The 4-member K-pop girl group 2NE1 was welcomed by screaming Blackjacks (name of their fans) at 2014 2NE1 World Tour [All Or Nothing] Open Press Conference held at Square 2 mall in Novena on a hot sunny Saturday afternoon. Devoted male and female fans, armed with hand banners and cameras filled the 3-storey mall's atrium, shouting and waving to the quartet - CL, Bom, Minzy and Dara. The screams were so deafening that the artists, host and media had a tough time trying to listen to each other during the 20-minute press conference.

CL (Lee Chae-rin), leader of the hip hop group also played the role of the spokesperson, answering most of the questions in fluent English, starting the session with "It's always good to be back in Singapore."

Dara (Sandara Park), vocalist, claimed that their Singapore fans are always so passionate, running after and giving them a warm welcome at the airport just the night before. Though Dara claimed that her biggest challenge "Everytime there's air turbulence, I will be afraid", she's still happy to be here as she loves Singapore.

Bom (Park Bom), main vocalist, fondly remembered the famous flame-grilled jerky that fans gave them during their last visit to the sunny island. Unfortunately for this trip, both Dara and Minzy (Gong Minji), maknae of the group, have to watch their diet as they will be showing their bellies during the concert, which will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium a few hours after the press conference.

In the concert, the sexy group will be performing the songs from their latest Korean offering "Crush", which is their 2^nd album in 4 years, having spent much time in the preparation stages. CL encouraged fans to let them know of any ardent request for certain songs, during the encore segment.

When asked how they deal with haters, CL responded, "We have that all the time, we'll rather have these people around us (at times) than those who constantly agree with us, so that we can improve ourselves."

On what YG does differently compared to the other K-entertainment companies, CL added, "It's the music, we get to do the things that we want to do... and everybody works really hard and they get what they work for."

The crowd chanted Lee Dong Wook when Bom was asked to choose an artist she'll like to work with outside 2NE1; loud cheers were heard when she eventually gave her answer as "Lee Dong Wook", the actor who appeared with her in SBS "Good Sunday -- Roommate."

CL, who produced some of the songs in this latest album, had been praised by her fellow teammates, Dara, "I am happy that we have a new producer... she knows us and brings out the best in us" while Bom commented that CL made the songs individually for the different members.

With her talent in writing lyrics and composing songs, CL will prepare the following solo for the members if she was ever tasked:

Dara - something to showcase her sweet voice

Minzy - a song that she can dance to

Bom - a soulful song that suits her vocals

2NE1TV, a reality show, since launched in May 2009, had greatly breached the gap between the group and Blackjacks, enabling the fans to know almost everything about the 4 members. Having been together for a long time, the girls have certainly built a strong foundation, such that CL concluded "We are so used to each other that we can't even judge who (amongst us) will be a better roommate anymore."

The open press conference ended on that note, and the girls made a quick exit to prepare for the Singapore leg of their 2NE1 World Tour [All Or Nothing], which included stops in Taipei, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.

Special thanks to ONE Production for inviting KpopStarz.com to cover 2014 2NE1 World Tour [All Or Nothing] In Singapore Open Press Conference.

Writer: Wang | Photos and Team Lead: Ong Melin