NOT OVER YET

Surprise Surprise, thought you’d seen the last of 2NE1 didn’t you?

2NE1 are coming back for their definite last release GOOD BYE. The song is finished and the MV has been filmed already.

However, this is not as pretty as it seems. Apparently, this track GOOD BYE was originally supposed to be CL’s new US release. Though this is just rumor, there is already loads of people commenting it.

Personally, I hope this is only a rumor indeed. I think it’s great that they are getting together one last time to gift this to their fans, but if that’s the story behind the song, doesn’t it brush off the whole special meaning of this?

Regardless, I’m excited about this upcoming release. Can’t wait to see what 2NE1 have prepared as a final gift for their fans!

GOODBYE 2NE1

Eventually, it all comes to an end…

Like most of you, I too still don’t know how to express myself on this matter. It’s not like this was unexpected after Minzy’s departure earlier this year, we just didn’t know when it was going to happen and how would the fandom deal with it.

If you didn’t read my post regarding Minzy’s departure, here’s the key element to understanding my opinion on this issue – I don’t stan 2ne1. However, that doesn’t mean I turn a blind eye when recognizing 2ne1’s success and talent. Yeah, their music wasn’t my thing, but I acknowledge how talented the four of them are, how hard they worked to get where they are today. Only few succeed in acheiving what they acheived.

This is extremly frustrating, any K-Pop insider knows what lead to this miserable ending – YG Entertainment’s terrible management of their artists. YG has been producing some of the most renowned artists in the K-Pop industry, including PSY, who will remain as a legend for all eternity thanks to his song Gangnam Style – the most popular music video ever – and literally brought the korean pop music industry to a whole new level. Saying they train their artists to be the best is one thing, but saying they’re a good company in terms of support is another.

At this point, we’ve all realized that the “YG Family” is kind of lacking the Family concept as all they really do is boss their artists around and shove them inside the basement when they don’t need them. No wonder they’re all so disciplined, who would want to act freely when you live your life in such environment?

Another thing that is slightly bothering me, and not many people have mentioned, is that it’s becoming quite evident that when labels start to sleep on their own artists and give this one person a special focus, things will quickly take a turn to the ugly side. I mean, haven’t we gone through this before? It wasn’t even that long ago… 4Minute? Is it that weird to compare HyunA to CL? Not in terms of style, personality or popularity. But the situation is pretty similar. An extremly talented group, successful aswell, containing that one member that for a set of reasons appeals to the fans more than the others and quickly begins to stand out, overshadowing the rest of the group; eventually the atmosphere among the members becomes heavy and before we can tell, nobody is renewing contracts and each has chose their path.

I’m not trying to blame this on CL or HyunA or whichever group this situation may be comparable to, they have total right to work on their solo projects and I don’t oppose to that in any way. The thing is, on these situations, labels should try and create some balance between things because that’s why they exist, that’s why artists need managers. However, all of it is pointless if things are going to turn out like this because a company can’t even do their job.

BOM, CL, DARA… MINZY?

Sad news 😦

YG Entertainment announced today that 2NE1’s member Minzy has officially left the group. The group is set to make a comeback this summer.
I had just entered the classroom this morning when my friends on our group chat were saying Minzy had left 2NE1. It was kind of hard to believe it at first, I even asked if she was sure but we’ll, it was trending worldwide on Twitter…
Below is YG Ent.’s statement regarding the issue:

“This is YG Entertainment’s official statement regarding the rumors of 2NE1 disbanding.

We are sorry to bring this regrettable news to 2NE1′s fans who have waited for a long time.

We are officially informing you that 2NE1′s maknae Gong Minzy will no long be able to be a part of 2NE1.

YG’s contract with 2NE1 expires on May 5, 2016. Last January, we had individual face-to-face talks with each member regarding renewing their contracts and showed our desire for the group to reform. Unfortunately, Gong Minzy did not feel the same.

Having to say goodbye to a colleague who has been with us since she was a trainee for 11 years is really difficult. However, we fully understand and respect Gong Minzy’s position as the group had to suddenly halt promotions two years ago. Thus, it is true that we feel more sorry rather than feeling unsatisfied.

After announcing Gong Minzy’s decision to leave the group, the other members were confused and asked, “Will 2NE1 disband like this?” Yang Hyun Suk met the three members and said, “I want to protect 2NE1 until the end no matter what. When it get’s difficult let’s gather together and be strong and overcome this.” Showing this strong will, the other three members are preparing a new song with a summer comeback in mind. There will be no additional members added to replace Gong Minzy.

2NE1 is a girl group who has received a lot of love from domestic and international fans, enough for a world tour, for seven years since they debuted.

Even from an international perspective, it’s not easy to keep a group active for more than seven years.

In fact, it’s nearly impossible to do so without overcoming various crises and difficulties.

Like the crisis the group experienced when they had suspended all official activities due to the incident two years ago, we will do our best to overcome this case of one member leaving the group as well.

YG and the members promise to make a strong resolution for fans who have trusted 2NE1′s music and waited.

We will promise to return with the most 2NE1-style and 2NE1-appropriate music.

Thank you.”

I’m not a blackjack so there’s not much of an opinion for me to form here, except for the fact that many fans are blaming Minzy’s departure on YG’s poor management of the group lately – I agree with them. You don’t need to be a fan of 2NE1 to know their company has been slacking on them for quite long now.
After their performance at MAMA 2015, I think we were all convinced that 2NE1 was preparing to come back stronger than ever… Now we kind of feel betrayed. It’s not like CL, Dara and Bom won’t make it as a three-member-group I mean, they’re still their talented selves, but don’t try to come and tell me 2NE1’s the same without Minzy.
Blackjacks are also upset because YG Ent. decided to announce their comeback at the same time they announced Minzy’s departure, as if one thing makes up for another.
Regardless, everyone should go support Minzy and accept her choice. I also don’t want this post to sound like I’m talking you guys into blaming YG of this, I am simply sharing my opinion!
How do you guys feel about Minzy’s departure and 2NE1’s upcoming comeback?