Concert review: 2NE1 perform All I Want For Christmas Is You at comeback concert

2024-25 2NE1 Asia Tour Welcome Back In Singapore

Singapore Indoor Stadium Dec 21

A decade has passed since 2NE1 last performed in the Lion City. Yet, their infectious energy and their fans’ fiery passion have not abated.

The second-generation K-pop group were active between 2009 and 2016, and were seen as trailblazers around the early 2010s – experimenting with music genres such as reggae and dancehall, and expanding the fashion styles expected from girl groups through their outlandish, statement-making costumes.

The quartet last performed at the same venue in 2014 during their All Or Nothing world tour. Two members – Dara and CL – made solo appearances at the K-pop music festival Waterbomb Singapore at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach in August.

Bom and Minzy are the other two members of 2NE1.

The Singapore performance is part of their Welcome Back tour, which marks the 15th anniversary of the South Korean girl group, whose members are aged between 30 and 40.

The tour kicked off in Seoul on Oct 4, stopped in other Asian cities such as Manila and Jakarta, and will move on to locations including Kuala Lumpur and Macau in 2025.

Here are three highlights from their sold-out Dec 21 show, which delighted 8,500 fans. They will stage another show on Dec 22.

1. Each member’s distinct style

Unlike many K-pop groups, the members of 2NE1 have easily distinguishable fashion styles and personalities.

Leader CL is the most outspoken and eloquent, often asking the audience questions. Among the most adventurous in her fashion sense, her first outfit was a sculptural black-and-white ensemble paired with leather boots and gloves.

The petite and beautiful Dara also turned heads with her poncho-like get-up and pigtails. Also an actress and television presenter, she localised her banter when she greeted the audience: “I missed you so much lah!”

Minzy is the sexy firecracker with the provocative moves. Sporting a short yellow shag and skin-tight outfit, she knows blondes have more fun.

In contrast, vocalist Bom was free to be as laid-back as she wanted, donning big sunglasses for a large part of the concert and giving off relaxed, nonchalant vibes.

2. First Christmas song

Amid the festive season, the group performed their first Christmas song in Singapore, and it was none other than Mariah Carey’s pervasive holiday standard All I Want For Christmas Is You (1994).

When Bom crooned its opening line against a snowy backdrop adorned with the words “Merry Christmas”, the audience cheered. Bom and Dara donned Santarina hats, while Minzy wore a Christmas tree-shaped hairband and CL sported a Christmas elf-inspired hair clip.

CL later shared that it was the group’s first time singing a Christmas song, and the experience was very special. “We actually had so much fun preparing the song together, because we have not learnt a new song in such a long time. It really brought me back to our trainee days. Thank you, Singapore, for letting us do this,” she said.

Minzy said doing the song was so fun, while Dara chimed in: “I am so happy to spend our Christmas with you guys.”

3. Electrifying dance numbers

During the show, the group performed their signature song I Am The Best (2011) against a red and black backdrop, amid a dazzling display of laser lights.

Supported by eight male back-up dancers, they grooved to the anthem’s lyrics of female empowerment, while Minzy took the chance to sashay down the catwalk and shake her booty.

In 2023, the track was ranked by American magazine Rolling Stone as the eighth greatest song in K-pop’s history. It has also been identified as one of the pioneers of the “girl crush” aesthetic, showcasing ferocious, confident female idols, which is prevalent in K-pop today.

Also making the setlist were some of the group’s earliest hits – its debut single Fire (2009) and mid-tempo dance-pop number I Don’t Care (2009). Both tracks have been credited for incorporating elements of reggae – a genre largely absent in K-pop in the late 2000s – and were a reminder of how much 2NE1 had pushed boundaries at the time.

Evidently, they have influenced and inspired many others in the K-pop industry, judging by the number of artistes who sent in congratulatory videos that were aired during the concert. These included South Korean singer-actress IU; rappers G-Dragon and Zico; boy bands Boynextdoor, Stray Kids and Treasure; and girl groups Aespa, BabyMonster, IVE, (G)I-dle, NewJeans, Kiss of Life and Twice.

Even American musician and fashion designer Pharrell Williams sent in a video, in which he said: “Congratulations CL and the whole of 2NE1. You guys deserve it. It is your time.”

He could not have said it any better.