2NE1: The Baddest Females
2NE1, a female group that debuted under YG Entertainment in 2009 includes members CL, Minzy, Dara and Park Bom. The group’s name means “New Evolution of the 21st Century.”
Initially, the group was referred to as the “female BigBang,” a reference to the five-member male group also under YGE known for its edginess and assertiveness. 2NE1’s group’s concept was meant to be a counter to what some see as a pop-driven image aimed at wide appeal like that of SNSD (Girls Generation). One Yahoo Answer to the question, “Why does SNSD have more fans than 2NE1?” echoes this: “Because SNSD appeal to guys as well. Girls like them because their music and dance moves are so catchy, and they are funny and pretty” (Yahoo Answers).
Conversely, 2NE1 represents a more conscious and direct form of female power in direct opposition to idol girl groups. Yang Hyun Suk, CEO of YGE, suggests that artists like 2NE1 are different: “I watched TV and wondered what would happen if pretty girl groups such as Girls’ Generation, Fin.K.L and S.E.S performed hip hop songs like YG. Wouldn’t it be fun if they went through the entire stage rapping ‘intensely’?” (Elle) In another interview, Yang insists that the members are not pretty: ‘It’s true that 2NE1 are not pretty. . . . In fact, 2NE1 members are not tall, and they don’t have average pretty faces. But more importantly, I think they’re cool.. . . I think that a cool person is better than just being pretty. . . 2NE1′s CL and Gong Minzy have charisma. It’s cool. It’s my style’ (choigjie). Even the members acknowledge their tough persona. In an interview, they say, “Meeting us in person, we’re less scary than you thought, right?” (VITALSIGN).
While this image has proved successful, it also has garnered some concern. Before the promotions for the group’s single “I Love You,” Yang expressed concern over some of the group’s sexier concepts as it continues to push the envelope: “In previous interviews, the YG Entertainment head stated that the choreography for 2NE1’s I Love You will include many sultry movements using the lower-half of the body and other sexy moves as song’s main dance points. However, Yang Hyun Suk’s concern for Minzy, as a minor, led to him issuing special instructions to the 2NE1 dancer to try and suppress her sexy moves. Even for the 2NE1 members’ teaser photos, special attention was given to Minzy to avoid wearing revealing outfits due to Yang Hyun Suk’s same concerns” (YGFanBoy).
Image: 2NE1
Sources
Choigjie. “ ‘2NE1 Are Not Pretty’. . . . Yang Hyun Suk, ‘Cool Is Better.’” 22 May 2012. WeLoveBom. 3 Nov 2012. http://welovebom.com/2012/05/22/2ne1-are-not-pretty-yang-hyun-suk-cool-is-better-2/
Elle. “Yang Hyun Suk Believes That The Idol Fad Is Over.” 30 Sept 2012. United One YG Family. 3 Nov 2012. http://ygunited.com/2012/09/30/yang-hyun-suk-believes-that-the-idol-fad-is-over/
VITALSIGN. “2NE1 Talks About Their True Image And Creative Input.” 14 Sept 2010. Allkpop. 7 Nov 2012. http://www.allkpop.com/2010/09/2ne1-talks-about-their-true-image-and-creative-input
“Why Does SNSD Have More Fans Than 2NE1?” Yahoo Answers. 7 Nov 2012. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100830124600AAmIFLA
YGFanBoy. “Yang Hyun Suk To 2NE1’s Minzy—‘Tone Down The Sexiness.’” 6 July 2012. United One YG Family. 3 Nov 2012. http://ygunited.com/2012/07/06/yang-hyun-suk-to-2ne1s-minzy-tone-down-the-sexiness/