Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Park Bom wishes Big Bang had attended 2011 MAMA!

Park Bom has shown that in YG Entertainment, it really is all about “Family, Family, Family“, as she expressed her regret in Big Bang‘s absence at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

On November 30th, she tweeted, “Did you see? We did our best. And also, did I do well despite my sick throat? It would have been nice if Big Bang had come. When Big Bang had risen as a candidate, I screamed loudly.

Big Bang had won the ‘Best Music Video’ award for “Love Song“. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, Big Bang was not able to attend, causing 2NE1 to represent YG Entertainment alone.

Source: Star News via Nate
Credits: Allkpop

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Winners from the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards!

On November 29th, Mnet hosted its 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (‘MAMA‘) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, attracting stars and performers from both Korea and around the world.

This year, the awards ceremony tried out something new by having 20 presenters instead of official MCs to host the show. These presenters were comprised of Korea’s top actors and TV personalities, who helped distribute the awards to the winning artists.

Check out 2011′s winners and their presenters below! (Winners will be bolded in the list)

Daesang Award (Grand Prize)

Song of the Year
- 2NE1, “I Am The Best”

Album of the Year
- Super Junior, ‘Mr. Simple’

Artist of the Year
- SNSD

Singer Category

Best New Male Artist Award
Kim Ji Su
Boyfriend
N-Train
Huh Gak
B1A4

Best New Female Artist Award
A Pink
Brave Girls
Jang Jae In
Han Groo
Dal Shabet

Male Group Award
TVXQ
B2ST
Big Bang
Super Junior
2PM

Female Group Award
Brown Eyed Girls
SNSD
KARA
2NE1
f(x)

Male Singer Award
Kim Bum Soo
Kim Tae Woo
Kim Hyun Joong
Sung Si Kyung
Wheesung

Best Female Singer Award (Solo)
Kim Wan Sun
G.NA
Baek Ji Young
IU
Seo In Young

Genre Category

Best Dance Performance – Solo
Kim Hyun Joong – Breakdown
Jay Park – Abandoned
Jang Woo Hyuk – Time Is (L)over
HyunA – Bubble Pop!
G.NA – Black & White

Best Dance Performance – Male Group
TVXQ – “Keep Your Head Down”
B2ST – “Fiction”
Big Bang – “Tonight”
Super Junior – “Mr. Simple”
MBLAQ – “Mona Lisa”
INFINITE – “Be Mine”

Best Dance Performance – Female Group
2NE1 – “I Am The Best”
4minute – “Mirror Mirror”
miss A – “Goodbye Baby”
T-ara – “Roly-Poly”
SECRET – “Shy Boy”
SNSD – “The Boys”

Best Vocal Performance – Solo
IU – “Good Day”

Best Vocal Performance – Group
Davichi – “Don’t Say Goodbye”
SISTAR19 – “Ma Boy”
2AM – “You Who Wouldn’t Answer The Phone”
2NE1 – “Lonely”
4men – “Once While Living”

Best Band Performance
CNBlue – “Intuition”

Best Rap Performance
Leessang – “Turned Off The TV…”
Tablo – “Bad”
Mighty Mouth – “Tok Tok”
Clover – “La Vida Loca”
Simon D – “Cheerz”

Best O.S.T.
Baek Ji Young – “That Woman” (Secret Garden O.S.T.)
IU – “Someday” (Dream High O.S.T.)
Lim Jae Bum – “Love” (City Hunter O.S.T.)
Taeyeon – “I Love You” (Athena O.S.T.)
Huh Gak – “Don’t Forget Me” (The Greatest Love O.S.T.)

Music Video

Best Music Video
Big Bang – “Love Song”

Others

Best Artist (China)
- Jane Zhang

Hottest Asian Artist
- Koda Kumi

Best Asian Artist
- Aziatix

Best Asian Artist (Solo)
- Wei Chen

Singapore’s Choice **Most Popular K-Pop Artist in Singapore**
- Super Junior

▲ Best Style in Music
- Seo In Young

▲ Mnet Specialized Award
- YB

Congratulations to all of the winners!

So, what did you think of the results of MAMA this year? Tell us what you thought of the result!

Source: Allkpop

2NE1's performance from the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards!

On November 29th, Mnet hosted its 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (‘MAMA’) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, attracting stars and performers from both Korea and around the world.

This year, the committee invited some platinum names from the international music community to come perform at the MAMA. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and The Black Eyed PeasWill.i.am and Apl.de.ap joined Korea’s top artists like 2NE1 and HyunA to put on an unforgettable show.

Check out their performance below!

Source: Allkpop

2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards exceeds expectations in Singapore!

The 2011 Mnet Asian Music Award (MAMA)’ which was held at Singapore’s Indoor Stadium on November 29th far exceeded the expectations of the viewers and audience of over 10,000 guests alike.

The stage was created to model the Chinese character for ‘Human‘, and appeared to be an enormous space station. The slogan for this year’s MAMA was ‘Music Makes One‘, meaning all the Asians in the world are able to become one through the medium of music.
A performance of Kim Hyun Joong‘s “Lucky Guy“and 2NE1 with “I Am The Best was enough to leave the audience members overwhelmed.
The performances by artists overseas was equally impressive. J-POP star Koda Kumi lived up to her title as ‘Performance queen’, captivating the audience with her vocals and followed it up with a sexy and powerful performance. Legendary west coast rappers Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg performed “The Next Episode” which got everyone putting their hands up to the beat.

Furthermore, the rousing cheers continued with Will.i.am performing “The Hardest Ever” and Apl.de.ap‘s performance of “We Can Do Anything“. The crowd went wild when the two continued to perform the Black Eyed Peas‘ hit song “Where is the Love” with  CL.
This was the second MAMA to be held overseas after last year’s event in Macau, and Mnet feels proud to have accomplished such a large and spectacular stage.

A representative from CJ E&M remarked, “We started planning for this project since early July. We are thrilled to receive such an explosive reaction from the fans“.

CJ E&M plans to put on a grammy-like award ceremony next year, and they are also pushing ahead for a performance overseas thanks to official sponsors like authentic Korean food brand, Bibigo, etc.

CJ E&M head representative Kim Sung Soo stated during a press conference, “We want to create a music festival that exceeds the standards of the Grammys in America. We will not stop at only Asian Music, but will continue to incorporate more and more American music as well“.
Overall, how would you rate the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards?
Source & Image : Newsen via Nate, TV Daily via Nate, OSEN via Nate, Star Today via Nate, Enews24 via Nate 
Credits: Allkpop

Dara gives 2NE1′s MAMA trophy a kiss!

On November 29th, Mnet hosted its 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards, where 2NE1 walked away with the Daesang Award for ‘Song of the Year‘ for “I Am The Best” and the Best Group Vocal Performance Award for “Lonely

With the happy news Sandara went to her me2day, and revealed the photo above with the words, “Aigoo..^^;;; I was dead tired! Ha, I did things here and there all day, and I’m embarrassed to take a picture of my face ㅠ But I wanted to thank everyone! Today the four of us came to the festival excited! Had a lot of fun! We were happy to see Will.I.Am Oppa +.+ and felt the happiness while performing on stage again! 2NE1 Let’s Play! ^0^”.

Netizens commented, “Unnie~Congratulations 2NE1♥BLACKJACK FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, “2NE1 congratulations! For me you are the BEST! The performance was SO COOL! Goodnight Dara onnie!”, “good night and have a safe trip back!!! ^^ 2NE1 jjang!!!”.

Congratulations again to 2NE1!

Source + Image: me2day
Credits: Allkpop

J-POP star Koda Kumi has a close relationship with 2NE1 & TVXQ!

Top J-POP star Koda Kumi displayed her close relationship with 2NE1 member Minzy.

At a 2011 MAMA press conference that took place at the Singapore Sands Expo and Convention Center on the 29th, Koda Kumi remarked, “I worked with TVXQ in the past and continue to maintain a close relationship. I have also spent a lot of time with 2NE1′s Minzy, and I plan on going to their next performance in Japan“.

Today at the MAMA, I will put on a performance that fits in with Korean culture“, she continued.

170 reporters from Japan as well as Hong Kong, Malaysia and Cambodia were at this particular press conference, as well as Reuters and the Korean press to gather as much news as possible.

In related news, the biggest K-POP stars such as Super Junior, SNSD, 2NE1, B2ST, Brown Eyed Girls and Ooh La La Session were in attendance at the 2011 MAMA as well as world-famous celebrities like Will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

Source & Image : OSEN
Credits: Allkpop

Will.i.am reveals project album with 2NE1 is almost finished!

On November 29th, Black Eyed Peas‘ will.i.am and apl.de.ap walked the red carpet at the 2011 MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards).

They revealed, “We feel great participating in such a large event like this. I’ve worked with 2NE1 before and we would like have collaborations with other Asian artists as well. We are planning to have a special performance with 2NE1 today. Please anticipate it.

They also revealed that they are almost finished with their project album with 2NE1.

will.i.am’s frequent compliments of 2NE1 have already caused quite a stir in Korea, and it was a well-known secret amongst fans that the two artists have been working on a special project.

Later that night, will.i.am and apl.de.ap each put on a solo performance as well as a collaboration stage with 2NE1′s CL of “Where is the Love“.

Source: Newsen
Credits: Allkpop

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Park Bom may not be able to sing live at ’2011 MAMA’ due to severe flu?

YG Entertainment has revealed that Park Bom is suffering from a severe flu, and that it may affect her performance at the ’2011 MAMA’, scheduled to be held on November 29th in Singapore.

“Up until departing for Singapore today, Park Bom had been suffering from a flu so severe that she was unable to speak at all for days,” said YG officials.

They continued, “Since it’s a year-end awards ceremony, and because 2NE1 has many fans who have loved and supported them this year, Park Bom has decided that she will on stand on stage. Due to her throat condition, however, we’re afraid that she may not be able to sing live at the event. Up until now, Park Bom has only performed live on stage; just to be safe, however, we took both the MR and AR versions of the song.”

If Bom’s throat doesn’t clear up before their official performance at the MAMA, 2NE1 will have no choice but to use the AR version of the song on stage, which will contain both the song’s melody and Bom’s studio-recorded vocals.

“We hope Park Bom’s flu gets better so that she can return to singing live for her fans,” the officials concluded.

In related news, 2NE1 has been nominated for the “Best Female Group”, Best Vocal Group and “Best Performance” categories at this year’s MAMA.

Source: Star News via Nate
Credits: Allkpop

Friday, November 25, 2011

2NE1 become the first Korean artists to be on the cover of ‘WWD Japan’!

The ladies of 2NE1 have become the first Korean artists to grace the cover of popular Japanese fashion magazine, ‘WWD Japan‘!

2NE1 were chosen as cover models for the magazine’s winter issue, which allowed them to  join the ranks of many other famous women in Japan who previously graced the cover such as professional skater Asada Mao and actress Miyazawa Rie.

For their pictorial, 2NE1 wore French brand Balmain, which gave them an elegant gloss to their fierce charisma. Reportedly, the members’ outfits had cost around 25 million yen (approximately 322,872 USD).

In related news, 2NE1 will join fellow YG Entertainment artists and perform at the ‘YG Family Concert in Japan‘ on January 7th and 8th at the Kyocera Dome, and on January 21st and 22nd at the Saitama Super Arena.

Source + Photo: enews24 via Nate 
Credits: Allkpop

2NE1 performs “Ugly” at Japan’s ‘Best Hits Kayousai Festival’!

On November 24th, 2NE1 performed at Japan’s ’2011 Best Hits Kayousai Festival’ along with the nation’s top artists like EXILE, Koda Kumi, AKB48, and more.

Though they couldn’t be at the ‘2011 Melon Music Awards‘ in Korea to accept the ‘Top 10 Best Artist’ award as well as ‘Album of the Year’ award, the girls more than made up for it with a rockin’ stage of their hit song, “Ugly“.

Check out their performance below!


Source: Allkpop

Dara shares a picture of 2NE1′s ‘Melon Music Award’!

Earlier today, we revealed that 2NE1 won the ’2011 Top 10 Artist Award’ at the ‘2011 Melon Music Awards‘.

Not long after, the group’s ‘Communications Director’ Sandara Park revealed a photo of their award through her me2day. She expressed,
“Ahh~!! A Top 10 Melon Music Award!!! We received this nice and warm trophy! ^0^ Clap clap clap!!! Thank you so much~!!! We’re sad we couldn’t attend [the award show]! We just finished performing at Kobe’s Best Hit Song Festival~ we did a good job on stage! Ah~! Today we received so much love from Blackjacks~! Even if we don’t eat, we’re full from everyone’s love!^0^ ah!”.
Later on, she heard that 2NE1 won the  ’2011 Album of the Year’ award, which prompted her to exclaim, ” Oh..My..Go..D!!! 0.0 Bam Ratatata! Tatatatata!!! We received Melon’s album of the year award?!?ㅠ.ㅠ ohh..ohh..!!! Ahh~! This award! I dedicate this award to our 5th 2NE1 member Teddy, who is like a God! He always gives us great songs, so all the thanks and congratulations goes to Teddy oppa!^0^”.

Netizens commented, “2NE1 forever!”, “You guys really, truly deserved this”, and “Now you can really say that ‘I Am The Best’ kekeke“.

Source + Image: Sandara’s me2day
Credits: Allkpop

YG Entertainment holds meeting to discuss upcoming concert!

In order to further promote their upcoming concert, the stable of YG Entertainment artists held a recent meeting to discuss their ideas to make this year’s 15th anniversary concert memorable and exciting for their fans.

YG Entertainment uploaded the footage of the meeting taking place on their official YouTube channel, further heightening anticipation for the show.

The clip included shots of G-Dragon and Daesung of Big Bang who have been MIA from the music scene for some time, as well as Tablo who recently signed with the label.

Check out the clip below!

Source & Image: YG
Credits: Allkpop

2NE1 won on ’2011 Melon Music Awards’!

K-Pop stars flocked to the Seoul Olympic Park Stadium on November 24th to attend the ‘2011 Melon Music Awards‘.

The awards show, which began in 2009 and is now entering its 3rd year, established itself as one of the big four music awards ceremonies in South Korea, alongside the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disk Awards, and Seoul Music Awards.

Hosted by Super Junior’s Leeteuk, actress Park Shin Hye and B2ST‘s Doojoon, the awards ceremony is famed for calculating ONLY digital sales (80%) and online votes (20%) on Melon.com; the final tally of those two factors will produce the winners in the various categories.

Check out the list of winners from this year’s show below!

2011 Artist (Daesang)
- B2ST

2011 Album (Daesang)
- 2NE1 (’2NE1 2nd mini-album’)

2011 SK Planet Best Song (Daesang)
- IU (“Good Day”)

2011 Top 10 Artists
2NE1 | f(x) | Leessang | Park Jung Hyun | B2ST
Big Bang | Super Junior | SECRET | SISTAR | IU
2011 Best New Artist
- Huh Gak

▲ 2011 Global Artist
- SNSD

▲ 2011 Netizen Popularity Battle
- Super Junior

2011 Hot Trend
- ‘Infinity Challenge’: ‘West Coast Highway Song Festival’ project album

2011 MBC Music Star Award
- Baek Ji Young

2011 OST
- Sunny Hill’s Jubee (“Pit-a-Pat” from ‘The Greatest Love’ OST)

2011 Rap/Hip Hop
- GD&TOP

2011 R&B/Ballad
- Kim Bum Soo

2011 Rock
- CNBLUE

2011 Music Video
- T-ara (“Roly-Poly”) directed by Cha Eun Taek

2011 Song Writer
- Jun Hye Sung (Davichi’s “Don’t Say Goodbye”, Baek Ji Young’s “That Woman”)

▲ 2011 Performing Arts Award
- Lee Seung Hwan

Congratulations to all of the winners!

So, what did you think of the results of the Melon Music Awards this year? Tell us your thoughts on the winners.

Credits: Allkpop

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

2NE1 receive awards at ’2011 YouTube Kpop Awards’!

2NE1, Super Junior, and HyunA have been making headlines all year with their YouTube view counts. On November 22nd, these three teams received awards at the ’2011 YouTube Kpop Awards’ at Google Korea in Seoul.

HyunA stated, “I was surprised at the large amount of YouTube viewcounts. I saw a lot of people upload videos with my song, and there were many who were better than me; I gained strength [from seeing all the videos].”

2NE1, who had three videos in the Top 10, commented, “We will continue to upload a lot of cool videos in the future. Please show them lots of love. We put a lot of effort into showing you a lot of things in ‘I Am The Best’ music video, so I think that is probably why a lot of people watched the video.”

Super Junior’s Leeteuk stated, “This award is especially more valuable because fans all over the world were the ones who made this award possible. We will continue to spread the Korea’s culture throughout the world… I also clicked on our music video 10 times. Whenever we’d go perform overseas, the clip would be uploaded onto YouTube right away. Seeing this, I felt how strong media’s power had become.”

Super Junior received 1st place with 26.9 million views for “Mr. Simple”, followed by 2NE1 with 22 million views for ‘I Am The Best’, while 3rd place went to Hyuna with 21.6 million views for “Bubble Pop”.
Source + Photo: Osen via Nate
Credits: Allkpop

Vietnamese fans show their support for 2NE1 at recent concert!

The ladies of 2NE1 who recently traveled to Vietnam for a performance were met with an explosive warm welcome from their Hanoi fans.

Concert in Vietnam with 2NE1‘ (sponsored by KOTRA as well as Silk Road CNT) was held from November 18th to the 20th, and the number of people in the audience for the first show far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The Vietnamese fans displayed their unconditional support for 2NE1 as soon as the girls landed at the Noi Bai International Airport. The crowd filled the airport, patiently awaiting the girls’ arrival, and continued to trail their vehicle once 2NE1 took off to their next destination.
The Vietnamese media also showed their high interest in the girls. Over 60 different media outlets were at the performance to cover the concert, as the girls performed in front of 3,500 loyal Vietnamese fans.
2NE1 belted out their hits like “Go Away“, and “Can’t Nobody” for an hour straight. The fans sang along to the Korean lyrics, and they reportedly thoroughly enjoyed the party-like atmosphere as if they were at a local nightclub.

The members who completed their first concert in Vietnam remarked, “I don’t know why it took us so long to come to Vietnam. We would have come sooner if we knew the fans were so passionate… We want to come back here soon“.
This event was especially more meaningful as the winners from the Cover Dance Contest were invited to join 2NE1, and part of the profits from the performance will be donated to help build new schools in Hanoi.

In related news, the girls will be in Japan on the 24th to perform at Kobe Memorial Hall.
Source & Image: StarNews
Credits: Allkpop

Friday, November 18, 2011

Park Bom takes a ninja shot of Dara!

Park Bom took a secret photo of fellow member Sandara Park, who was busily fulfilling her duties as YG Entertainment‘s Communications Director.

On November 17th, Bom tweeted, “Dara is busy updating her me2day~ kekeke Dara is always so faithful“.

Though she was just chilling at home, Dara’s fresh beauty drew admiration from fans and netizens alike.

Netizens remarked, “Dara looks like a goddess at any angle” and “Her skin is seriously amazing“.

Source & Image : DongA via Nate
Credits: Allkpop

Thursday, November 17, 2011

2NE1 ranks in Top 10 on Oricon’s Daily Chart!

On November 16th, 2NE1 and SECRET both released their latest Japanese works, which propelled them to the top of Japan’s Oricon Daily Charts.
 
SECRET placed 5th on the ‘Albums Daily Chart’ with their “Shy Boy” album, while 2NE1′s “Go Away secured them a 9th place spot on the ‘Singles Daily Chart’.

Considering how both groups ranked on Oricon’s Top 10 in the same day demonstrates the increasing influence of Hallyu in the Japanese market.

Congratulations, ladies!

‘Singles Daily Chart’
Source + Photo: Oricon
Credits: Allkpop

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sandara poses at her birthday dinner!

Park Bom showed some photos of fellow member Sandara Park‘s birthday dinner.

Late at night on the 12th, Park Bom posted the photo above on her me2DAY and wrote, “Today is Dara’s birthday~~~o(^▽^)o Right now, Dara is eating a lot! I will do some live reporting~”

In the photos, Dara is eating away at a delicious birthday meal to celebrate her 27th birthday.

Netizens wrote, “Happy birthday! Eat a lot since you don’t gain any weight no matter how you eat“, “Bom unnie should also eat something other than corn!“,  and “I’m happy to see you eating so much because you are so thin“.

Source: Star News via Naver
Credits: Allkpop

Sunday, November 13, 2011

2NE1 Talks with HMV Japan


Their 1st Japan Tour “NOLZA in Japan” took place in 3 locations consisting of 6 performances that gathered 70000 attendees and recorded the highest ever number in history. They are the pop icons of the 21st century, 2NE1!

This time, 2NE1 came to Japan for a joint press conference and interviews for the promotion of their first single “GO AWAY” to be released on November 16th. This special interview will show a precious glimpse into some surprising aspects of 2NE1 including things to listen out for in the “GO AWAY” Japanese version, highlights of the music video, the state of their Japan Tour, hobbies of each member, artists that have influenced them and some enjoyable girl talk!!

You will definitely come to love 2NE1 even more!!

Your debut mini album “NOLZA” made its first appearance at 1st place on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking. Congratulations! Please tell us each of your thoughts on this.

CL: I was really happy. I was a bit concerned about everyone’s reaction to our debut but I’m really happy.
Bom: These results that were beyond my expectations surprised me. I just thought ‘I must learn more Japanese’.
Dara: It was the first time we worked outside of Korea so I thought there were many people who didn’t know about 2NE1 so getting 1st place was like a dream. From now on, I’ll try even harder!
Minzy: When I heard we got 1st, I was really happy. The fact that everyone was interested in 2NE1 was, above everything else, an honour.

Your first Japan tour gathered 70000 attendees marking a splendid achievement. Please tell us your thoughts about the tour.

CL: It was like “it’s our first concert in Japan so is it okay to have this much fun?” It was just “concert addiction”! (laugh)
Bom: I was happy that so many people came! I was also thrilled to see so many fans dressed in the same costumes as 2NE1! Eventually, I want to do a concert at Tokyo Dome!
Dara: I really enjoyed this first tour of ours. After experiencing this, I want to do more concerts in other places.
Minzy: From the start of the concert, everyone was standing while singing and dancing so it was really fun to just be able to “nolza” (play)!

Also, “GO AWAY” which was showcased at your concert will be released soon so tell us what to listen out for in the song as well as your thoughts on it.

CL: “GO AWAY is a song about a woman going through unrequited love but it’s an up-tempo and positive song so we always sang it for the encore of our concerts. I think it’s a song that gets everyone to sing and dance and become one.
Bom: It’s a really fun melody so when you listen to it, you’ll become refreshed.
Dara: In concert performances, it’s like a musical production. The more people there are, the more fun it becomes.

Now then, please tell us about the music video.

CL: Actually, there are some drawing I drew decorated in the background of the music video. In the scene with all 4 of us together, my drawing appears so definitely check that out (laugh).
Bom: It was something I wanted to try doing before which was the bubble bath scene! (laugh) I think I was able to show sexiness while being cute!
Dara: This time, I appeared with me pet cat (laugh). But he got really scared so we could only shoot about 2 or 3 seconds of him (laugh).
Minzy: As for me, I appeared with my pet dog (laugh). She wore the same coloured hat as me and I think I should give her the Best Actress Award (laugh).

Tell us about the lyrics. It’s a song about a woman experiencing unrequited love but if you were to experience something like this for yourself, what kind of behaviour or actions would you display?

CL: That’s a secret! (laugh) I want to be a single that is able to give encouragement to people experiencing this kind of thing.
Bom: This woman’s actions were straightforward but in actual instances, I think it depends on the person. Doesn’t it change depending on the personality of the man? It’s case-by-case.
Dara: I don’t really have much experience in love so I really don’t know. In saying that, I think I’d be crying like the coupling track “IT HURTS” but I want to be like the cool woman in “GO AWAY”.
Minzy: I also don’t have any experiences so… (laugh). But I really don’t know what actions I’d take. I think “behaviour” and “heart” are really different so I truly don’t know.

For example, if one of the members or a friend is going through this kind of experience, what actions would you take?

CL: I would take her out for a meal and listen to what she has to say. While listening to what she says, I’d try to distract her mind so she’ll be able to forget about it more quickly.
Bom: I would also listen to what she has to say first.
Dara: In that situation, they probably wouldn’t be able to take in what anyone has to say? I feel that the only thing you can do is be by their side.
Minzy: I’d have a meal and talk together with her.

The coupling track “IT HURTS” draws out the feelings of a very pained and delicate woman but what kind of song is it?

CL: It’s a jazz ballad and a song that can be called a new challenge to 2NE1.
Bom: While recording this track, I put too much emotion into it that I actually did the recording as I was crying.
Dara: I remember the recording but it felt like everyone just forgot themselves. It’s a sad song but you strangely don’t get sick of it even after listening to it for an entire day.
Minzy: I think there are probably lots of people with the same experience which is why I guess lots of people will be able to sympathise with the song?

I think you’re very busy with no time to rest but if you were able to have a break, what would you want to do?

CL: I would draw pictures. During our last break, I went to cooking classes. I learnt to cook French cuisines.

What are some dishes you’re good at?

CL: Things like pasta, gratin, French onion soup.
Dara: Her cakes and desserts are also really tasty! Everything is tasty.
Minzy: Among the desserts she makes, the orange pudding was magnificent! (laugh)

On stage, you’re very energetic and cool but among the members, CL seems to be the one who is a family type?

CL: Personally, I don’t think I’m the family type at all.
Bom: CL says that but she’s really the family type! CL and MINZY are the family types.

What are MINZY’s cooking specialties?

Minzy: I’m good at Korean cuisines and hotpot. Recently I’ve been into knitting so I gave BOM and DARA a present but I have yet to give one to CL (laugh).

BOM, what would you like to do during your break?
Bom: I want to watch Japanese dramas.

Lately, what have you watched?

Bom: “Zenkai Girl” was really interesting! I watch them in order to study Japanese.

How about DARA?

Dara: I love playing with my cat so we end up playing through our sleep time. I play with him starting from early in the morning (laugh).

MINZY, what is the thing you want to do most on your break?
Minzy: It’s still knitting. Otherwise watching movies, there are too many things I want to do! (laugh)

Is there anything you want to do in Japan in the future?

CL: We are currently doing Japanese versions of our already-released Korean songs but I’d like to make original Japanese songs soon.
Bom: If there’s a chance to, I’d like to do solo activities.
Dara: I want to learn more Japanese. For example, it’d be great if I could answer questions in these kinds of interviews without the need of a translator.
Minzy: I want to practice singing and dancing more so that I can show you even cooler performances.

Please tell us about the type of man you like.

CL: Answering that kind of question would be quite long so… (laugh). First of all, he needs to be manly. Also, it’d be good if it’s a person I can respect.
Bom: A person that will only give me love! Lots of it! (laugh)
Dara: I dream of a romance similar to that of a movie but I think it’d be nice to have a price-like person just like Hanazawa Rui (Kim Hyun Joong [KR]/Oguri Shun [JP]) from “Boys Over Flowers”.
Minzy: A person that has matching thoughts and values would be nice. If our hobbies and interests are the same, it’d be great.

Everyone dresses well and you are known to be the fashion leaders for young people but please tell us some of your fashion styles.

CL: To me, the most important thing is whether or not the fashion suits you. Recently, I’ve been sticking to a simple style.
Bom: I like short clothing. I also like clothing that is body-fitting.
Dara: I like the kinds of clothes that are comfortable to wear. Like casual style. However, my requirement is to keep the one-accent (accessory). For example, wearing a flashy hat.
Minzy: It depends on my mood at the time. I have times when I like a boyish style or times when I like a cutesy style.

During your Japan tour, many fans had copied your fashion but how you feel towards Japanese fans’ fashion sense?

CL: I think everyone in Japan dresses really stylishly. There are many people who dress in a variety of styles. They also have very elaborate hairstyles and makeup so I think it’s amazing.
Bom: I think they’re really stylish. Actually, I wore these clothes (from GO AWAY) while walking in Harajuku yesterday but no one really had any reaction to it (laugh). I think everyone is really unique and they all have their own style.
Dara: Rather than looking at other people, there are quite a lot of people that just go with their own style. I have picked up a lot from them.
Minzy: They have great fashion sense. There are many people that just have their own distinct personality. When travelling by car, I also check out people’s style.

I think it was quite difficult doing a new song in Japanese. If there are any Japanese phrases that you like or are interested in, please tell us.

CL: The phrase “naze ga suki dattan darou (why did I love you?)” sounds similar to some Korean words. In Korean, “naze” is “noon”, “suki” is “ski”, “datta” is “ride” and “darou” is like Dara’s (as in her nickname). In other words, I heard it as “Dara who skied in the afternoon” and it was so funny, I couldn’t stop laughing during the recording! (laugh) Our producer, TEDDY, got angry at me!
Dara: Yeah, at that time, it was just so funny, we couldn’t stop laughing so he got really angry and said “if you want to laugh then get out of the studio and laugh!” (laugh).

You’ve been to Japan a few times now but is there anything you’re looking forward to this time?

CL: Above everything else, I want to show everyone our music video.
Bom: I want to go to a hot spring. When I watch Japanese dramas, it seems like the actors enjoy getting in so much? I also want to be in a open-air bath whilst enjoying the scenery!
Dara: When we come to Japan, we rarely have free time but last night, I went for a walk outside. It felt really good.
Minzy: I love “Gundam” so I want to go to Akihabara.


Are there any Japanese musicians that have influenced you?

CL: Actually, when I was a child, my dad really liked Japanese rock so I often listened to Japanese rock. I don’t know who the artists are but sometimes when I’m walking in the streets of Japan or on TV, I hear those artists’ songs.
Bom: I really like a Japanese group called Speed.
Dara: During my trainee days, in the middle of the movie “Taiyou no Uta”, YUI-san sang a song called “Goodbye Days” whilst playing the guitar and I liked it so I sang it often. It was the first Japanese song I sang.
Minzy: The one who influences me the most is Koda Kumi-san. Recently, I was able to meet her in a music program and at that time, I was really happy since I received a DVD from her in person. That night, I immediately watched the DVD and studied her facial expressions and singing style.

It’s been decided that “YG Family Concert” will be held in Japan but is there anything you’re looking forward to or anything you want to show to 2NE1’s fans?

CL: Of course, it’s not just 2NE1 but also artists such as SE7EN and Gummy. There are amazing artists that all have different characters so I think we’ll be able to show you a variety of performances. Also, the process in making stages is very fascinating. I’m looking forward to the process in creating good things for everyone.
Bom: Just like the name “YG Family” suggests, the entire family will be appearing in this special show. Also, although it’s not confirmed, I want to sing BIGBANG’s songs. And it’d be great if other artists sang 2NE1’s songs!
Dara: I think the best thing about the family concerts is collaborations with other artists. I’m currently looking forward to seeing who gets to sing what kind of songs.
Minzy: Each artists of YG Family has their own strong personalities so I’m looking forward to see how we become as one. All of the family will be on the same stage and we’ll be able to show many kinds of performances so I’m very excited now. I want to “play” together with everyone!

Source: HMV Japan