SIGNATURE to Korean Pop (K-Pop) music is its light, catchy beats with emphasis on higher pitches. The all-girl Korean group 2NE1 has nearly forgotten the elements associated with K-Pop and seemed to have replaced its music with American energy and beat, reminiscent of Rihanna and Beyonce’s sound. If you removed the Korean lyrics (or the Korean accent), you’d think 2NE1 is an American group.
2NE1 is composed of Bom, CL, Dara and Minzy. They have covered a lot of American songs—some are sung in English, while some are translated or partially translated in Korean. They even had an interpretation of Rihanna’s song “Take a Bow.”
“2NE1 has a genre of its own when it comes to Korean music,” says Mayi, 20, student of UP Diliman. “While most girl groups usually come in two categories—sexy or cute—2NE1, in a way, defies this by creating its own niche in the market.”
According to Mayi, a 2NE1 fan, the group signifies woman empowerment. She says, “They represent the modern woman through their lyrics, electronic pop beats and style. You would usually expect girl groups to have a male-dominated fan-base but because of this unique sound and image they attract more female fans.”
Music awards
“To Anyone” album has reaped accolades from the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Female Group Award, Musical Award, Best Digital Single Award and Album of the Year); 2010 Melon Music Awards (Melon Music Award Top 10 and Album Award); 2011 Korean Music Awards (Best Dance & Electronic Album); and the 2011 MTV Daum Music Festival (Artist of the Year).
In Manila, “To Anyone” has achieved the top sales position in local retail stores. 2NE1’s “Go Away” music video was adjudged Favorite K-Pop Video at the 2011 Myx Music Awards.
“Although their music has a futuristic sound, you can still hear that they actually sound great live—as good as they sound on CD—sometimes, even better,” beams Mayi.
The group’s dance is not your typical cute, girly kind of dance. It’s similar to American hip-hop with an attitude.
For Mayi, it would be difficult to pick her favorite among the group. She says, “They all have their own strengths and they deliver powerful live performances.”
But when asked, Mayi is bias towards Dara (or otherwise known in the Philippines as Sandara Park). “I’m smitten with Dara because she is really pretty in the ‘Lonely’ MV.”
Mayi started to follow 2NE1 before its debut because of YG trainee Park Bom. Mayi found Park Bom’s face beautiful and found her voice unique and powerful.
“After 2NE1’s debut, I loved CL the most because of her attitude. Fierce is synonymous to her name especially in the performances. She owns the stage. Talent-wise, I think Minzy is the most versatile. She is pro in dancing. She sings really well and has a solid voice. She can also rap. She has the whole package. I love them all,” gushes Mayi.
Join the Party: 2NE1 Live in Manila on June 4, Saturday, at the Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets are available at all TicketNet outlets. Brought to you by Pulp Live Productions.
SUMMARY=SIGNATURE to Korean Pop (K-Pop) music is its light, catchy beats with emphasis on higher pitches. The all-girl Korean group 2NE1 has nearly forgotten the elements associated with K-Pop and seemed to have replaced its music with American energy and beat, reminiscent of Rihanna and Beyonce’s sound. If you removed the Korean lyrics (or the Korean accent), you’d think 2NE1 is an American group.
2NE1 is composed of Bom, CL, Dara and Minzy. They have covered a lot of American songs—some are sung in English, while some are translated or partially translated in Korean. They even had an interpretation of Rihanna’s song “Take a Bow.”