The iconic K-pop girl group 2NE1 is reuniting as a complete group for the first time in eight years. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, they have announced a series of activities starting with a concert in Seoul this October.
2NE1 will hold their “2024 2NE1 CONCERT ‘WELCOME BACK’ IN SEOUL” at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul, on October 5 and 6. This will be their first full-scale concert in a decade, marking a significant reunion for the members.
Before the concert announcement, YG Entertainment’s Chief Producer Yang Hyun-suk expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This concert will be unique. The generation that grew up with 2NE1’s music will be sharing these memories. With their many hit songs, we are working hard with all staff to create a successful performance.”
The concert will kick off in Seoul in early October and continue to Osaka, Japan, in late November, followed by Tokyo in early December.
Despite the excitement, fans were surprised by the chosen venue for the Seoul concert. The Olympic Hall, which seats around 3,000 to 4,000 people, is significantly smaller than the 14,000-capacity SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium, where 2NE1 held their last concert.
YG Entertainment explained, “Given the milestone of their 15th anniversary and the dramatic reunion, we were determined to start their performance this year. Although larger venues were already booked, securing the Olympic Hall was a fortunate opportunity.”
As the ticketing date approaches, concerns about securing tickets have already surfaced. With no dedicated fan club and no pre-sale options, general ticket sales will begin on August 5 at 8 p.m. YG Entertainment anticipates a fierce ticketing battle, stating, “We regret that we can’t accommodate more fans in Korea but promise a high-quality performance and hope to bring more good news in the future.”
The group members are equally committed. Sandara Park, appearing on SBS Power FM’s ‘Cultwo Show,’ expressed her excitement, saying, “I’ve waited so long for this. I’m thrilled to finally share this news with our fans, Blackjacks, after eight years.” She added, “Receiving so many congratulations feels surreal. Despite the exhausting rehearsals, I’m incredibly happy.”
Sandara Park also mentioned that the group plans to continue touring through the first half of next year, putting aside their solo activities to focus entirely on 2NE1.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
