2NE1, “WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YG’S ADVICE, BUT HE IS SCARY SOMETIMES” [INTERVIEW]

[파이낸셜뉴스 스타엔=김동주기자] Korea’s power girl group 2NE1 (CL, BOM, DARA, and MINZY), who’s leading the K-POP, finally released their second regular album “CRUSH” after about four years of waiting.

2NE1, a veteran girl group and cultural ambassador who promotes Korean culture, debuted six years ago. They say that their new album marks a turning point in their career. 2NE1 was able to produce a satisfactory album with various genres of music that represent each member’s different styles in music such as reggae, hip hop, and R&B. 2NE1’s member CL personally wrote the lyrics and music for the album.

CL said, “It took four years. Since our first album includes many single songs, it feels like this second album is actually the first regular album in our hearts. We tried various types of music and genre and stepped out of the boundary, so I’m exceptionally proud that the album came out to be great.”

DARA added, “All the members, including myself, are having a great time because we released many new songs after a long time. I feel like we were able to produce a great album although we waited a long period. I’m always smiling nowadays.”

2NE1 also felt anxious while waiting for the album’s release as it took too long. Although 2NE1 made TV appearances with single albums in the meantime, they were growing impatient as they wanted to let their fans hear the songs that they prepared for so long.

“I believe that’s why we were able to produce an excellent album. It feels as though we broke a mold by undertaking a big challenge. I get a sense of feeling that after going through a slow period, we will be able to keep going from now without stopping” said CL.

CL, who participated in writing the lyrics and music for the second regular album, feels like seeing her double in all of the songs and has a great affection for the new album. CL’s self-written song, “CRUSH,” became the title track of the album and the song has a special meaning to her.

CL explained, “There was a period of time when I thought it’s better not to write songs myself. I always wanted remain as a muse to someone else and I was afraid I might lose my fantasies for music if I get too much involved with it. But this time, I went for it, thinking that I’m going to make music for life. The funny thing is that after writing music myself, I wondered why I was so afraid before. The more I learn about music, the more mesmerizing it gets. Royalties for my songs? I didn’t get much for the songs I wrote since I only wrote three (laugh).”

YG Entertainment’s main producer Yang Hyun Suk personally choreographed one of the double title tracks, “Come Back Home,” for 2NE1’s second regular album.

Yang Hyun Suk, who choreographed Seo Tae Ji and Boys’ song “Come Back Home” in 1995, got to choreograph a song of the same title in 10 years, and it was unusual for him to take charge of the entire choreography as he only choreographed certain parts for other YG artists so far.

BOM said, “Our main producer paid a special attention to our new album. He even provided guidance to us all night long in the practice room. He probably did that since the song has a special meaning for him as well. I am extremely grateful for his support, but at the same time, I was actually scared of him since he kept a hawkish eye on us all the time (laugh).”

What is the secret behind 2NE1’s long-term success entering their sixth year since debuting? “Never getting old” was the answer that the members gave unanimously. They said that by never getting old, which is their motivation, they get to taken on challenges without any fear.

CL explained, “I personally don’t like the feeling of easiness. I believe once you start to enjoy the comfortable feeling, that’s the end of everything. Each member still has a lot to show in terms of our different personalities and styles. If we keep doing what we do, time will fly.”

“It is important to keep looking for new challenges. Personally, I’m always pursuing for changes by trying different hairstyles, although the “palm tree” and “vegetable” looks failed. (CL: “One time, DARA almost broke in tears, saying that she doesn’t want to get out of the car right in front of the broadcasting station.”) It is better not to go overboard on things sometimes,” said DARA, laughingly.

With the new album, 2NE1 set a new record. 2NE1’s second regular album “CRUSH” ranked No. 61 on the Billboard 200, an album chart, and their title track “Come Back Home” ranked No. 5 on the World Digital Songs Chart.

2NE1 got to dream a great leap forward as a global girl group through the new album’s success, setting an all-time-high record in K-POP history after fellow YG artist, PSY.

“Fans’ support is great motivation. There’s nothing rewarding than fans’ support and them being proud of us. That is why we should do our best in the work we do as the best girl group in Korea.”

What would 2NE1, who enjoys being on stage the most, look like in the next 10 years? DARA gave an explicit reply.

“I hope we stay the same after 10 years as well. We would probably be enjoying ourselves, just like now, not getting any older. My wish is to age stylishly, regardless of work, dressing like this and dying my hair blue even when I become a grandmother,” said DARA.

2NE1, starting with the Seoul Tour which was held on March 1st and 2nd, will hold 15 concerts in total in 12 cities of nine countries including Korea, Japan, and China. It is an exciting world tour with 2NE1 performing new songs from their second regular album.

In regard to the world tour concert, CL explained, “Since it’s been a long time since we sang and performed in front of our fans, we want to sing and show all of our songs and performances. I hope that our last concert of the world tour would be an encore concert in Korea. Wouldn’t my wish come true if all of our fans give us their support?”

“I really like it when our fans tell us that we’ve matured and became better. We received same compliments for this new album as well, which gave us more motivation to work harder,” said DARA.

BOM added, “It’s nice to hear that we’re good, but I want more than that. I want to hear that we’re a one-of-a-kind legendary group, but we would have to work harder to earn that title.”

2014. 3. 15.