2NE1 has had a lot of breaks during their almost-decade-long career. Whenever the members would announce their break, fans are eager to wait for their comeback. Not this time.
The popular K-Pop girl group announced last Friday that they have been officially disbanded. They wanted to clarify that this is not a break. 2NE1 will not be coming back on stage as a girl group.
YG Entertainment released an official announcement saying they are "saddened" to see this happen. After 7 years together, it is now time for the girls to pursue their solo careers.
However, the members of the group will not quit the entertainment industry entirely. CL and Dara renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment, but Park Bom will no longer be under the management. This announcement just came after the girl group's fourth member Minzy left earlier this year.
2NE1's legacy has already made its mark. Over the course of seven years, they have already gotten 19 top hits on the World Digital Songs chart and one album to appear on U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
Back in 2014, their album "I Am The Best" attracted many listeners in the U.S. 2NE1 was just the second non-English song to hit the chart that year, just after PSY.
Though the girl group's career would be ending, Dara and CL are both very active in the entertainment industry.
Dara is currently back in the Philippines shooting different variety shows. She is also one of the judges in a Philippine pop-star contest. Dara is exploring more acting opportunities in the Philippines.
As for her fans back in Korea, they should not worry about the star's comeback because she has already renewed her contract with YG Entertainment. Though it might take some time for Dara's next release, fans can look forward to a whole new persona.
On the other hand, CL is challenging Hollywood. CL just released her first U.S. single, "LIFTED." She has been warmly welcomed by the western music enthusiasts. CL is bringing her own pop culture to the U.S. Her music video has now been viewed for more than 19 million times in YouTube.
In her interview with Noisey, CL said she had fun shooting the music video in New York City. The pop star said since she is basically a "city girl" who's used to travel from Seoul to Tokyo to Paris, New York's vibe just empowers her.
"Love the culture, people, attidue and music, art, and fashion. I love the youth culture and I love the food."
CL says she wants to produce music that has a positive energy. So far, CL is just walking through the waves of the U.S. music industry.
