Dubbed Korea's fiercest female group, 2NE1 was in town as part of the 10-group line-up for the Korean Music Wave 2011 on July 15.

Four-member 2NE1 first appeared in a commercial jingle 'Lollipop' with their seniors Big Bang, before making an official debut with the single Fire in May 2009. Following the release of their first mini-album 2NE1, the group's fame skyrocketed internationally.

Famous Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton, more than once, featured the group's latest music videos on his site. Renowned American fashion designer Jeremy Scott is known to be good friends with CL -- the leader of 2NE1 -- and had given the girls some dresses as gifts.will.i.am from The Black-Eyed Peas even worked with the group on their future American promotions.

CL, Bom, Dara and Minzy sat down with xinmsn for a short interview before their performance at the Korean Music Wave 2011.

This was 2NE1's first visit to Singapore. When asked if they had any impression of our country, CL enthusiastically said her mother told her that "it's a beautiful country".

Seventeen-year-old Minzy, the youngest in the group, added that she's excited to be travelling and performing in different places and felt "lucky" when compared to friends of the same age.



2NE1 has a large fan base, but unlike other girl groups in Korea, the majority of Blackjacks (fans of 2NE1) are females. One reason they are popular with females is their lyrics, which often described female independence and empowerment.

What was it like being looked upon as role models for girls?

"We express ourselves through singing and performing. Because we're almost the same age [as our fans], we hope to connect with them through our lyrics," CL answered fluently in English.



The 20-year-old leader added that they had been looking forward to see their local fans.

If one doesn't understand the reach of their influences, just take a look at Blackjacks.

According to CL, one of their most unique fan experiences they had was to see their fans dressed up like them.

"The same hair colour, same clothes and the same kind of look! Sometimes I wonder where do they even get that?" CL exclaimed in amazement.

Known for their distinct and futuristic fashion -- Dara sported a memorable rocket hairstyle during their Fire days -- Bom voted for CL when the group was asked who the fashionista of the group was.

However, CL clarified, "We're usually dressed in bright colours and we dress according to our personalities. All of us have our own styles."



Any fashion hiccups then?

"Maybe my skirt's too short at times," the 27-year-old Bom said thoughtfully. The girl was well-known for wearing tight dresses, which showed off her curves and legs.

"Sometimes we do [an action] too hard, and the results don't come out like we expected," CL explained.

Perhaps it was the first-time jitters, but 27-year-old Dara -- who took on the position of 2NE1's 'PR officer' earlier this year -- was unusually quiet during the interview.

It wasn't until the subject of the interview shifted towards her younger brother Thunder (from boy band MBLAQ), that she began talking.



"She loves her brother!" CL quipped, before proceeding to dish the dirt on Dara. "She [Dara] woke up at 7am just to visit her brother before we came to Singapore!"

The girls also shared their upcoming plans.

CL let on that they had been releasing a new digital track since June, beginning with vocalist Bom's solo track 'Don't Cry'. Their latest single 'Hate You' was released on the midnight of July 21.

Just yesterday, the group dropped their second mini album and revealed the music video of their title track 'Ugly'.


Would 2NE1 return to Singapore with a solo showcase?
"We hope to come back again for our own show and to be able to meet our fans in a more intimate setting," CL said.

2NE1 performed five of their hit songs including 'Fire', 'Lonely', 'I'm the Best', 'Can't Nobody' and 'I Don't Care' at the Korean Music Wave 2011.



Source: XINMSN by: Joelle Chong
Photos reuploaded by: xtlover15@YGLadies.com
Reposted by: tazanya@ygladies.com