After taking a look back at highlights for Bom, Dara, CL and Minzy, it's time to truly close year 2012 by turning attention to the memories of 2NE1 as a group in 2012. At first glance, it would seem it's been a quiet year for Blackjacks, but in fact, the girls have been busier than ever.

Even if 2NE1 didn't have much activity in terms of music releases, we still were flooded with many great moments and awesome photo shoots, and who could forget The New Evolution Tour that showed international fans just what the girls could do!

In this article, we'll fly back in time and remember some of those moments from the music, photo shoots, concerts, and much, much more. So Blackjacks, get your snacks, get comfortable and go!

Music Releases & Performances

Japan Endeavors

The year started promising, as accolades from 2011 continued to trickle in and news regarding potential new music came to light. Together with their fellow label mates 2NE1 started 2012 with the Japan dates of the "YG Family 15th Anniversary Concerts".

Things then heated up with news of 2NE1's Japanese activities. At the girls' first fan meet, "YG Girls in Japan", where it was announced that they'd be collaborating with m-flo for their album (what would eventually be revealed as "She's So (Outta Control)." With a hilarious music video the song was able to spread the girls' name to a wider Japanese audience.

Watch a short clip of the girls performing the fun song at Springroove 2012

Next, it was the announcement of 2NE1's first Japanese studio album, Collection, which would include remakes of some the girls' top Korean songs as well as original works. While 2011 had been a decent year in Japan for the girls, fans were hoping for a strong showing on the charts this time.

However, when the studio album & single version of their title song "Scream" was released in March, on the same day no less, sales of both versions remained on par with previous 2NE1 Japanese releases. "Collection" did manage to reach #4 on the Oricon Weekly Album chart and has sold over 40k copies this year - not the best performance, but certainly respectable.

Yet, given how amazing the girls looked & sounded in "Scream" and how much fun they appeared to have performing it, the sales numbers don't really tell the full story. With opening lyrics like - "I'm 'bout to paint this town RED!" - How could Blackjacks not get excited? Combined with a fun, energetic dance & great MV, the song made fans "scream" with delight. Those of you who attended the girls' tour can probably also attest to the massive screams "Scream" got throughout the tour.

2NE1 at MEZAMASHI LIVE

"Scream" performance @ 11:30 mark

Aside from "Scream", the girls also made a remake of Madonna's "Like a Virgin," which was also used as the song for a Maybelline CF, and was performed for the first time at 2NE1's second fan meet (this time a secret one).

{ROYALACES} 120503 2NE1's Party in Japan on... by YGSRASubs

Let's also not forget that 2NE1's version of "Like a Virgin" was used as background music for a promotional clip of "The Carrie Diaries" a new CW Network series based on "Sex and the City" premiering this January.

Returning to the K-Pop Charts With Style

When YG Entertainment released information on "I Love You (aka ILY)", rumor was that it was supposed to be the prelude to the girls' new Korean album. However, for reasons still not entirely clear, the album was pushed back and ILY was the girls' only official Korean release of 2012.

Yet it didn't appear to matter that the girls' comeback was only a single digital track as they managed to shake up the industry yet again, both with their looks & performances. By now Dara's half-shaved head is another iconic look, but at the time of the teaser releases, it was a shock to fans and non-fans alike. The cut, combined with the new & unique outfits including CL's 'unicorn' dress, had internet users buzzing well before ILY actually released.

When the video and song finally dropped, Blackjacks were treated to a yet another side of 2NE1, this time a fusion of feminine & female power.

Official "I Love You" MV

Normally, we see the girls being in charge, girls who don't need the guy, especially with songs like "Pretty Boy" and "Go Away". Yet, ILY showed us the sexy side of all of our girls and a softer image of them. While fans were, for the most part, exited for the song & MV, there was some discussion on whether the song met expectations with some fans feeling disappointed with the release particularly after the bombastic sounds of 2011's "I Am the Best".

Either way, the song immediately rose to the top (or in Melon's case, the roof) of both the music and video viewing charts, and ended up one of the top downloaded digital songs of the year and in the top 10 viewed K-pop video this year on Youtube.

"I Love You" Performances Compilation

By the time the girls made their long awaited first broadcast, fans were all aflutter to see how the girls would perform the song live & what they'd wear. And 2NE1 did not disappoint, performing on a unique stage that took over the news as soon as it aired for multiple reasons, but many of the articles were due to CL's rather 'unusual' accessory during the intro - a live parrot.

Unique Promotional Tactics

As had been the case last year, 2NE1's broadcast activities were rather limited with the majority of stages on SBS "Inkigayo". However, to bring more 2NE1 to the fans, YGE brought back YG on Air, but with a twist. This time the girls collaborated with prodigy guitarist Jung Sungha for special performances of ILY & Lonely. With just the simple accompaniment of the guitar, the girls sounded and looked fabulous.

The New Evolution Goes Global

2NE1's Korean comeback wasn't the only thing that ILY signaled - it also led to a surprise announcement of the girls' GLOBALTOUR, a first for any Korean girl group. This came as an even greater surprise as the girls hadn't had an Asian Tour before. Finally, international Blackjacks would have a greater chance of finally seeing 2NE1 live. After seeing the teasers & awesome first concert trailer, YGLadies had a few thoughts about what the tour may be like.

The New Evolution Tour would bring the high octane performances from 2NE1's Seoul concerts across six continents and growing in confidence & energy with each stop. Fans jumped at the chance to see the girls, with almost all their concerts selling out quickly. Their LA concert did so well they actually placed on Billboard's Current Box Score (ranking of the revenue from concerts), the first Korean girl group to do so.

Seoul concert playlist

More concert playlists here

At each stop, fans were decked in 2NE1 gear, whether official goods or outfits inspired by past fashions from the girls, waiting in long lines to get the chance to see 2NE1 in full concert. And surprises were waiting for Blackjacks and 2NE1 at different locations. In terms of fan service at each stop, Dara graced one VERY lucky fan with a serenade onstage during "Kiss", complete with a kiss of his own. For LA Blackjacks, during the encore, the crowd was stunned with will.i.am and apl.de.ap joined the girls on stage to perform a remixed version of "I Am the Best."

In return, fans showed their appreciation for the girls' hard work with fan projects, including holding up placards or glow sticks during specific songs. At 2NE1's final concert in Singapore, an extra special fan project was created (started by amazing YGL staff & members - full fan account here), with help from the 2NE1 band. After the girls went backstage to await their encore, the band played "Please Don't Go" with the crowd all singing the lyrics - the girls came out to join in the singing, and the event even got charismatic leader CL emotional.

Singapore Fan Event

However, it wasn't just fans who enjoyed the concert as The Village Voice's review of the New Jersey concert was chalk full of praise for the girls. Aside from rating it "Better than: Pretty much everything," the author gave nods to the energy of the fans ("unified in mania"), called out some of his favorite performances (including "I Don't Care" & "Stay Together"), and summed up the concert in one sentence: "an assertion of dominance, perfectly mirrored to their music and choreography, four women braiding together aggressively, instructing you to fuck off." However, The New York Times, who also covered the New Jersey concert, did see some areas of improvement for the concert. The author pointed out a "lull late in the night during an ill-advices ballad run" and felt there was "something slightly unfinished about this performance" with "dance moves not quite executed..., and some vocal parts rendered shakily." While the tour might not have been 100% perfect, it definitely was an amazing start to what (we hope) are more tours to come!

When talking about the New Evolution Tour, we can't forget about the clothes, most of which were specially designed by one of 2NE1's biggest fans, fashion designer Jeremy Scott.

The teasers leading to the full tour announcement showcased Scott's Simpson's inspired line, complete with the unicorn dress that caught everyone's attention at the MTV Japan Video Awards.

Within the concert itself, the outfits were just as bright and unique, like the girls. For the opening, jackets imprinted with each of the girl's faces created the atmosphere of being somewhat familiar yet always different. And through the changes of styles, from energetic cheerleaders to elegant songstresses dressed in overcoats, 2NE1 made each outfit their own. Even the outfits for "Ugly", which includes full fur, doll eyeballs and cropped shirts, which may not be as appropriate on anyone else, were still pulled off through the energy & attitudes of the girls.

2NE1's distinctive fashion: Brought to you by the one and only Jeremy Scott

Advertising Superstars

Though the number of brands that 2NE1 endorses as a group may not be high in number, the weight of the brands & integration with the products has been amazing, especially as they all reflect the unique characteristics of the girls.

SingTel

As the lone new advertiser to 2NE1's roaster, SingTel brought the girls to Singapore for a surprise performance along with a magazine shoot and exclusive interview. One of the great things about 2NE1's Singtel activities is that everything is in English, which is fabulous for English-speaking fans that are used to having to wait until translations are released to understand what the girls are saying. Hopefully, now that 2NE1 has new ties to Singapore it will mean even more concerts and events in that country.

2NE1 in SingTel's 'Amazing Experiences You'd Want to Share' CF

An exclusive English Interview with Singtel HERE

Nikon

As part of the YGE collaboration with Nikon from 2011, 2NE1 continued to be heavy endorsers for Nikon in 2012. Throughout the year, they were regularly featured on Nikon's website & Facebook page and released several CFs as well as the ridiculous adorable "I Take the Best Photo" series.

2NE1 for Nikon P310 CF (:30)

Final Episode of Nikon's 'I Take the Best Photo' series

{ROYALACES} 120806 2NE1 - [Nikon] I Take The... by YGSRASubs

Catch all 10 episodes HERE.

Intel

More pictures here

Another partnership that grew in 2012 was with Intel, as 2NE1 truly became the faces & voice of the brand in Korea. Partly thanks to their mutual musical appreciation with will.i.am, the girls had strong integration with new products released by Intel, starting with the Make a Thumb Noise Project for their new Ultrabook series. Separated into four sections, fans were presented three potential song themes (whether melody or concept) and each week they voted which one of the potential themes was the "favorite". When all voting was done, YGE's hit song producer Teddy would put all the elements together for a song that 2NE1 to be used for future marking efforts.

Intro to Make Thumb Noise Project

More pictures here

The program was highly popular as fans flocked to Facebook to vote each week. Aside from just the week's previews, fans were shown great footage of the girls recording each clip. Though the winning segments were more contested than others, no one could say the final product wasn't worth the wait as "Be Mine" was a lighter number from 2NE1 that showed the girls looking elegant, yet retaining that trademark a touch of pizzazz.

"Be Mine" MV

First performance fan cams here

Also, as part of their promotions with Intel, 2NE1 took part in the Ultrabook song project, where will.i.am went around the world and created a song inspired by various locations with an Ultrabook. For his Korea stop, he of course partnered with the girls for a club bumping track, "Take on the World". For whatever reason, though, the full song has yet to be released (though the full instrumental has been), so fans will just have to wait a little longer. INTEL WHERE IS THE SONG? Blackjacks can get some BTS views here at Intel's Ultrabook project page as we wait for the release of the finalized track to debut.

Adidas

More pictures here

Lastly, but most impressively, 2NE1 took their Adidas partnership to great new heights in 2012. After an amazing partnership in 2011 that included an interactive music creation, fantastic photo shoots and custom sneakers inspired by them, fans were excited to see what the Adidas x 2NE1 collaboration would hold in 2012. And it didn't disappoint as the girls also continued to be the IT girls for Adidas by showcasing their unique colors through the brand's Originals line.

More pictures here

What better way to show how much global appeal 2NE1 has than include them in a commercial & photos that would be used around the world? In the Adidas Originals Represent CF, 2NE1 was featured alongside the likes of Nicki Minaj & Jeremy Scott, showing their unique way of representing themselves by dancing to "I Am the Best" in the middle of the busiest intersection in Tokyo. And the CF was broadcast during the Super Bowl! Though we are still a bit perplexed at why 2NE1 was the Tokyo representative and not the Korean one.

YGL members have also been posting sightings of the girls' posters in Adidas stores around the world. From North America to South America, Europe through Asia, the girls' ads were literally plastered EVERYWHERE. Have you encountered one?

ADIDAS ORIGINALS #REPRESENT

Along with the great CF, there are always wonderful and insightful behind the scene clips with the girls. 2NE1 talked about their feelings & aspirations toward music, something that is always eye opening and shows how much passion the girls have for their craft.

Adidas Originals Behind The Scene

Heralding the winter in, 2NE1 joined forces with actor Yoo Seung Ho and soccer player Son Heung Min to run, fall and have friendly wars in the snow for the 'Let's Get Out There' campaign to showcase Adidas' new winter Originals line. What was most enjoyable about this CF series was how much fun the girls appeared to have while running around, just enjoying themselves by making snow angels, making snowman, or even having snowballs thrown at them!

Adidas Winter CF - 'Let's Get Out There' for Originals

Though they didn't really physically appear in the next CF, 2NE1 was "featured" in Adidas animated promotion featuring Snoop Dogg. Dressed in their NE Tour Promotion outfits, what was most noticeable about the girls is CL's small voice over & of course, her iconic unicorn outfit. Some fans felt like the CF mocked 2NE1, not happy with some of the dialogue. By all accounts the CF was meant as a lark not to be taken too seriously. Though it was just an animated feature, we're sure Minzy was happy to have a "chance" to be next to one of our music idols.

2NE1 BRIEFLY APPEARS IN 'ADIDAS PRESENTS: THE CAUTIONARY TALE OF EBENEZER SNOOP'

Photo Shoots & Interviews Galore

While the girls may have been more focused on their musical side this year with their World Tour, they still found time to showcase their ability to hold their own during interviews both on and off camera. From Korea to Japan France to the US and more, 2NE1 globe-trotted their way through photo shoots and interviews, impressing fans with their multi-lingual abilities. 2012 brought a wave of amazing 2NE1 photo shoots and interviews, which included Nylon Japan, Dazed and Confused Korea, W Korea, 1st Look, Fault and Chrome Heart's (Which we've yet to be able to drool over despite some peeks). Each photo shoot brought us a different side of 2NE1, cute and colorful, sleek and sexy, intense and beautiful and even a little bit gothic! There's no doubt that along with the beautiful pictures the interviews that accompanied them were even more beautiful and insightful, offering us just another insight to the world of 2NE1 in 2012.

Cover Girls Strike Again

2NE1 were most prolific in magazine photo shoots, even gracing the covers of many magazines throughout the world this past year. They ran the gauntlet in style and creativity going full chic noir for the UK's Fault Magazine, bright goddess for Japan's Nylon, and cozy in Showbiz 411, One minute they're being colorful and fun for Nylon Japan with toy guns and Bom bouncing on a trampoline, and the next they're being dark and mysterious with unique yet stunning headpieces for Fault Magazine. And who could forget their photo shoot with W Magazine where the girls show off their feminine side as they walk the streets of Cannes looking beautiful. Their photos from 1st Look Magazine were just as memorable thanks to the dramatic eye makeup and breathtaking black and white shots.

Nylon Japan

As we noted in our 2012 Style Review, although 2NE1 wore plenty of Jeremy Scott this past year, the girls also mixed in street wear labels like Ambush and Boy London, high-end labels like Chanel and Roberto Cavalli, plus one of a kind masterpieces like David Vi Le headgear.

Let's also not forget 2NE1 released their first official Photo book in 2012, "What's Up We 2NE1".

At first Blackjacks wondered what our girls were jet setting to the Philippines for, but it soon became clear when we saw our girls being followed by cameras and holding their own Nikon cameras (Which they endorsed) the photo book itself includes photos of our favorite couple CL and Rilkkuma, our fresh faced vocal Dara looking stunning, our 8D alien Bom looking as excited as ever and the youngest Minzy showing us a lot of Aegyo with every picture! It's definitely a must-have for Blackjacks.

Of course, photo shoots are not just about the clothes, the interviews gave us additional insights on who 2NE1 really is.

Breaking Out of Their Shell With the Family

Before 2NE1 took on the world, the girls started their year of interviews by taking part in the YG Family special on Strong Heart. Surrounded by other members of their company, 2NE1 showed their adorable charms, 'killer' dance moves and stories they probably would have preferred to not share. How cute was Dara & Bom dancing to Psy's "Bird" or when youngest Minzy did aegyo with Daesung?

2NE1 with YG Family on Strong Heart

Episode 1 (Part 1)

{ROYALACES} 120327 YG Family Special on SBS... by YGSRASubs

Episode 1 continued Episode 2

Representing K-pop with Class

One of the most unexpected treats for Blackjacks was the attendance of 2NE1 at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where they spoke to the panel during the "Korean Wave Through Digital Wave" seminar. As a special guest invited by Cheil Worldwide to speak about the growing influence of digital within the realm of spreading Korean music, the girls were poised during the interview (which was in English). When asked about the secret behind fans love for 2NE1, CL said, "I think international fans love 2NE1's music video, performances, and music that contain the passion and energy of Koreans and also love for music."

Though leader CL handled most of the speaking, all the girls contributed. And what better way to celebrate creativity than for a performance by 2NE1 at the end of their interview?

2NE1 Performing "Can't Nobody"

Taking the World On Through New Evolution Tour & Interviews

Aside from their "ILY" performances, the New Evolution was the other highlight this year for 2NE1. And the world took notice as the girls were interviewed about their thoughts on the tour as well as their amazing fashions everywhere they went.

Prior to starting their tour, 2NE1 sat down with Kstar for an interview that went into their thoughts on their latest music, what they were expecting with the concert series, fashion & what they wanted to see in the future. One of the most interesting insights about the girls was that they what they wanted from their music & being a part of 2NE1 in general.

Q: It's been three years since 2NE1's debut. What's your ambition as a member of 2NE1?
CL: We're always craving to show something new. When people feel that 2NE1's music or our style is sensational and boring, I'd be more disappointed that they are. It'd be meaningless to do music when we can't be inspirational to people.

With their continually changing styles, ability to cross music genres and amazing talent, we think 2NE1 will be making music for a long time.

While 2NE1 was overseas, they also held interviews with a variety of new outlets, especially during their US tour. Pitchfork, MTV Iggy, Billboard, Forbes, 'My Paper' (Singapore), and Showbiz411 were just a few of the media outlets the girls reached out to during their amazingly busy schedules. One interview that had Blackjacks buzzing for days was their 45 minute long broadcast at the Facebook headquarters via 'Facebook Live', a first for any Asian artist. Answering questions submitted by fans live via the web, 2NE1 gracefully answered the questions, actually leading the conversation, sprinkled with the girls' humorous approach. Even when the host misspoke the song titles of several MVs, CL managed to make light of the situation and continue the interview smoothly.

In their Fuse TV interview, the girls gushed on their first world tour, as a special treat Fuse used multiple images & footages from the tour intercut into the smooth interview, all in English. And the girls looked amazing! And don't worry Blackjacks, 2NE1 has no intention of adding the interview to the group.

CL & Bom-only interview here

The SNS Explosion

Dara joins Twitter; Minzy and Bom continue to wow fans with their updates.

With the exception of Dara the normally shy and quiet 2NE1 are known for not being THAT active on SNS channels. Boy, what a difference a year makes. Dara has been 2NE1's "official" PR manager, for the last few years because of her activity on me2day & toward the end of 2011,Twitter, This year, 2NE1's other two Twitter users (Minzy & Bom) decided to fully invest themselves into the SNS world, and connect with fans across the globe (potentially to tie with their tour). And where was CL? The self-proclaimed technology-challenged leader finally joined a social network as well. Her Instagram updates have left fans giddy with happiness.

Within the Twitter universe, Dara, Minzy & Boms' interactions were adorable both with other people as well as with each other. Whether it was conversational tweets, self-camera with each other/friends or candid pictures of another member, their interactions made fans that much more close with them. One of the biggest news in Twitter, was the creation of @GLOBALBLACKJACK, 2NE1's Official Twitter operated by YG Entertainment. The account has even been nice enough to have special giveaways of signed CDs.

CL surprised Blackjacks by joining Instagram;

 Bom and Minzy also created accounts (although Minzy deleted shortly after the account was made).

Instagram is a relatively late social network for the girls, with CL & Minzy joining just recently. Though Minzy has since left the SNS channel, CL has been actively posting pictures (potentially hints?!) these last few weeks. And while we love her individual pictures, its posts like the below that make her use of Instagram that much better. Now if we knew where Bom was....

This year was a year of many firsts for 2NE1: first official photo book, first Korean girl group to have a world tour and to make it on the Billboard Current Box Score, first Asian artist to interview at Facebook on Facebook live, first time performing a sultrier & feminine song choice. Even with the limited activities the girls had in Korea, they managed to be everywhere with just one song.

With reports from YGE, that 2NE1 will be releasing an album in early 2013 plus having a summer concert tour, we can only expect even more great things from 2NE1.

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