It has been three years since 2NE1 has released a full-length album, and for the four members, as Tom Petty sings, "the waiting is the hardest part."

In an interview published with Dazed Digital published on Friday, the four members of 2NE1, CL, Bom, Dara and Minzy, explained what has taken them so long to release their new album and what fans can expect from them when they do.

"After releasing "I Love You," we immediately went on a world tour to meet with our foreign fans which pushed back our album plans," Dara explained.

The group has released new music in bits and bobs, such as their single "Falling In Love" which they premiered on the South Korean TV music program "Inkigayo," in an appearance that they recall preparing vigorously for.

"As much as our fans have been waiting for us, we also couldn't wait to release new material," Minzy said.

Rapper and bandleader CL recalled all the hard work.

"We made an active decision to prepare for that comeback like it was our debut," CL said.

"We wanted to work as hard as possible and prepare as much as we can. We worked on a lot of material and 'Falling In Love' came out at a time that fit the summer season."

Although the band members refused to offer specifics on when their new album would be out or what it would sound like, CL promised it would be a departure from the girl group's earlier material.

"It's hard to reveal all of the exact differences since we have yet to release the material," she said.

"However, I can assure you that you will see the fierce 2NE1 that you have seen on our past releases but also a more developed and evolved 2NE1. We've definitely evolved on this album and can't wait for everyone to hear it."

One of the few details CL did offer was that 2NE1, known for their badass image, is getting in touch with their softer side on the new album, a move she says the members are totally comfortable with.

"It wasn't an attempt to break away from that fierce concept we are known for [on the new album] it was something that came about naturally," she said.

"We recorded fun tracks and decided to show a different side of ourselves that was more pleasant. We did have to adjust a bit to this performance aspect and even asked ourselves, 'are we really allowed to smile like this on stage?'"

"I believe now is the time to take everything to another level," she added.