2NE1’s long-awaited return to the stage materialized from October 4 to 6 with their impressive concert titled “WELCOME BACK”, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their debut. Over three days, the iconic K-pop stars delivered a series of performances that not only ignited nostalgia among their fans, but reaffirmed their status as living legends of Korean music. The event also marked the start of a world tour that promises to bring 2NE1’s unmatched energy to fans around the world.
The concert started with a bang, when the stage lights went out and the chords of COME BACK HOME resonated throughout the venue. With this song, the group set the stage on FIRE, showing that they have not lost any of their overwhelming presence. The successes continued with CLAP and CAN’T NOBODY, two songs that made the audience vibrate, while 2NE1 showed their unmistakable choreographies and electrifying energy, characteristic of their early career.
One of the highlights of the event was when the group interacted with their loyal BLACKJACK, 2NE1’s official fan club. Inviting the audience to chant 2NE1 “nolza” (a Korean term meaning “let’s play”), the group shared the same energy as more than a decade ago, when they dominated the charts and the hearts of millions of people around the world. Subsequent performances included classics such as DO YOU LOVE ME, FALLING IN LOVE and I DON’T CARE, songs that ignited the crowd’s euphoria and demonstrated the timeless relevance of their music.
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However, the concert was not just a parade of past hits. The congratulatory messages projected on the giant screens brought a wave of emotions. Prominent figures of the new generation of K-pop such as IU, NewJeans, IVE, TWICE, aespa, and Stray Kids, among others, offered heartfelt tributes to 2NE1, highlighting their lasting impact on the industry. Even international artists like Pharrell Williams and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon shared their congratulations, cementing the group’s global influence. These tributes were a clear example of the respect and admiration they have garnered in the industry, not only as artists, but as pioneers who paved the way for new generations.
With this injection of energy and emotion, CL, the leader of the group, took the stage alone to perform her personal hits THE BADDEST FEMALE and MTBD. Her performance, full of attitude and power, showed why CL remains one of the most influential and respected artists in K-pop. After their solo performance, the entire group returned to the stage to deliver emotionally charged performances, including MISSING YOU, IT HURTS, IF I WERE YOU and LONELY, songs that struck a chord with those in attendance.
Prominent figures of the new generation of K-pop such as IU, NewJeans, IVE, TWICE, aespa, and Stray Kids, among others, offered heartfelt tributes to 2NE1, highlighting their lasting impact on the industry.
2NE1’s return is not only a celebration of their legacy, but a statement that they still have a lot to offer. The WELCOME BACK concert was a perfect mix of nostalgia and freshness, with impeccable performances and top-notch production that made it clear that the K-pop legends are back to stay. As they continue their world tour, fans around the world are eager to see what the future holds for this iconic group, who continue to make history 15 years after their debut.
Collaborator at ReporteAsia.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/kpop/2024/10/06/2ne1-regreso-concierto-reunion/