2NE1 released their new album Crush on the 27th. It wasn't just a collection of previously published songs, nor was it a mini album with 3-4 new songs and a few other remixes. Their new album contained 9 spanking new songs and 1 unplugged song - an undeniable full length album. This was the first time in 4 years the group released their 1st full length album To Anyone in 2010.

Just as expected, they swept 9 music charts across Korea. As soon as it was released, the album shot straight to the number 1 spot on real-time charts, and all 9 songs ranked comfortably in the Top 10. It's understandable, considering just how many people were greatly awaiting the group's new album. The response is quite astounding, and isn't just limited to their fandom.

Three days before 2NE1's new album release on the 24th, Girls' Generation showed off their 4th mini album Mr.Mr. As expected, Girls Generation took the number 1 spot across 9 major music charts. Their songs ranked in the Top 10 as well. But when 2NE1's Crush was released, Girls' Generation vanished from the charts. Essentially they were only able to be ranked for the first 3 days.

That doesn't mean it's 2NE1's victory. We can almost say for certain that if 2NE1 had released their album first and Girls' Generation had their comeback 3 days thereafter, Girls' Generation would have replaced 2NE1 on the music charts. It's not yet time to discuss who the victory belongs to, since it's a given that either of these top girl groups would most definitely swept charts in real-time after any album release.

There's still time to observe these two girl groups for a little bit before crowning one the victor. They still have many performances to show, and didn't even reveal their music videos yet. Also, since it hasn't been very long since their song/album release, there isn't much meaning to who is number 1 on real time charts. What's important is which girl group's songs will remain in the top spots, and how long their run will be.

However, there are subtle differences between the two girl groups. There isn't much to go on to determine who's more superior, but there are some indications. For example, when we consider internet search queries or the public's interests, Girls' Generation is certainly more popular than 2NE1. When Girls' Generation came out with their album, the internet was chock full of Girls' Generation and "Mr.Mr." When 2NE1 released their album, sure, the attention was focused on them, but it wasn't as significant as that of 2NE1.

But if we look at other aspects, the victor is turned the other way around. For instance, in terms of evaluating their music, we must consider pop music critics, the general public, and each group's fan responses. When considering the album's overall completeness or mass appeal, it seems that 2NE1's music is more widely praised than that of Girls' Generation.

This is true even if we just compare the title songs. Girls' Generation's "Mr.Mr" made a good choice in turning to a more popular sound than their previous "I Got a Boy." But for Korea's best girl groups with 8 years under their belt, Girls' Generations' music is a little plain. It's not too different from their usual music, and it didn't receive a generous score from a musical completeness standpoint.

On the other hand, 2NE1's "Come Back Home" was a hit with pop music critics and the public alike, and received a big thumbs up. It's obvious that a lot of time went into creating the song. We can't refrain from saying that their music is well polished, and that they're a girl group that's absolutely set apart from the rest. "Come Back Home" does a fine job of blending reggae, hip hop, and pop, and ranks up there with 2NE1's other hit songs, "Fire" and "I Don't Care."

Besides their title songs, if we take a look at 2NE1 and Girls' Generation's other albums, the gap is even wider between the two. Girls' Generation's Mr.Mr album contains songs that have a very familiar feel as their previous songs. 2NE1 has a slogan that their music can't not be new, and as such, returned with refreshing new tracks for their new album. Not only that, their ballad tracks are being praised for bringing forth the members' hidden vocals.

We're not forgetting that music evaluations will vary from person to person. Eveyone has their own favorite styles of music, and there are just too many styles to just stick with one. But we cannot ignore the public's common preferences. When we take this into consideration, we just want to mention that between 2NE1 and Girls' Generation, 2NE1 has made the public happier with their music.

The battle between 2NE1 and Girls' Generation is truly one of the biggest matches of 2014. Since not everything has been revealed yet, we cannot say for sure who will be the final victor. But just by looking at the music, 2NE1 created a better sound that was new and modern, appealing to a wider audience. They have the victory in this first round.

So what will happen in the 2nd round of their battle? The girl groups' performances will determine the victor of the next round. Girls' Generation, who has an upper hand in visuals, could possibly turn the tables with a mind-blowing performance. Will they be able to overcome their plain music with an amazing performance? After all, they are a very talented group of girls. We can only look forward to their upcoming comeback performances next week.