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2NE1 members candidly open up about their 15th-anniversary reunion concert in new interview

AKP STAFF

2NE1 has shared their thoughts ahead of their 15th-anniversary reunion concert. 

The legendary K-pop girl group will hold their "2024 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK] IN SEOUL" on October 4, 5, and 6 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Olympic Park. The concert promises a high-quality production with a setlist packed with their biggest hits and live performances, supported by YG Entertainment.

The four members, who will be united on stage again, expressed their excitement, saying, "The moment we've dreamed of has finally come true. We're ready to show who we are and get everyone moving to 2NE1's original music," raising fans' expectations for the highly anticipated event.

Q&A with media outlet Wikitree:

Q: It's been about 10 years and 6 months since 2NE1's last full concert. How do you feel about it?


CL
: We’ve performed at Coachella and met up occasionally, but since it’s the 15th anniversary, we planned something special, though I didn’t expect it to go this far (laughs). We always talked about doing a concert together, and I’m so happy it’s finally happening.

Dara
: It feels like a dream, and I still can’t believe it. Ten years is a long time, and it feels like the last decade has passed by in a blur. I don’t think it’ll sink in until I’m actually standing on stage.

Park Bom
: I’ve been waiting for this day. It feels like a dream. Right now, I just want to focus on preparing for the stage and can’t wait for the moment to meet our fans again.

Minzy
: We’re all in a bit of disbelief. I don’t think it will feel real until we’re actually on stage. I’ve dreamed of the four of us being on stage together, and now it’s finally happening. I’m really excited and nervous.


Q: The audience has been eagerly waiting for this, just like 2NE1. All three days of the concert sold out instantly. Did you expect that?


CL
: Initially, I was sad that we couldn’t meet more fans, but the response and love we’ve received have given us a lot of strength. After such a long time, there were many challenges to overcome, and we were anxious, but the fans reacted with so much excitement. This concert venue is where we held our first concert, which makes it even more special. We want to place great meaning in starting again here.

Minzy
: I checked the fan reactions all day, and even though I’m not usually an emotional person (I’m an MBTI “T”), I cried (laughs). I’m so thankful that people still love us and have waited for us.



Q: Given that it’s been a long time since your last concert, what was different in terms of preparation?


Dara
: We’re doing what we’ve always done. We’ve reunited with our usual dancers and staff, so not much has changed. Instead of preparing something entirely new, we focused on showing what 2NE1 has always been. With the time that has passed, I think we’ve gotten even better at it (laughs).

Minzy
: Even though we’re doing things we’ve always done, we’re approaching it with a fresh perspective and energy. We’ve all grown and changed, and being in the same space again feels emotional and new. The process has been healing and enlightening.


Q: Since you have many hit songs, the setlist must have been carefully curated. Can you give us a little spoiler?

CL
: The core of the [WELCOME BACK] concert is to bring back the “classic” 2NE1. In past tours, we made changes to choreography and arrangements, but this time we wanted to show the original 2NE1. We’ve perfectly captured the essence of the 2NE1 stage that fans have been waiting for.

Park Bom
: I wanted to perform all of our songs, but we couldn’t fit them all in (laughs). Still, we’ve prepared a setlist that everyone can enjoy, so I hope you're excited.


Q: What do you want to show most through this concert?


CL
: I want to showcase the music 2NE1 has made. During our active years, it was hard for the group’s identity to fully solidify. But over time, I think our music has matured and become more complete. I hope this concert brings back the feelings of those who’ve known us for a long time, and for those who are new, I want them to experience who 2NE1 truly is.


Q: How did it feel to prepare for the concert together again, and what are you most looking forward to?

CL
: Every moment felt precious. After working separately for so long, spending time together again while practicing has been special. Before, these moments felt routine, but now they feel valuable. We’re preparing with a commitment to making new memories together.

Dara
: I’m already feeling sad. We started practicing in July, and I think I’ll miss these moments once we’re on stage. Things that felt so ordinary before now feel special, so I’m trying to enjoy every moment. I hope you guys are excited to see us on stage because we've become more mature and free to express ourselves.


Q: You’re working with YG again, the agency that launched 2NE1. How does that feel?

CL
: It’s truly special. This project came together quickly, and though we initially planned to celebrate the 15th anniversary vaguely, it ended up being a full concert. Being back here adds even more meaning to it. I’m thankful for everyone who has passionately worked on this project.

Dara
: It feels familiar and reassuring. The 2NE1 members have been with YG for over 15 years. It feels like coming home, and I feel warm inside. Also, they know us so well that it’s been easy to work together again. And everything is coming together smoothly.



Q: Is there a particular stage or moment that fans shouldn’t miss?

Park Bom
: I think fans will feel a lot of emotions. It could be nostalgia or the joy of singing along and dancing. Whatever the feeling, I hope this concert offers a variety of experiences.

Minzy
: 2NE1’s live performances have always garnered a lot of interest, and this concert will have plenty of moments where fans can sing and enjoy with us. Expect a “sing-along karaoke” vibe (laughs).


Q: If you could sum up the [WELCOME BACK] concert in one word?


Minzy
: Nolza! (Let's Play!) I always feel like I can have the most fun when I listen to 2NE1’s music. Just hearing the beat makes me want to dance, and I hope the audience feels the same. Also, 2NE1's first concert was 'NOLZA' so it's very meaningful.

CL
: Marking our presence. I believe this concert will leave a clear mark that 2NE1 is still here, standing strong. After all this time, we’re back together, and we’re moving forward. I hope this reunion and our activities will create a positive wave in K-pop.


Q: What would you like to say to fans who have waited 15 years for 2NE1’s music and stage?

CL
: While it’s our 15th anniversary, it still feels like our 6th year to me. After such a long wait, we want to repay you with a performance that exceeds expectations.

Dara
: It’s hard to believe it’s already been 15 years. It’s been a decade since we last performed a full concert for Blackjacks. Like our fans, I’m also a fan of 2NE1, and it’s been emotional to finally reunite. I’m determined to repay Blackjacks for their patience with a great performance.

Minzy
: Thank you for waiting. I’ve often wondered how you could wait and love us continuously for 15 years. It’s truly precious. Since many fans have seen me grow up, I’ll make sure to repay you properly after all this time!

Park Bom
: We know how long you’ve waited, and we’ve been waiting too. We’re preparing performances that will live up to your expectations, so please stay with us. We know many fans will also come from overseas, and we’ll deliver amazing performances on our upcoming Asia tour.



SEE ALSO: 2NE1 reveals official Asia tour schedule

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