2NE1 performs during the group's "2024 2NE1 Concert 'Welcome Back' in Seoul" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Songpa District, Friday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment
The iconic second-gen K-pop girl group 2NE1 reunited for its first full-group performance in over a decade, electrifying fans and reaffirming its legendary status in the music scene.
Spanning from Friday to Sunday, the 2009-born quartet took the stage at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Songpa District, for its three-day "2024 2NE1 Concert 'Welcome Back' in Seoul" performance.
Marking their return after a lengthy hiatus of 10 years and six months, all three shows sold out instantly when tickets went on sale, highlighting the group's enduring popularity.
The energy and nostalgia were palpable Friday night, the opening night of the three-day show. The venue that night was packed with 2NE1's loyal fandom — BLACKJACK — many of whom were dressed in sleek black outfits symbolizing their support for the group over its 15-year career.
But the audience wasn't just made up of die-hard fans — the star-studded crowd included celebrities like comedians Kim Sook and Jo Se-ho, singer Lee Joon, dancers Aiki and Harimu and members of K-pop boy band The Boyz, all there to witness the legendary group's return.
K-pop girl group 2NE1 performs during the group's "2024 2NE1 Concert 'Welcome Back' in Seoul" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Songpa District, Friday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment
Kicking off at 8 p.m. sharp, the four 2NE1 members made a dramatic entrance, bathed in red light, instantly sending the crowd into a roar of excitement.
Matching the crowd's energy, 2NE1 started the show with a powerful remix of "Come Back Home," enhanced by flashy lasers and fireworks, before continuing with its decade-long megahits "FIRE," "Clap Your Hands" and "Can't Nobody," all of which drew thunderous sing-alongs from the crowd.
Every song was performed live, with the members proving they hadn't lost their edge by using handheld microphones throughout.
After the electrifying opening set, the audience was also treated to video messages from active idol groups congratulating 2NE1 on the return. The screen lit up with familiar faces, including singer IU, and groups like NewJeans, IVE, TWICE, BABYMONSTER, aespa, Stray Kids, BOYNEXTDOOR and TREASURE, all showing their admiration for the group.
Even G-Dragon, a fellow member of the YG Entertainment family, and American pop star Pharrell Williams sent their congratulations, much to the surprise of the audience.
2NE1 performs during the group's "2024 2NE1 Concert 'Welcome Back' in Seoul" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Songpa District, Friday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment
The concert shifted focus to CL's solo performance when she took over the stage with hits like "GZB" and "MTBG." Her commanding presence filled the venue, with her relaxed gestures and confident stage presence proving she's far beyond the status of a typical "K-pop it-girl."
The mood then underwent a dramatic transformation as the four members came together again to perform some of their more emotional ballads, including "Missing You," "It Hurts" and "Lonely."
Following the nostalgic set, the members took time to express their happiness at reuniting with their fans after so long.
Sandara Park, visibly moved, told the crowd, "It might have felt like an indefinite wait, but thank you so much for waiting. This is truly a historic moment for us, meeting again after 10 years as artists and fans. Seeing you all brings back so many memories from our trainee days."
Minzy, the youngest member, added, "When preparing for this concert, I had so many ideas about what kind of performance to deliver. But more than anything, I hoped today would be meaningful for all of you," emphasizing her wish for the night to leave a lasting impression on the fans.
"It's great to see those who have been with us from the start, sharing memories, and it seems we've gained new fans, too. I hope everyone leaves with beautiful memories, just like the energy we've received from you tonight," Minzy noted.
The four members of 2NE1 perform during the group's "2024 2NE1 Concert 'Welcome Back' in Seoul" at Seoul's Olympic Hall, Songpa District, Friday. Captured from X
The concert, produced with the full support of YG Entertainment, continued with a high-energy set list featuring the group's greatest hits. Live band performances powered songs like "I Love You," "UGLY," "I Am the Best" and "GO AWAY," transforming the venue into more of Seoul's hottest club than a traditional concert hall.
The unusually intimate stage setup, in particular, was what allowed the group to connect more closely with the audience, making it clear that the members had long anticipated this reunion.
As the concert neared its conclusion, the group returned for an encore, performing songs like "HAPPY" and "In the Club," along with a medley of their signature tracks. Fans couldn't get enough, dancing and singing along with the group until the very end.
Following the Seoul concerts, 2NE1 will embark on an Asia tour, performing 15 shows in nine cities, including Manila, Jakarta, Kobe, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. The group has also added extra dates, with performances in Bangkok and Taipei slated for next year.