1 데뷔곡은 레게풍 힙합곡' [Yang Hyun-suk "2NE1's debut song is reggae/hip-hop song"] (in Korean).Yonhap News. April 30, 2009.Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. RetrievedMay 6, 2009 – viaSBS News.
^2NE1, 두 가지 버전의 '파이어' 뮤비 공개 [2NE1, two video versions of "Fire" released].Hankyung (in Korean). May 7, 2009.Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. RetrievedMay 7, 2009.
^Park, Young-woong (May 7, 2009).2NE1, 데뷔곡 뮤비 하루만에 '100만' 육박 [2NE1, 2 million views in one day after release of MV] (in Korean).MyDaily.Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. RetrievedMay 7, 2009 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Hee-jung (June 1, 2009).2NE1, 가요계에 돌풍 일으키나? [Will 2NE1 create a sensation in the music industry?].Hankyung (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. RetrievedJune 3, 2009.
^abKim, Hyung-woo (July 1, 2009).2NE1 아이돈케어 '힙합전사에서 귀여운 여인 깜짝 변신' [2NE1 transforms from hip-hop warriors into cute women].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2009.
^Kim, Yoon-hee (November 18, 2009).음악포털 벅스, '2009 벅스 뮤직 어워드' 진행 [Music Portal Bugs, '2009 Bugs Music Awards'].JoongAng News (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. RetrievedJanuary 27, 2022.
^Kang, Seung-hoon (January 8, 2010).2NE1, '아이 돈 케어' 연간 최고 인기곡..YG 3년 연속 1위 [2NE1, 'I Don't Care' ranked as the most popular song of the year..YG No. 1 for 3 consecutive years].Asia Economy (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 27, 2022.
^"2NE1, '아이 돈 케어' 레게 믹스 음원 3일 공개" [2NE1's 'I Don't Care' reggae mix will be released to networks on the 3rd].OSEN (in Korean). September 1, 2009.Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2009.
^abPark, Se-yeon (February 9, 2010).오늘(9일) 게릴라 신곡 깜짝공개 '날 따라 해봐요' [2NE1 Releases "Guerilla" Surprise Single "Try to Follow Me" Today (the 9th)].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 9, 2010.
^Choi, Jun-yong (September 24, 2010)."2NE1, 타이틀3곡 모두1위 트리플크라운 大기록 '달성'" [All 3 of 2NE1's title songs achieve the triple crown record].Asian Economy (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 2, 2021.
^Gil, Hye-seong (October 17, 2010)."2NE1, '인기가요' 초유 4주연속 1위" [2NE1, 'Inkigayo' Colostrum 1st for 4 weeks in a row].Money Today (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 9, 2020.
^"2NE1 산다라박 파격 변신...후속곡 '아파' 뮤비 이수혁 호흡" [2NE1 Sandara Park's extraordinary transformation... Lee Soo-hyuk appears in the music video for the follow-up song 'It Hurts'].Seoul Shinmun (in Korean). October 31, 2010. RetrievedNovember 18, 2010 – viaNaver.
^"CAN'T NOBODY (English Version) レコチョクにて独占先行配信開始!" ["Can't Nobody (English Version)" exclusive ringtone release on Recochoku!].2NE1 Avex Official Website (in Japanese). Avex Group. January 19, 2011. Archived fromthe original on March 22, 2011. RetrievedJanuary 21, 2011.
^ab"「GO AWAY」、フジテレビ系「めざにゅ〜」テーマソングに決定!" ["Go Away" selected to be Mezamashi TV's theme song!].Avex Official Website – 2NE1 (in Japanese). Avex Group. March 31, 2011. Archived fromthe original on May 11, 2011. RetrievedApril 2, 2011.
^Gil, Hye-seong (March 16, 2011).양현석 "2NE1, 日안정되면 언제든 활동OK..韓활동먼저" [Yang Hyun Suk: "2NE1, waiting until Japanese situation is stable"].Nate News (in Korean). SK Communications.Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. RetrievedApril 2, 2011.
^アルバム 週間ランキング [Album Weekly Ranking].Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon Inc.Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. RetrievedMarch 22, 2011.
^"テレビ朝日「MUSIC STATION」オンエア中止のお知らせ" [TV Asahi'sMusic Station appearance cancelled].Avex Official Website – 2NE1 (in Japanese). Avex Group. March 11, 2011. Archived fromthe original on March 18, 2011. RetrievedMarch 11, 2011.
^"2NE1, 첫 단독콘서트 폭발적인 인기에 1회 추가" [2NE1, dates for 1st solo concert added due to explosive popularity].Sports World (in Korean). July 20, 2011.Archived from the original on August 30, 2021. RetrievedAugust 26, 2021 – viaNaver.
^"2NE1, 일본 첫 투어 매출만 100억원 돌파" [2NE1's first tour in Japan alone surpassed 10 billion won in sales].OSEN (in Korean).Naver. September 24, 2011.Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. RetrievedAugust 22, 2023.
^Lee, Sang-eun (March 5, 2019).멀어진 '빅뱅효과'...'승리 파문'에 흔들리는 YG엔터 [YG Entertainment shaken by 'Big Bang effect' and 'ripples from Seungri'] (in Korean). Invest Chosun.Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. RetrievedMay 9, 2024.
^"2NE1, '컴백홈' 각종 차트 1위 행진, 언제까지 이어질까?" [2NE1's 'Come Back Home' 1st place on various charts, how long will it last?].Newsway (in Korean). March 20, 2014.Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. RetrievedJune 6, 2021.
^Aaron, Charles; Ganz, Caryn; Johnston, Maura; Spanos, Brittany; Walters, Barry (December 19, 2014)."20 Best Pop Albums of 2014".Rolling Stone.Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 16, 2018.
^"'SBS 가요대전' 2NE1, 박봄 부재에도 '강렬 카리스마'" ['SBS Gayo Daejun' 2NE1, 'strong charisma' despite Park Bom's absence].TV Report (in Korean). December 21, 2014. Archived fromthe original on June 6, 2021. RetrievedJune 6, 2021.
^Yoon, Sang-geun (December 21, 2014).엑소·2NE1, 2014 SBS 가요대전 남녀그룹상 [Exo·2NE1, 2014 SBS Gayo Daejeon Best Male and Female Group Award] (in Korean). MT Star News.Archived from the original on July 25, 2024. RetrievedJuly 25, 2024 – viaNaver.
^ab"기사 보고 알아"...투애니원 해체 이유, 5년 만 알려진 '그날'의 진실 ["I found out after reading the article"... The reason for the disbandment of 2NE1, the truth of 'that day' revealed after 5 years].Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). December 17, 2021.Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. RetrievedOctober 9, 2024.
^씨엘 "2NE1 해체, 기사 보고 알았다" 충격 고백 [CL "2NE1 disbandment, I found out about it through an article" Shocking confession].SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). December 17, 2021.Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. RetrievedOctober 9, 2024.
^Kang, Shin-woo (December 26, 2024).'역시 2NE1' 9년 공백 무색한 여왕의 귀환 ['2NE1' The return of the queen, after a 9-year hiatus].Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 26, 2024. RetrievedDecember 26, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Mi-hwa (April 14, 2025).언니들에게 박수쳐..2NE1, 영원한 레전드 亞투어 성료 [Applause to the sisters..2NE1, Eternal Legend Asia Tour Completed].Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. RetrievedApril 14, 2025 – via Naver.
^Jeong, Mina (April 18, 2010).'빅뱅' 등 게임으로 100억 벌었다 [Game Appearance Celebrity Earnings 1st Place 'Big Bang'].ETNews (in Korean).Naver.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023.
^2011년 가요계, 최고 몸값 스타는? '비-빅뱅' [In the music industry in 2011, who is the highest paid star? 'Rain-Big Bang'].TV Report (in Korean).Naver. January 5, 2011.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023.
^10억 원 뚫었다! 한류 스타 글로벌 CF로 돈벼락 [1 billion won surpassed! Making money as a Hallyu star global CF].Edaily (in Korean).Naver. May 2, 2012.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023.
^"2NE1, 하이주얼리 브랜드 '크롬하츠'와 콜라보레이션" [2NE1 collaborates with jewelry brand 'Chrome Hearts'] (in Korean). YG Family. May 20, 2013.Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. RetrievedNovember 26, 2013.
^Kim, Dong-hoon (March 20, 2011).각계 스타들, 네이버 통해 日응원 릴레이 [Stars from all walks of life relay support for Japan through Naver].The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 25, 2022.
^환호와 감동 '2NE1' 베트남 무대...수익금 장학금 기부 [Cheers and excitement for '2NE1' Vietnam stage ... donation of proceeds for scholarship].Maeil Business (in Korean).Naver. November 20, 2011.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023.
^"2NE1, 청각장애아동 위해 2천만원 기부" [2NE1 donates 20 million won for hearing-impaired children].Edaily (in Korean).Naver. January 19, 2012.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023.
^Sablan, Niño Mark (July 24, 2009)."Crazy for K-Pop".Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived fromthe original on July 26, 2009. RetrievedFebruary 1, 2010.
^Park, Mi-ae (May 22, 2009).박봄, "가수 꿈 위해 유학도 포기했어요~" [Park Bom, "For my singing dream, I stopped my overseas studying~"].eDaily SPN (in Korean). Edaily. Archived fromthe original on May 31, 2009. RetrievedNovember 6, 2010.
^abPark Yeong-ung (October 13, 2010)."박봄은 비욘세?"..2NE1이 밝힌 롤모델은? ["Park Bom and Beyoncé?" Who are 2NE1's role models?].Star News (in Korean). Money Today.Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. RetrievedNovember 14, 2010.
^Park, Mi-ae (May 22, 2009)."CL, "데모 테이프 들고 무작정 YG 문 노크"" [CL, "knocked on the YG Entertainment door to hand in my demo tape"].eDaily SPN (in Korean). Edaily. RetrievedNovember 23, 2010.[permanent dead link]
^Park, Yeong-ung (September 10, 2010).'컴백' 2NE1, 댄스 타이틀곡 '고 어웨이' 뮤비 공개 [2NE1 comeback, dance title track "Go Away" music video released].Star News (in Korean). Money Today.Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. RetrievedNovember 14, 2010.
^Mun, Wan-sik (October 31, 2010).'인기가요' 2NE1, 후속곡 '아파' 첫선 '4人4色' [2NE1 onInkigayo, "It Hurts" song debut: 4 people, 4 colors].Star News (in Korean). Money Today.Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. RetrievedNovember 14, 2010.
^Han, Dong-yun (September 2010)."To Anyone – Review".IZM (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. RetrievedOctober 12, 2021.
^"2NE1, 신곡 "론리" 가요계 천하통일" [2NE1's new song 'Lonely' unifies the music world].Sports World (in Korean). May 16, 2011.Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. RetrievedJune 10, 2021.
^[초점] 2NE1 콘서트, 록페스티벌 방불케하다 [[Focus] 2NE1 concert, reminiscent of a rock festival].Newsis (in Korean). July 30, 2012.Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. RetrievedJune 9, 2021 – viaNaver.
^abcLee, Mi-young (August 28, 2011)."2NE1, 데뷔 후 첫 단독 공연...제대로 한 판 놀았다" [2NE1 performs first solo show after debut ... they show how it's done].Joy News TV (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. RetrievedJune 10, 2021.
^"2NE1, 첫 콘서트 1만2천팬 열광..'3일 간 열정 막내려'(종합)" [2NE1, 12,000 fans rave about the first concert ... '3 Days of Passion' (Comprehensive)].Naver (in Korean). August 29, 2011.Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. RetrievedJune 10, 2021.
^[리뷰] 투애니원, 군더더기 없는 알찬 공연...'더욱 진화된 2NE1' [[Review] 2NE1, a no-frills performance...'new evolution of 2NE1'].SSTV (in Korean). July 30, 2012.Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. RetrievedJune 9, 2021 – via NewsInside.
^Kim, Ji-won (May 17, 2009)."2NE1 '카리스마'로 무대 압도, 가요계 평정할까?" [Overwhelming the stage with 2NE1's 'charisma', will you pacify the music industry?].SSTV (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. RetrievedJune 9, 2021 – via NewsInside.
^양현석 "2NE1에 美유명 음반사 회장 관심" [Yang Hyun-suk, "The president of a famous American record label is interested in 2NE1"].Star News (in Korean). May 19, 2009.Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. RetrievedJune 9, 2021.
^"2NE1, 신곡 '뮤직뱅크' 첫 선, 네티즌 "색다른 매력"" [2NE1, the first debut of the new song on 'Music Bank', netizens praise "unique charm"].Star News (in Korean). July 10, 2009.Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. RetrievedJune 7, 2021.
^Hong, Mi-kyung (September 23, 2010)."2NE1, 파격적인 '락시크' 스타일 훑어보기" [2NE1, take a look at the unconventional 'rock chic' style].Joy News 24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. RetrievedJune 10, 2021.
^씨엘 머리는 황소뿔 '산다라박 베지터머리와 용호상박' [CL's head is a bull's horn and 'Sandara Park's Vegeta hair'].Busan Ilbo (in Korean). July 11, 2011.Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. RetrievedJune 11, 2021.
^Jang, Jin-ri (October 6, 2024).2NE1, 10년 만에도 '제일 잘 나가'…"15주년 재결합, 꿈은 이루어진다"[종합].SpoTV News (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. RetrievedDecember 2, 2024 – viaNaver.Aespa said, "We grew up listening to our sunbaenim's songs, so it's an honor to greet you like this. We will work hard to follow our sunbaenim, who are role models for K-pop singers.
^Jeong, Ga-young (October 6, 2024).'컴백홈' 투애니원, 아이유·트와이스→GD도 "응원합니다".Sports World (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 28, 2024. RetrievedDecember 2, 2024 – viaNaver.Twice said, 'I remember receiving our monthly evaluation with 2NE1's songs,' and added, 'We were so influenced by them that we can't talk about our childhood without mentioning 2NE1.
^Lee, Mi-young (October 6, 2024).베이비몬스터 "2NE1 보며 꿈 키웠다"…'론리' 무반주 라이브 열창 [Baby Monster "I dreamed of watching 2NE1"… Unaccompanied live performance of 'Lonely'].JoyNews24 (in Korean). RetrievedDecember 2, 2024 – viaNate.
^"'알유넥스트' 민주, 글로벌 2차 투표 1위 "한국·중국·인도네시아 1위"" ['R U Next' Minju, Global 2nd Voting 1st Place "Korea, China, Indonesia 1st Place"].Osen (in Korean). August 11, 2023. RetrievedJuly 15, 2025 – via Naver.Yeongseo chose 2NE1 because of her fandom. Yeongseo said, 'I like 2NE1 seniors so much'
^Park, Soo-in (September 2, 2016).'스케치북' 아이오아이 "'픽미' 안무, 망했구나 생각했다" ['Sketchbook' I.O.I "I thought the choreography of 'Pick Me' was ruined"].Herald POP (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. RetrievedJune 13, 2021.
^Lee, Woo-in (August 7, 2015).'불후' 에일리 "2NE1 멤버 되는 상상한 적 있다" ['Immortal' Ailee 'I've imagined becoming a member of 2NE1'].TV Report (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. RetrievedJune 13, 2021 – viaNaver.
^'언슬2' 전소미, 성공한 공민지 덕후.."가수의 꿈을 키웠다" ['Sisters' Slam Dunk 2' Jeon So-mi, a successful admirer of Gong Minzy... "I have achieved my dream of becoming a singer"].Herald POP (in Korean). February 10, 2017.Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. RetrievedJune 13, 2021 – viaNaver.
^최예나 '이효리 보고 K팝 입문→2NE1 보며 꿈 키워'(복면가왕)[어제TV] [Choi Ye-na 'Introduced to K-pop with Lee Hyori → Watching 2NE1 and dreaming of becoming a singer' (King of Mask Singer)].Newsen (in Korean). June 28, 2021.Archived from the original on February 26, 2022 – viaNaver.
^오마이걸 승희와 지호, 서브웨이 먹고 운 사연 [The story of Oh My Girl's Seunghee and Jiho eating Subway].Cosmopolitan Korea (in Korean). August 25, 2021.Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 1, 2021.
^Lee, Mi-young (August 17, 2023).[조이人] ① 키스오브라이프 "실전 강해...신인 같지 않다는 칭찬 감사".JoyNews24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. RetrievedApril 1, 2024.We have been greatly influenced by Blackpink, 2NE1, and Big Bang's music
^Jang, Yoon-jung (May 19, 2020).[종합] 시크릿넘버, 글로벌 겨냥한 다국적 완성형 걸그룹의 출발 [[General] Secret Number, the launch of a multinational, complete girl group targeting the global market].Aju Economy.Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 1, 2021.
^Hwang, Mi-hyun (January 9, 2012).달샤벳 "우리 롤모델? 이효리-2NE1"...이유는? [Dal Shabet 'Our role model? Lee Hyori and 2NE1' ... The reason is?].OSEN.Naver.Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 2, 2021.
^신예 걸그룹들 "우리 롤모델은 2NE1" 왜? [Rookie girl groups "Why our role model is 2NE1"?].OSEN (in Korean).Naver. August 19, 2011.Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. RetrievedNovember 6, 2022.
^Lee, Jaehoon (November 20, 2016).[인터뷰]모모랜드'서바이벌로 많이 성장...오래오래 활동 목표'.Newsis (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 26, 2022 – viaNaver.They are my role model sunbaenims. After going to their concert, I wanted to become a singer.
^Kim, Eun-goo (March 12, 2017).'이달의 소녀 1/3' 비비 "홍콩서 빅뱅 뮤비 보고 가진 K팝 꿈".Edaily (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 2, 2021.When I first saw the music videos of Big Bang and 2NE1 when I was in middle school, my dream was decided.
^"One of the Itzy girls love qwek-qwek".Manila Bulletin. April 17, 2023.Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. RetrievedApril 29, 2023.Lia: I'm a huge fan of 2NE1. I would just sing the whole list of their songs.
^'골때녀' 공민지 합류에 다영 팬심 폭발 '몰카인줄 알았다' [결정적장면] [Dayoung's fan heart exploded when Gong Minji joined 'Goal Girl' 'I thought there was a hidden camera' [Critical scene]].Newsen (in Korean).Naver. February 23, 2023.Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. RetrievedMarch 6, 2023.
^Kim, Minji; Kim, Jeonghyeon (October 26, 2023)."Youth in Dream / 트리플에스 러블루션".Allure Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. RetrievedOctober 27, 2023.When I first heard 2NE1 seniors' 'Do You Love Me' when I was in elementary school, my dream of becoming a K-pop artist became clear.
^한국저작권단체연합회, '한국세계 음악문화 명예의 전당 제3차 헌액 Induction' 아티스트 발표 [The Korea Copyright Association announces the 3rd inductee of the 'Korea World Music Culture Hall of Fame Induction' artist] (in Korean).TV Chosun. December 26, 2023.Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. RetrievedJune 13, 2025.
^추앙받는 K-POP의 절대자, CL [Revered as K-pop's Supreme, CL].Rolling Stone Korea (in Korean). December 6, 2021.Archived from the original on October 19, 2022. RetrievedNovember 7, 2022.
^Lee, Na-young (June 16, 2009)."2NE1, 이번에는 광고계 접수한다! '억대모델 발탁'" [2NE1, this time in the advertising world! 'Billion-dollar model selection'].Today Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. RetrievedJune 16, 2009.
^Kim, Song-hee (December 17, 2009).멜론뮤직어워드, 2회도 열릴 필요가 있나? [Does the Melon Music Awards need to be held twice?].iMBC (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 24, 2022.
^Han, Seung-gyun (November 29, 2010)."MAMA "보아-女가수상, 씨엔블루-男신인상 등 추후 전달"" [MAMA "Boa - Female Artist Award, CN Blue - Rookie of the Year Award, etc. will be delivered later"].TV Daily (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on November 13, 2013. RetrievedJanuary 29, 2015.
^Kim, Kwan-myung (January 8, 2014).[디지털음원 10년, 톱 976곡]①최다히트 가수는? [[10 years of digital music, Top 976 songs] ① Who is the most hit singer?].Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. RetrievedJanuary 12, 2022.
^Kim, Kwan-myung (January 15, 2014).[디지털음원 10년, 톱 976곡]④최고히트 앨범은? [[10 years of digital music, Top 976 songs] ④ What is the best album?].Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 6, 2017. RetrievedJanuary 12, 2022.
^Jang, Hongjoong (December 30, 2011).2011년 당신의 가슴을 울렸던 가요는 무엇인가요 [What was the song that touched your heart in 2011?].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 24, 2022.
.jpg)
.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
