Info 2NE1

2NE1 (Hangul: 투애니원: tu-aeniwon; pronounced "to anyone" or "twenty-one") is a South Korean hip hop/pop girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2009. 2NE1 consists of 4 members: CL, Minzy, Dara and Bom. The group's name 2NE1 stands for "New Evolution of the 21st Century". First appearing in "Lollipop", a commercial campaign with Big Bang for LG Telecom, their debut single "Fire" was released on May 6, 2009. Since then, they have released one extended play, 2NE1, and one studio album, To Anyone. "Fire", "I Don't Care", "Nal Ddara Haebwayo", and "Go Away" have all hit number one in South Korea.

History

Pre-debut

The group was first mentioned by the press in late 2008, YG Entertainment announced that the group would consist of four members and debut sometime in May 2009. The company stated that the group had trained for 4 years, and that their debut album would contain songs produced by 1TYM Leader Teddy Park. The group's name was initially announced as "21"; however, due to the discovery of a singer with the same name, the group was quickly renamed "2NE1".

2009: Debut

2NE1's first song was "Lollipop", digitally released on March 27, 2009. The song was created for LG to promote their Cyon phone, and it was a joint release with Big Bang; the commercial/music video debuted on March 28, 2009. Although it was not a promoted single (as it was an advertisement song, there were problems with network chart eligibility), "Lollipop" proved to be a strong chart hit, going to #1 on various online charts and topping music television network M.Net's online chart for four weeks in a row.

On April 30, Yang Hyun Suk revealed that 2NE1's debut song would be a hip-hop/reggae song, and that it would be digitally released on May 6, 2009.Titled "Fire", the song was fully written and produced by 1TYM's Teddy Park. Teasers of the song were released on their official website at the beginning of May, with a 20-second clip released on May 1.

"Fire" was released as planned on May 6, with two versions of the music video — a "space" version and a "street" version — released the same day. The videos received over one million views in a day. The group's first performance of the song was on May 17, 2009, on SBS's Inkigayo, beginning the group's activities.

Both the song and the group became popular online, with the song topping M.Net's online chart and the group's name becoming a top search term. The group was also rewarded with three Cyworld Digital Music Awards, with both "Lollipop" and "Fire" winning "Song of the Month" awards and the group winning "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009. They received their first Mutizen award during their fourth stage performance in SBS Inkigayo (Popular Song) on June 14, 2009. They received their second Mutizen award on SBS Inkigayo on June 21, 2009. Along with their awards successes, 2NE1 signed a deal with Fila to become the new models for their commercial campaign 2 days after 2NE1's Mutizen win.

"I Don't Care" was released as the second single on July 1, 2009, with promotions starting in early July. YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk stated at the time that the song would demonstrate a softer, more feminine image.

An reggae version of "I Don't Care" was performed on SBS's Inkigayo music show, signaling the end of promotions for the song. However, due to the remix's popularity, it was released to digital outlets on September 3, 2009 and became their next digital single.

Along with three other groups representing Korea, 2NE1 performed in the 6th Asia Song Festival in September 2009, where they received the 2009's "Asian Newcomer's Award."

They received a lot of awards and recognitions including Best Rookie Award and Song of the Year Award on various year-end awards. Their hit song I Don't Care is 2009 Best Selling Song on music sites Bugs, Monkey3 and Cyworld.

2010: Return to group activities, and To Anyone

On February 9, 2010, "Follow Me" (Korean: "날 따라 해봐요", "Nal ddara haebwayo") was released to digital outlets, without prior notice and was used as a theme song for Samsung Corby Folder. Over the summer, 2NE1 traveled to Los Angeles and London in order to record English songs for a possible American debut with The Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am. The group has recorded ten songs thus far. YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk stated that the girls are planned to debut sometime in 2011, after the Black Eyed Peas global tour and their own activities in Korea and Japan.

The first studio and full length album, To Anyone, was slated for release on September 9, 2010 and was a big success. The album contains 12 tracks including three title songs, namely "Clap Your Hands" (Korean: "박수 쳐"), "Go Away" and "Can't Nobody", which were promoted simultaneously. They won first place on Mnet M! Countdown for "Clap Your Hands" on the day of their comeback, followed by a K-Chart win the next day on KBS Music Bank for "Go Away", and a mutizen a week after their SBS Inkigayo comeback for "Can't Nobody." Overall, 2NE1 had gained first place eleven times on the various music shows.

To promote the album, the group made its first entertainment show appearance as a group on KBS variety-talk show Win Win. 2NE1 also aired the second season of 2NE1 TV.

On October 21, Yang Hyun Suk announced that 2NE1 would be releasing a follow up song on October 31, later revealed to be "It Hurts (Slow)" (Korean: "아파"). It would be first performed on SBS Inkigayo. The music video for the song is directed by Kim Hye Jung, the same director for G-Dragon's "Butterfly." The music video was released on November 1 and was themed for Halloween.

In addition, on October 28, it was revealed that 2NE1's official record label in Japan will be Avex, and that To Anyone would be re-released in Japan on December 8, 2010. However, the release was delayed to an indefinite time. The group also promoted in Thailand, where To Anyone released on October 28, 2010. On November 26, 2NE1 released the single "Don't Stop the Music" as a "special gift for Thai fans".

2011: International expansion

Originally, 2NE1's Japanese debut was planned for December 2010, but this was delayed to February of 2011. In addition, there are plans to release a new Korean album between May and June. 2NE1's American promotions with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas has no set time for release yet, because of the Black Eyed Peas' new album release, The Beginning.On January 19, "Can't Nobody (Eng Ver)" was released on Recochoku as ringtones and ringback tones. On February 2nd, the "Can't Nobody (Eng Ver)" music video was made available for download through iTunes Japan. On February 22nd, Avex announced that 2NE1 will release their Japanese debut single "Go Away", previously used as a Korean promotional single, on March 9th, 2011.

Artistry and influences
Musical styles

In 2NE1's debut extended play 2NE1, the group was noted for a distinct style. "Lollipop" is noted for it's strong pop feel, while debut single "Fire" is predominately categorized as hip hop. "I Don't Care," however, was intended as a song with a reggae feel.

Their comeback album, To Anyone, was marked by a strong shift into electronic music. "Go Away", the most successful promotional single from the album, is classified as dance. However, songs like "It Hurts (Slow)" are R&B, a style that characterized their first EP. The three title tracks, "Clap Your Hands," "Go Away," and "Can't Nobody" were noted for their lasting impressions, as they topped music charts weeks after release.

Thematically, 2NE1's music expresses the feelings of independence and female empowerment. Songs like "Go Away" and "I Don't Care" reflect this theme of their music.

Image

2NE1 is known for a "unique and edgier style". During their debut single, the group was noted for being "hip hop warriors," but changed this perception with "I Don't Care" into strong, feminine women. During the "It Hurts (Slow)" music video, the members were noted for their gothic, black attire and strange hair and wigs. In addition, the members have also been known for having a unique femininity and cuteness. They are also known for being international stars as part of the Hallyu, or Korean Wave. Their official fanclub name is Blackjack and their official color is Hot Pink.

Influences

The members of 2NE1 have all cited different influences. Park Bom, lead vocalist, cited American singers Beyoncé and Mariah Carey as her main influences because of their strong vocals and powerful performances. She has listed hip hop and R&B as her favorite music genres. Youngest member Minzy cited famous entertainer Michael Jackson, while leader CL said producer Teddy Park and American entertainers Madonna and Lauryn Hill are her role models. Dara states that singer Uhm Jung Hwa is her inspiration.

Member :

CL

Lee Chae-rin (born February 26, 1991), better known as CL, is a Korean-American rapper, singer, and dancer. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, but spent much of her early life in various places where she learned English, French, and Japanese. In 2009, she debuted along with YG Entertainment label mates Sandara Park, Gong Min-ji, and Park Bom as href="http://asiavictory.blogspot.com/p/2ne1_05.html">2NE1.

Lee has worked with Big Bang, Uhm Jung Hwa, YMGA, and Teddy Park. With 2NE1, she has released one extended play, 2NE1, and one full length album, To Anyone. Her duet song with Gong Min-ji, "Please Don't Go," peaked at number 5 on the monthly Gaon Chart in November, 2009.

Early life

Lee Chae-rin was born in Seoul, South Korea. As a child, she moved to many different places because of her father's occupation as a physics professor. She has lived in South Korea, Japan, France, and the United States. There, she learned English, French, and Japanese.

As a teenager, her family took permanent residence again in South Korea where she auditioned for YG Entertainment and was accepted in 2006.

2007–2008: Career beginnings

Lee Chae-rin's first feature on a song recording was Big Bang's "Intro (Hot Issue)" in 2007. However, she went uncredited for her role. Later that year, she had her first stage debut at Seoul Broadcasting System' Music Awards alongside her label mates at YG Entertainment. Her first credited appearance in a song was in 2008, with Uhm Jung Hwa's "DJ," in which she rapped. Lee also appeared on YMGA's track "What" as part of the YG Family.

2009–present: Debut with 2NE1 and "Please Don't Go"

CL became leader of the new YG band 2NE1. 2NE1 was announced in 2009 and debuted in "Lollipop" with Sandara Park, Park Bom, and Gong Min-ji. The song gained immediate success, but questions were still raised as to whether the group could survive on its own. Following "Lollipop," the group released their official debut single "Fire," and reached the number one spot for the month of May. "I Don't Care" did the same and launched the debut extended play 2NE1 to number one.

After the group finished "I Don't Care" promotions, the group went on a temporary hiatus. The members released their own solo and collaboration singles. First, Dara released "Kiss" which featured CL. The song finished at number five on the Gaon monthly. After, Bom released "You and I," and then Lee and Minzy collaborated for "Please Don't Go," the lowest performing of the three singles. However, it still charted at number six by the end of November. In February, the group as a whole released "Follow Me" which took number one on February 13, 2010. In September the same year, the group released their first full length album To Anyone, anchored by promotional singles "Clap Your Hands," "Go Away," "Can't Nobody," "It Hurts." The album went on to sell 100,000 copies in five days.

Musical style and influences

CL is the rapper in her group, so she predominately does hip hop style music. She cites 1TYM leader Teddy Park, who produces much of 2NE1's music, and former collaborator Uhm Jung Hwa as influences and inspirations. She has also said she finds inspiration in American singers Madonna and Lauryn Hill.

Birth name :

Chae-rin Lee

Born :

February 26, 1991 (1991-02-26) (age 20) Seoul, South Korea

Genres :

Hip hop, R&B, pop

Occupations :

Rapper, singer, dancer

Instruments :

Vocals

Years active :

2009–present

Labels :

YG Entertainment

Associated acts :

2NE1, Big Bang

Website :

yg-2ne1.com

Korean name

Hangul :

이채린

Hanja :

李債潾

Revised Romanization :

I Chae-rin

McCune–Reischauer :

I Ch'ae-rin

SANDARA

Park Sandara (Korean: 박산다라, born November 12, 1984), better known as Dara (다라), is a South Korean singer, dancer, rapper, actress, television host and model. She is best known as being a member of the Korean girl group 2NE1. Her unusual three-syllable Korean name, which she has talked about numerous times during interviews, comes from a Korean general, Kim Yushin, whose childhood name was "Sandara (산다라)". Her younger brother, Sang-Hyun Park (Thunder), is also in the entertainment industry as a member of a Korean boy band, MBLAQ in J.Tune Entertainment.

Early life

Sandara Park was born in Busan, South Korea to affluent Korean parents. However, by the time Sandara was eight years old, her father’s relatives placed her in a financially tight spot which then crippled his business. In hope of recovering from this strain, Sandara‘s father tried his luck in Philippines. He settled in a small apartment in Pasay City, and started a business. Sandara and her family remained at her grandmother’s house in South Korea for sometimes until her father finally had enough money to relocate them to Philippines. Her family moved there in 1995 to start a trading business.

Sandara of the Philippines

In 2004, Park was involved in a Filipino talent survival show, known as Star Circle Quest in ABS-CBN Network. The show’s judges called her in, and she was able to elude elimination several times, paving the way for her inclusion into the contestant-pool’s top ten. Being a native Korean, she displayed some troubles with the daily exercises set by the panel of Filipino judges. During the last elimination round in which the final five contestants were chosen, Sandara made a Philippine history by garnering approximately 500,000 text votes, making her the first female to garner that much SMS support. In the final rounds of voting, she earned a record setting number of over 1,800,000 text votes but came in 2nd place to Hero Angeles in the Grand Finals. While appearing in dramas, movies and commercial spots, Park released a song collection, which achieved 2x platinum status in sales.

On December 2004, Yang Hyun Suk of YG Entertainment offered Park workshop classes in Korea after seeing the KBS Documentary "My Name Is Sandara Park". On March 2005, Park took a hiatus from the Philippine entertainment industry to take acting workshops in Korea. Six months later, she went back to Philippines to continue her career.

Return to Korea

Park returned to South Korea on August 1, 2007 with her mother and siblings to begin a new life. The next day, August 2, 2007, YG Entertainment reported that they had signed a contract with Park. As a new member of the YG Family, she was acquainted with popular Korean artists and bands such as Big Bang, Se7en, Jinusean, Lexy, and 1TYM.

2009–present: Dara of 2NE1

YG Entertainment announced that the new group would consist of four members and debut sometime in May 2009. The company stated that the group had trained for four years, and that their debut album would contain songs produced by 1TYM leader, Teddy Park and G-Dragon of Big Bang. The group's name was initially announced as "21"; however, due to the discovery of a singer with the same name, the group was renamed "2NE1", which "NE" is the abbreviation of "New Evolution".

2NE1 debuted in SBS The Music Trend on May 17, 2009 where they performed their digital single Fire produced by Teddy Park of 1TYM. Feisty and fierce that’s 100% girl power mixed with a trend-setting eclectic and bold style, 2NE1 truly gave a strong and lasting impression to the public and to the K-pop world. With the release of their self-titled mini album, 2NE1 started the promotions of their title track I Don’t Care. The song topped many charts and won in various music shows. Their mini album is currently at the no.3 spot at the Hanteo's "best-selling album of 2009". Having won a lot of awards and topping charts, 2NE1 now goes by the title "Super Rookies of 2009".

Solo Activities

During her pre-debut, she was featured in a TV drama "The Return of Iljimae" as Rei, and she also appeared as the lead actress in Gummy's music video for I'm Sorry, together with labelmate T.O.P, one of the members of Big Bang.

On September 7, 2009, Dara was the first among the members of 2NE1 to release a digital single. Entitled Kiss. The song was produced by Teddy Park and was featured in Dara's first ever commercial for Cass Beer along side popular K-Drama actor Lee Min Ho. Though the song was not promoted, it still topped various music charts beating many strong idol contenders and comeback artists. The music video – commercial also received a positive and warm response from the viewing public.

On July 2010, Park was featured as the female lead in Taeyang's I Need A Girl Music Video. They made two versions of the music video, which showed the cute, sexy and girly side of Sandara different from her image in 2NE1. Her latest solo was a commercial for ETUDE House, one of the largest cosmetic brand in Korea.

Musical style and influences

Dara is known as 2NE1's fresh vocal because of her sweet and refreshing voice. When asked from when did she decide on pursuing a singing career during an interview, Park candidly answered that it was in 2nd grade, as Seo Taiji debuted. Sandara also cited Uhm Jung-hwa, as the one she looks up to because she is pretty, sexy and cute all rolled into one polished package. She wanted to be like her as she is able to change her look for every performance.

Birth name :

Park Sandara

Born :

November 12, 1984 (1984-11-12) (age 26)

Origin :

Busan, South Korea

Genres :

Pop, R&B, Hip Hop

Occupations :

Singer, Actress, Rapper, Dancer, Television Host, Model

Years active :

2004–present

Labels :

YG Entertainment

Associated acts :

2NE1

Website :

yg-2ne1.com

me2day.net/21dara

Korean name

Hangul :

박산다라

Hanja :

朴산다라

Revised Romanization :

Bak Sandara

McCune–Reischauer :

Pak Sandara

PARK BOM

Park Bom (born March 24, 1984), also known by the mononym Bom (pronounced /ˈboʊm/ bohm), is a South Korean pop singer. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she eventually moved to the United States where she learned English. She is the main vocalist of girl group 2NE1. She is signed to YG Entertainment.

Starting in 2006, Park recorded with labelmates Big Bang, Lexy, and Masta Wu. She debuted with 2NE1 in 2009 as the main vocalist. The group's debut extended play, 2NE1, would be the third best selling album of 2009 in Korea. For the band's next album, Park sang her first solo single "You and I". It reached number one on the Gaon Chart, the national music chart of Korea. The song would be later released on 2NE1's next album, To Anyone, which would go on to sell over 120,000 copies.

Early life

Park Bom was born in Seoul, South Korea. In 6th grade, she left Korea to study abroad in the United States. She graduated high school and enrolled into Lesley University with a major in psychology. As a high school student, she fell in love with music through Mariah Carey. She wanted to pursue it as a career but she did not obtain permission from her parents. However, with encouragement from her aunt, she transferred to Berklee College of Music to pursue her music career.

2005–2008: Career beginnings

Park Bom auditioned to become a singer at YG Entertainment, but was rejected multiple times. After three years, she was finally accepted and immediately became a trainee, where she learned Japanese and Chinese. She starred in two of Big Bang's three earliest singles in the songs "We Belong Together" and "Forever With You". Park also collaborated with Lexy and Red Roc with "Baby Boy" and "Along My Way", respectively. She also starred in a Samsung Anycall Music Video Commercial alongside famous Korean pop singer Lee Hyori, recording her own version of the Anycall "Anystar" song.

2009–present: Debut with 2NE1 and "You and I"

In early 2009, Yang Hyun Suk, CEO of YG Entertainment, announced a new four-member girl group that would star Park Bom. The group's name was later announced as 2NE1, a quartet. On March 28, 2009, the group was first shown through "Lollipop", their collaboration song with Big Bang. It was unknown whether the group could survive on its own, but they reached number one on the Gaon Chart with their debut single, "Fire". Their follow-up promotional single "I Don't Care" did the same, and helped launch the debut extended play 2NE1 to number one.

In August, after finishing "I Don't Care" promotions, the group took a temporary hiatus with each member releasing their own solo singles. Park's single, entitled "You and I", was the best performing of the three and took the number one spot on the Gaon Chart for the month of November. In February, the group released a surprise single "Follow Me" that took number one for the week of February 13. They came back on September 9 and released three lead singles for their newly released album, To Anyone. The album went on to sell over 120,000 copies. At the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards, Park's song, "You and I", won the award for best digital single.

Musical style and influences

Park Bom is noted for a distinct, strong voice. However, she is primarily a pop singer. She has named American singer Mariah Carey as one of her biggest influences who inspired her to get into music. In addition, Park names Beyoncé as one of her role models, because she wants "to have her strong vocals and her strong performances". She lists hip hop and R&B as her favorite music genres.

Born :

March 24, 1984 (1984-03-24) (age 27) Seoul, South Korea

Genres :

R&B, pop, hip hop

Occupations :

Singer, dancer

Instruments :

Vocals, piano, cello, flute

Years active :

2009–present

Labels :

YG Entertainment

Associated acts :

2NE1, Big Bang

Website :

yg-2ne1.com

Korean name

Hangul :

박봄

Hanja :

朴봄

Revised Romanization :

Bak Bom

McCune–Reischauer :

Pak Pom

MINZY

Gong Min-ji (born January 18, 1994), more commonly known as Minzy, is a South Korean pop singer, rapper, and dancer. She was born in Seoul. She is currently a member of Korean girl group 2NE1 which is signed to YG Entertainment.

Gong Min-ji debuted in 2009 with group 2NE1. Their first extended play, 2NE1 would go on to sell 100,000 copies in 2009. The follow up studio album, To Anyone, sold 150,000 copies.

Life and career

Early life

Gong Min-ji was born in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to the countryside shortly thereafter. Gong is the granddaughter of Kong Ok-jin, a legendary folk dancer.

2009–present: Debut with 2NE1

Kong Min-ji was discovered by YG Entertainment. There was a video of her dancing that was uploaded onto the internet, and got many hits and praises for her ability to dance. Because of her rising popularity through the internet, YG contacted her and recruited her. She was placed into girl group 2NE1 along with three other members. They debuted in 2009 with "Lollipop," a collaboration with label mates Big Bang, when Gong was fifteen years old. The song reached number one on the Gaon Charts, but questions were raised about whether the group could survive on its own. In May the same year, the group had their official debut with the single "Fire," that reached number one again along with follow-up promotional single "I Don't Care." The mini-album 2NE1 went on to sell over 100,000 copies.
After initial success with 2NE1, the group went on a temporary year-long hiatus with each member releasing their own singles. Dara released "Kiss," Bom released "You and I," and CL and Minzy released "Please Don't Go." The song was the lowest performing of the three solo singles but still managed to chart at number six on the monthly charts. After all the members released individual singles, the band released "Follow Me" which landed at number one for the week of February 13. In September, the group had their comeback with album To Anyone with one song that hit number one, "Go Away" and also included "Please Don't Go." It sold 150,000 copies, most of which were digital sales.

Born :
January 18, 1994(1994-01-18) (age 17) Seoul, South Korea
Genres :
R&B, pop, hip hop
Occupations :
Singer, rapper, dancer
Instruments :
Vocals
Years active :
2009–present
Labels :
YG Entertainment
Associated acts :
2NE1
Website :
yg-2ne1.com

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