2NE1 Goes Beyond Entertainer… These Four Artists, Even Pious

【서울=뉴시스】오제일 기자 = “We want to use the power of music for good purposes.”

 

Group “2NE1”s member CL (22) met “godfather of soul” Stevie Wonder (63) in Hong Kong, where Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA) was held on the 22 this month. “He personally gave me good words of advice. Listening to him, I reflected on myself, thinking that I used the power of music for other purposes, rather than sharing love.”

 

That is self-reflection of 2NE1, who has now established their position as top Korean Wave group, since their debut with “LOLLI POP” in 2009. “As we have just run and run for only music, we didn’t have time to see other things.” (MINZY)

 

It has been five year since their debut, but 2NE1 members have been together for 7-8 years including the years of training. “We didn’t come together to form a group. Each of us was preparing solo debut then we met one another ‘like destiny’. We have different musical preferences, but we all think that ‘we have to do it right if we really want to do it’. We will do cool music, as long as we do it.” (CL)

 

On the 21, 2NE1 released “MISSING YOU”, dreamy ballad music. It is a “song that all members like” and topped nine music charts upon being released. It is the third single released this year following “FALLING IN LOVE” in July and “DO YOU LOVE ME” in August, as well as third No.1 ranking in music charts.

 

“I think there’s difference between a song that tops charts and a song that influences people. I hope more people listen to our song, rather than “No.1” place on charts. I want to sing a song that can influence people and make that kind of songs.” (CL)

 

The song’s lyrics “I still hate you that you let me go/ My heart now cold is still/ missing him” made each of 2NE1 members get emotional. BOM (29) and DARA (29) even burst into tears while recording the song.

 

“I thought of members while singing it. I think each listener feels different” (BOM) “I thought of members much, too. And I also thought that our fans would have missed us, too, while singing.” (MINZY)

 

The song was given to 2NE1 a year ago, but the timing of release has been put off because of preparations for a regular album. “We have been just running and running since our debut. As we came to see a bigger world and a bigger picture having a world tour, we realized that every moment is precious. We received the song after the tour. We wanted to express a bigger meaning than just relationship between a man and woman.” (CL)

 

“It was hard to think of the feeling of “missing somebody’, when I’m not in love. I tried to recall my past relationship, but that was too long ago”, said DARA. “Once, my pictures were taken by paparazzi, and the backgrounds were barbecue place, massage shop, and 80% discount store, and places like that. I felt bitter.”

 

Music video of the song is also very popular, recording four million views. CL performed for the music video naked, thinking “I want to show the loneliness of being alone and the bottom of the heart, being more relaxed.” “I myself suggested it to the producer. If someone made me do it, I couldn’t be able to do it like that, but I tried it because I was inspired listening to the song.”

 

2NE1 members were surprised by CL’s bold suggestion. “I was surprised at first, but I could understand her, after I heard her thoughts. I think it helped our music video.” (BOM) At first, I thought she was suggesting it to all of us, so I said ‘I’m not ready yet’ (laugh).” (DARA)

 

2NE1 will hold a world tour from next March in Seoul, and then in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. “For the tour, and for us, we want to advertise that we will release a regular album before kicking off the tour. I want to make the audience see a good concert.” (CL)

 

They are looking into five years ahead. “The music we like has never been the same. I personally feel sorry that each of us has never performed as a solo artist. Looking at each one’s different charms, I think that it would be nice if we can perform songs that can express our different individualities. When we have the opportunity, I and the other members will come back as solo artists. When we come together again after that, won’t we be stronger?” (CL)

 

They want to use the power of music for good purposes, as a stronger 2NE1. “We want to share warmth of music with as many people as possible. Isn’t that the unique power of music?” (CL)

 

2013. 11. 26.