With the close of 2012, recent news points to a busy year for 2NE1 in 2013 (potentially including another concert tour!). However, before we start looking forward, we should look back at all that the 2NE1 girls have done this year because there is a lot to talk about.

Thus, YGLadies, in conjunction with KpopStarz, presents the annual End of Year Specials (EOY): 2NE1 in 2012! First off, we take on, Park Bom, the 2NE1 unnie, big sister, who continues to wow fans with her vocals, beauty and kind heart, oh and did we mention she is a wee bit 'quirky'?

The Collaborations

Even before she became a member of 2NE1, Bom has always been the 'go-to' girl when it comes to YG Entertainment collaboration features. This year has been no exception. Her first solo collaboration in 2012 took place when Bom joined singer Se7en for a special performance of his title track, "When I Can't Sing."

Although her appearance wasn't that long there was nothing forgettable about the moment when she appeared at the top of a tall platform and started singing. As the song progressed, she gracefully made her way down the staircase, dressed in a stunning Christopher Kane Mini Dress, onto Se7en's level where the two delivered an emotional performance until Bom disappeared from the stage. The stage left fans breathless with no doubt that Bom was indeed the reigning queen of solo collaborations.

Her next collaboration came in August, when Bom showed up as a surprise guest at PSY's Summer Stand concert during the song "What Should Have Been," which originally features Park Jung Hyun. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Park Jung Hyun was unavailable to perform with PSY, so Bom was asked to cover the song at the last minute. Despite having difficulty with the words (you can see her reading the lyrics from her hand), and being busy preparing for the start of 2NE1's World Tour, Bom delivered a strong performance and her unique vocals brought a totally new feel to the song.

The last and probably most memorable collaboration this year involved none other than the return of the hip-hop trio Epik High. Bom featured on one of Epik High's title tracks, "Up."

Why was Bom the one chosen for the song? According to Epik High member Tablo, it's because "she is good at power vocals" and "the [Epik High] members even said that they could hear Park Bom while listening to the song before we chose her." He also revealed "Bom's condition wasn’t great when she sang it," but that didn't stop Bom from giving it her all to deliver the song we know today.

Unfortunately for Blackjacks, she didn't make a physical appearance in the music video. However, much to everyone's delight, Bom performed the song live with Epik High at the 2012 MBC Gayo Daejun. Many were worried about the stability of her live considering how high the song's vocal lines are. In fact, expectations were not very high that Bom would be able to successfully pull off this stage.

The consensus could not have been more wrong as Bom sang close to perfect live, wowing everyone for the millionth time!

Bom was able to showcase a diverse range of talents this year and build on her increased performance confidence from last year. It a great to see just how much her talent are valued.

Making headlines with her fashion, hair and "yoyo" weight

Bom has been a mainstay in the media this year for many non-music related topics. It seems that people cannot get enough of checking out her body and style. More often than not, Bom obliges the public's adoration of her killer legs by wearing legs-revealing outfits. However, all is not always rosy. Whenever Bom even gains an ounce people seem to pounce on it as a sign of her failed dieting, though more often than not it's just camera angle or bloating. In any event, Bom keeps it classy and raises above the unpleasantness like the true diva she is.

Taking tights-wearing to the next level

Although Bom is known to show off her flawless legs in short dresses, this was the year she teased fans by constantly wearing exotic tights and stockings. Unique stockings was one of the style looks this year, and Bom was first up in embracing the trend as she showcased sexy patterned stockings on and off stage, particularly at airports! Of course these stockings didn't forget to show her flawless legs, which many are envious of.

Her love for make-up and Nails:

Bom has a legendary love for makeup and is gaining more and more recognition for her talents in nail design. She especially loves smokey -eyeliner and 'blinged out' nails. In 2012, she really has started to gain recognition for her nail art talent, even introducing the art form to one of the 2NE1 band members Sharon Aguilar who has reported becoming addicted to nail art as well.

When Bom is asked, "What is something that you are really into besides 2NE1?" She replied "To tell you the truth, makeup! I prefer makeup than clothes. I have even given ideas out for 2NE1′s make up!"

The short hairdo:

One thing that Blackjacks generally associate with Bom along with her legs is her trademark long and luxurious locks that come in a variety of colors...so when she for the first time since debut cut it short, the reactions were immediate! Bom shared gorgeous shots of herself on twitter and announced: "Hair is short now... I cut off all my hair~^^ and "No more long hair~~...".

Overall her new look was well received, with many pointing out that the cut made her look cute as well as mature at the same time. Did you like her haircut?

YoYo Bom?

It's no secret that Bom loves to eat and so fans and internet users seem to pay particular attention to her weight. Over the past year she has made the headline on various occasions for her "yoyo" weight.

During 2NE1's press conference in Singapore for their New Evolution concert, she received "notice" for seeming to have gained weight and not appearing svelte. Less than two weeks later, at this year's Melon Awards, it was the exact opposite reaction. Bommie answered back to people giving her flack by wearing what she loves best and flaunting her fabulous body.

Representing 2NE1

As Minzy's unnie, Bom led as they attended a Nikon promotional event. Being her cute and adorable self, she and Minzy charmed fans at the events, answering questions and taking pictures. Check the clip below for a recap of the event.

On June 22nd, Maybelline Japan launched their new product Volume Express Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara and dearest Bom was riding solo at the event. Sporting an iconic Stella McCartney dress called 'The Optical Illusion Dress', Bom wowed us with her posing and confidence. It was lovely seeing her able to hold her own without the other girls.

In 2012 Bom wasn't just a vocalist, but successfully also branched out into as 2NE1's dutiful representative when the situation called for it.

Bom's Unique Interview Style:

This year we have been lucky enough to enjoy several English interviews from 2NE1. It's interesting to see that with practice the girls are becoming more confident in their speaking skills. This is especially the case for Bom. Some of her quirky, funny and sometimes absolutely bizarre answers have had us rolling on the floor with laughter. Here we've picked out several examples of her funniest interview moments:

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If 2NE1 members had to be exemplified by animals?

"DARA looks like a rabbit so a rabbit. MINZY is a sea otter. That was the image that I first thought "she looks like it!" CL is a cute lion. CL's hands are chubby like a baby's so it's cute and it's like you are touching a lion's hands."

(Ray Magazine, 2012)

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What is it that you love about watermelon?

Source: nobadi

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What do people around you say about your character?

"They say "I don't understand". People who've known me for 11 years or people who I've just met all say "I don't really understand you" (laughs).

​(Ray Magazine)

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(Source: forever-2NE1)

Queen of Fan Service

Bom may be busy taking on the world, but she always makes enough time to care for her fans. Whether it be smiling at fans at the airport, signing autographs or writing letters to fans, thanking us on her Birthday, or even raising out spirits with her hilarious use of twitter emoticons, she knows the small touches make all the difference.

Perhaps the most notable case of her fan-service this year was when The Bom, Bom's Korean fan site, members gathered for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Although she couldn't personally make it to the event, Bom sent her managers with dessert and gifts. The managers told the fanclub members to eat to their heart′s content and waited until everyone was full before paying for the bill.

Here are some wonderful pictures of fan service Bom at New Evolution concerts:

Showing her love for KPOPSTAR's Park Ji Min

Bom even took time to show her love for more well-known fans. During Season 1 of K-Pop Star, she showed her affection for the participant and eventual winner Park Ji Min. In the episode, Bom visited Ji Min, showing viewers a heartwarming sight as she cheered for Ji Min and gave her healthy foods for her throat which seemed to be under stress. Bom also gave advice to the contestant through her own experiences!

Throughout the season Bom continuously showed her support for Ji Min, even tweeting a shout-out on the season finale. It's one more reason why for both onstage and offstage Bom is very loved.

Though 2012 was a relatively "quiet" year for 2NE1 official activities like TV appearances and music promotions, Bom continued to surprise and delight fans, from her wonderful fan service to amazing looks to her slightly unique style of presenting herself. Along with continuing to grow as an artist, Bom also served as a mentor to up-and-coming musicians as well. Blackjacks can only wait to see what 2013 holds.

What was your favorite Bom moment of 2012?

But before we head into the new year, be on the look-out for the next EOY special, this time featuring 4-D "youngest" Dara Park!

Article by staff@ygladies.com  | Written for KpopStarz January 2013