2NE1 will hold their concert “WELCOME BACK” on October 4, 5 and 6 at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul.
As this marks the return of a legendary K-pop girl group, the concert was meticulously prepared with a set list of their hit songs and live performances with top-level support from YG, fully reflecting 2NE1’s identity.
The four members, united on stage again, are more determined than ever. 2NE1 expressed “This moment we dreamed of so much has finally come true. We will show who we are and make everyone dance to 2NE1’s original music“, arousing anticipation.
Here are the questions and answers with 2NE1.
Q. This will be your first concert with the whole band after about 10 years and 6 months. How does it feel?
CL: We played Coachella and met occasionally, but since it’s our 15th anniversary, we wanted to plan something special together. We never imagined it would get this big (laughs). We always said we would do a concert together, and now it’s finally happening. I am so happy.
Sandara Park: It feels like a dream and it still doesn’t feel real. It’s been 10 years, which is a long time. Memories of the last decade roll by like a movie reel, but I think they won’t fully sink in until just before we go on stage.
Park Bom: I’ve been waiting for this day. It seems like a dream. Right now, more than anything, I just want to prepare well for the stage, and I can’t wait to meet the fans again.
Gong Minzy: We are all confused. I don’t think I’ll fully feel it until I’m on stage. I’ve had many dreams of the four of us on stage together, and now it’s coming true. I’m really excited and can’t wait.
Q. Fans have also been eagerly waiting for this moment. All three concert dates sold out in an instant – did you expect that?
CL: At first I felt a little sad that I couldn’t meet other fans, but the response and love we received gave us so much strength. We’ve been through a lot over the years and there were things we had to overcome. I was nervous because you never know how things are going to go until they happen, but the reaction was so warm. And this concert hall is where 2NE1 held our first concert, so it has a special meaning. Starting over here seems significant.
Gong Minzy: I spent a whole day reading the reactions. I’m usually not emotional and my MBTI is “T”, but I cried a lot (laughs). I’m so grateful that people still love us and have been waiting for us all this time.
Q. Preparing for this long-awaited concert must have been different. What was the process like?
Sandara Park: It’s just the four of us doing what we’ve always done, and we work with the same dancers and the same staff, so not much has changed. This time, instead of trying to do something new, we focused on showcasing what 2NE1 originally did best. It’s been a while since we last performed, and I think I’m doing even better than before (laughs).
Gong Minzy: It’s what we’ve always done, but we’re doing it in a different state of mind and condition. The members are more mature now, and being in the same space as new people brings up a lot of emotions. It feels fresh, and in the process, I’ve found healing and gained new insights.
Q. Being a group with so many hit songs, how did you approach the set list? Can you give a little spoiler?
CL: The root of the “WELCOME BACK” concert is to show the “classics” 2NE1. During past tours, we tried to show new things by changing choreography or rearranging songs, but this time we want to present 2NE1’s original music. We have perfectly captured the essence of the stages you have been waiting for.
Park Bom: I wish we could perform all our songs, but that’s not possible (laughs). However, we have prepared a setlist that everyone can enjoy and hear, so you can’t wait.
Q. What would you like to show most about 2NE1 through this concert?
CL: I want to show what kind of music 2NE1 made. While we were active, our team’s style couldn’t fully adapt because it was still evolving. But over time, 2NE1’s music has matured and become more complete. For those who already know us, I hope this concert feels like a nostalgic reunion. For those who don’t, I hope they find out what kind of artists 2NE1 really are.
Q. How was it preparing for the concert with all four members after so long?
CL: Every moment felt precious. We spent so much time together and now we’re practicing and spending time together again. In the past, these moments seemed natural, but now they feel more special and appreciated. We are preparing with the goal of having fun and making memories. It all feels so welcome.
Sandara Park: I already feel sad. We’ve been rehearsing since July, and once we get into the venue and play on stage, I think I’ll start to miss the memories we made in the rehearsal room. Even though we will move on, everything feels so special now and I want to savor every moment. Our individual personalities on stage have matured, so I hope you will focus on that too.
Q. What kind of synergy did you expect from reuniting with YG, the company you started with?
CL: It feels really special and precious. This project was decided and progressed very quickly. We had vaguely talked about celebrating our 15th anniversary together and it ended up working out, so it’s even more meaningful. Everyone is preparing with passion and I am grateful for every moment spent working with the people we get along so well with.
Sandara Park: It’s heartwarming and reassuring. 2NE1 members have been working with YG for at least 15 years. It feels like coming home, so everything is familiar and warm. Everyone knows our personalities well, so even though we are working together again, it’s all smooth and familiar and everything is coming together well.
Q. Are there any shows or highlights to see?
Park Bom: I think you’ll experience a wide range of emotions. It could be joy, nostalgia or the fun of singing and dancing together. Whatever you feel, I hope this concert offers you a variety of experiences.
Gong Minzy: People have always paid a lot of attention to 2NE1’s live performances. This time there are many stages where you can sing and have fun with us. I expect it to feel like sing-along karaoke (laughs). You will definitely be reminded what the levels in 2NE1 consist of.
Q. How would you describe the “WELCOME BACK” concert in one word?
Gong Minzy: Let’s play! 2NE1’s music makes me feel like I can have the most fun. Just hearing the beat makes you want to dance. I hope the audience feels the same, and this has a special meaning because our first concert was titled “NOLZA” (Let’s play).
CL: Leave your mark. I believe this concert will clearly impress the fact that 2NE1 exists, strong and unshakable. Despite the long time apart, we have reunited again and are now embarking on a tour. I hope this meeting and our activities will become another positive example, contributing to the positive flow of K-pop.
Q. How do you feel about reaching your 15th debut anniversary, and any words for the fans who have been waiting for 2NE1’s stage and music?
CL: It’s been 15 years in terms of numbers, but I still feel like we’re in our sixth year. After much waiting we have reunited and we will repay you with performances that will exceed your expectations.
Sandara Park: I can’t believe it’s been 15 years already. We will encounter Blackjack as a whole for the first time in 10 years. I’m a 2NE1 fan too. We’ve all worked hard in our own ways and now we’ve finally come together. Every day is exciting. I always felt sorry for Blackjack, but this time I will repay you adequately with our performances, so be ready (laughs).
Gong Minzy: Thanks for waiting. I wonder how you could continue to wait and love us for 15 years. It’s really precious. Since I debuted when I was young, I feel like the fans have witnessed all of my growth. This time I will show my gratitude properly!
Park Bom: We are well aware of the hearts that have been waiting for us for so long and we feel the same way. We will meet your expectations with amazing shows, so look forward to it!
Source: Daum
