Shocking, charismatic, intensely energetic, talented idols.
It's a phrase that always precedes girl group 2NE1's name. 2NE1's recently released first full length album 'To Anyone' includes confident, in-your-face music, making an impressive comeback. In their music video and stage performances, they have continuously shown a wide range, from leather pants to a jungle concept to a set with a futuristic feel. They have proven that they are deserving of titles such as 'distinguished girl group' and 'devilish girl group' that have followed them since their debut.
But recently, 2NE1 met with OSEN, and they overflowed with confidence but were also humble, vivacious but also serious. While shyly laughing, they said, "Truthfully when we met, we weren't as scary as what you expected right?"
Higher participation in choreography
2NE1, being called 'talented idols' like their senior group Big Bang, has been setting trends and gaining a lot of attention for a girl group that's ahead of the rest. For this album, members actively made suggestions, working with staff. For the choreography, almost all the steps passed through the members' hands.
"Honestly, the music is already naturally great so we believe in it and follow it. But when making this music, they ask for our opinions endlessly and reflect it in the song. We decide on the clothes together as well. This time our participation increased the most in the choreography. We made the choreography together with foreign dancers when they came. We were especially involved in 'Can't Nobody' and 'Go Away.' We did so we could have dance moves we could do on stage while having fun." (CL)
The CD jacket is something that doesn't reflect the members' opinions very well. Even with this much, the members strive for more.
"The jacket is what holds our music together. We want to try doing it all ourselves, even the jacket." (CL)
Recentlly, one PD said "All girl groups look similar, but 2NE1 is easily identifiable." Looking at it one way, it's a compliment, but if you look at it again, it can be read with a slightly negative tone. 2NE1 laughed when they heard his words.
"We agree with comments saying that we're different. We are truly different in many ways, starting from our image. (Laughs) I think of it as a good thing. It's just that we're different, not that we're wrong." (CL)
After finishing broadcasting, they carefully examine online message boards. There are some hurtful messages but they aren't upset over it.
"Sometimes there are pictures of that come out weird. (Laughs) But I know I don't actually look like that so I'm not affected by it." (CL)
"I think I'm more upset over no replies as opposed to hurtful ones. I choose to think of everything positively." (Minji)
Feminity is another of our many colors
When 2NE1's senior group Big Bang first debuted, singers in YG Entertainment were said to have a unique 'bashfulness.' Because they didn't converse much with artists outside YG, it was very awkward in broadcasting studios and in newspapers. 2NE1 has confessed that they were even more shy than Big Bang.
"It's still very awkward. Even during this comeback, we were standing alone in the waiting room. The thing we really can't do is talk shows. It's so hard that we said we would only do music." (CL)
"When we're offstage, there are times that we appear slightly foolish. We also hear that we seem like idiots a lot." (Sandara)
Was there a time when they wanted to show a more feminine, fragile side? The members said loudly that they already did.
"We tried doing it our own way. But people who watched said it was powerful. (Laughs)" (Sandara)
"I think that we want to be feminine now, we will be feminine in the future, and that we've already done feminine things. But we probably interpreted that our own way. Even when we sing girly melodies and lyrics, we don't lose our own style. It would be best to just be called talented." (CL)
2NE1 chose 'Can't Nobody,' 'Go Away,' and 'Clap Your Hands' as their three title songs, an unprecedented number, and will promote them all simultaneously. It's a strange incident where first to third place on music charts are all 2NE1 title songs. From the members' viewpoint, it's obviously very burdensome. But 2NE1 isn't tense or overwhelmed, they say they just enjoy themselves, letting themselves be hypnotized by the music.
"In the beginning of course we were nervous. After we finished recording our first song, I thought, 'That wasn't good enough the way we did it.' We have to first enjoy our music in order to deliver it properly. Later on in the end, I just let go of all my worries and enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much that I laughed a lot while rewatching the performance." (Sandara)
Leader CL attributes their enjoyment to the easy-going atmosphere at their office. While they were preparing the stages and music videos for their three songs, they were still able to work happily.
"Teddy oppa truly values us and is happy making our music. Preparing our clothes is also very hard, and although they have to make three times as many clothes as they would have to for a normal comeback, they always work with a smile. Even with our choreography, other senior artists watch over us very carefully despite their own activities, which makes working very fun. Our teamwork is very good." (CL)
2NE1, who has already swept 1st place, has a new goal to set the trends. They want the public to enjoy their music, fashion, and style.
"I hope we can perform all the songs on the album well. It's more important to make watchers happy when we're performing on stage than to win first place. It'd be good if we can make them happy with fashion and other aspects of our performance. Many people can enjoy it so even if we were to make a little influence, if people were to go crazy over it, I think it'd be an honor. (CL)
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