As 2NE1's Lee "CL" Chaerin prepares for her American solo debut, the rapper has chosen to renew her contract with record label YG Entertainment ahead of the other 2NE1 members.

On Saturday, YG Entertainment's official blog YG-Life uploaded an OSEN piece confirming that although 2NE1's contracts are valid until next year, CL has chosen to renew her contract in order to secure her solo activities this year.

"This will help CL gain a momentum for overseas activities," read the report. "[YG CEO] Yang Hyun Suk, who planned her overseas debut since she first became an artist, will be supporting her fully."

While some 2NE1 fans seem anxious for future of the group with CL's spotlight, it is expected that the K-pop girl group will make a comeback after CL's solo activities.

"CL, a member of YG's girl group 2NE1, is going to release an album in the US in the first half of this year, and 2NE1 will make a comeback in the second half," said analyst Jeong You Suk.

"There is also a possibility that YG's new girl group might emerge late this year, after their debut has been delayed for a while."

Last weekend, CL made her first major music stage performance as a solo artist in America at the Ultra Music Festival this past weekend.

As noted by Billboard's Jeff Benjamin, "this is a very important moment for Korea's music history."

"CL has been doing collaboration work with other artists constantly and done her best to prove her musical talent," Benjamin added. "If she can maintain her natural power in cooperation with Scooter Braun who is helping her debut in the States, she will be part of the American pop music market naturally."