2NE1: YG Entertainment K-Pop Girl Group Confirmed To Disband, CL And Dara Re-Signed To Label As Soloists

One of the most prominent K-pop girl groups to hit the scene since the K-pop industry spiked in popularity back in 2009 was the leading girl group by YG Entertainment, 2NE1. Consisting of four members — CL, Bom, Dara, and Minzy — they would pave their own path, creating their own unique style and sound to hold their own against other popular girl groups especially from SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, Girls’ Generation and Wonder Girls respectively.

Unfortunately, the K-pop career of 2NE1 was suddenly put on hiatus back in 2014. Blackjacks (fans of the official fan club of 2NE1) waited with bated breath, praying for their K-pop idols to make their return. At the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA 2015), they were given a worthwhile treat as 2NE1 made their stage comeback at the show performing their hit songs “Fire” and “I Am the Best” (video of comeback attached above).

Little would we know the MAMA 2015 performance would become a farewell performance. Reports are coming in that 2NE1, the leading K-pop girl group for YG Entertainment, is officially disbanding. Also, only CL and Dara have re-signed with YG Entertainment so far.

YG Entertainment made the announcement of 2NE1 disbanding through an official statement on Friday, November 25, as reported by Soompi. According to said statement, a lot of the decision to disband initiated when Minzy chose not to re-sign with YG Entertainment thus effectively leaving not just the entertainment company and label, but 2NE1.

“Our contract with 2NE1 came to an end in May of 2016, and as we faced a situation where Minzy is no longer with us, we ultimately came to a decision of 2NE1’s official disbandment after long discussion.

“For the past seven years, 2NE1 was a representative group of YG. We, too, cannot express how upset and disappointed we are. However, we judge that it’ll be difficult to continue promoting. We decided that instead of looking forward to 2NE1’s unpredictable promotions, we should rather focus on the solo promotions of the members.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who loved 2NE1 and their music.”

However, there is some good news to come out of this tragic situation. According to AllKpop, both CL and Dara have re-signed to YG Entertainment for solo careers. To be frank, such a move makes perfect sense given the fact that both of them are doing more solo projects these days. CL is busy in the United States establishing herself in the American music industry in which she already released two songs, “Doctor Pepper” and “Hello B*****s.” On the other hand, Dara is pursuing an acting career in which she played minor parts in K-dramas, including one alongside Jisoo of Black Pink in Producer.

Sadly, Bom has not yet re-signed with YG Entertainment. It was not detailed if she and the entertainment company and label are still negotiating a new contract, but given the fact the contract between 2NE1 and YG Entertainment expired back in May of this year, it is more than likely that Bom will not be re-signing with them. K-pop fans, especially Blackjacks, have come up with the theory that YG Entertainment chose not to re-sign Bom because of her 2014 drug scandal. Some may call foul on this theory given the fact that Yang Hyun Suk, the CEO and founder of YG Entertainment, has supported and protected Bom during those trying times, but ultimately he has to do what is best for his company.

By disbanding this year, 2NE1 is the latest K-pop group to suffer the bipolar “2016 Kpopcalypse” per se. They join Kara of DSP Media and 4minute of Cube Entertainment, two other popular, well-known K-pop groups that have disbanded this year.

Even though 2NE1 disbanding is a very saddening event for the K-pop community, let’s all look back on them with fondness and wish its former members success in their future endeavors. For K-pop fans, especially Blackjacks, who want to own 2NE1 albums or official merchandise, they are available for purchase at YesAsia.

[Featured Image by YG Entertainment]