2NE1

2NE1 is a South Korean girl group formed under YG Entertainment, known for their bold musical experimentation, powerful stage presence, and lasting influence on the global rise of K-pop. The group consists of CL, Park Bom, Sandara Park, and Minzy, and became widely recognized for redefining the image of girl groups with their confident, edgy style. 2NE1's name is an abbreviation of "New Evolution of the 21st Century." The group's name was created to represent a new generation of music, style, and performance in the 21st century, with "21" symbolizing the modern era and "NE" standing for "New Evolution." The name was shortened to "2NE1" as a stylized form that became the group's official branding and widely recognized name worldwide. From their debut, they stood out as one of the most impactful acts of their generation, helping push K-pop beyond traditional boundaries.

They gained immediate attention with their debut single "Fire," followed by the major success of "I Don't Care," which earned major awards early in their career. Releases such as To Anyone, "I Am the Best," "Lonely," and "Ugly" solidified their reputation, blending hip-hop, pop, and electronic influences into a distinctive sound. Their international growth included notable achievements like one of the first global tours by a K-pop girl group and strong chart performance worldwide, including success on the Billboard 200 with Crush, further establishing their global presence.

Throughout their career, the members expanded into individual activities while continuing to shape the group's artistic direction and influence. Their music, fashion, and concept played a major role in popularizing the "girl crush" image and inspiring a new generation of artists. Even during periods of reduced group activity, their cultural impact and recognition remained strong across both Korean and international audiences.

In recent years, 2NE1 has reunited for performances and group activities, marking a new chapter that builds on their legacy while reconnecting with fans worldwide. In 2026, Minzy confirmed that the group would move forward performing as a trio for select stages following controversy and public tension involving Park Bom and Sandara Park, with scheduled appearances including "Special Live in Japan 2026" at K-Arena Yokohama. Despite these changes, the group continues to evolve while maintaining their presence, influence, and long-standing status within K-pop.