The last time Blackjacks (2NE1 fandom) saw the K-pop girl group together, it was in 2022 during the Coachella Music Festival, when they reunited for a special performance after seven years. Fast forward to 2024: 2NE1 announced their comeback tour. Promoted by Live Nation Singapore and held at the Indoor Stadium, the Singapore leg of the 2NE1 ASIA TOUR [WELCOME BACK] spanned two electrifying days on 21 & 22 December, 2024.
“Come back home… can you come back home?”
As soon as these words echoed through the stadium, fans erupted in thunderous cheers, and the lightsticks from various eras of 2NE1’s career lit up the night. The concert had officially begun. When the members—Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy—appeared on stage to perform the first song of the night, their debut single, Fire, fans were overcome with nostalgia. It had been 15 years since the song’s release and in those years, it was clear that Blackjacks had not forgotten a single word as they sang along.
Though it had been 10 years since the group last performed in Singapore, their chemistry remained as strong as ever. CL, the group’s charismatic leader, energised the crowd, getting everyone up and dancing, while Minzy dazzled with her ever-impressive dance moves. Dara’s and Bom’s endearing personalities shone brightly, with Dara cracking jokes and Bom waving and interacting with fans. Dara even reminisced about a 2NE1 event at Clarke Quay in 2012 and gave a shout-out to the event organiser, Singtel: “2NE1’s here again—just in case you [Singtel] want to renew the contract with us!”
Nolza! A night of hits and unstoppable energy
The concert’s playlist featured a mix of 2NE1 classics—from the aforementioned Fire to slower tracks like In the Club, Lonely, and Ugly. Fans were also treated to upbeat performances of Falling in Love, showcasing the group’s versatility with its tropical vibe and infectious hooks. CL took the stage solo to perform her iconic tracks, The Baddest Female and MTBD.The Baddest Female had the crowd hyped with its bold lyrics and dynamic beats, highlighting CL’s commanding stage presence, while MTBD mesmerised fans with its hypnotic trap beats, further cementing her status as a K-pop powerhouse. Of course, a 2NE1 concert would not be complete without the track that epitomises the ‘girl crush’ concept of female empowerment: I Am the Best.
A very festive exclusive for Singapore
With the concert happening so close to Christmas, the group had a surprise for the Singapore crowd. As part of their encore, they performed a cover of Mariah Carey’s highly-iconic Christmas song, All I Want for Christmas Is You. According to CL, it was their first time performing a Christmas song together as a group. They had learned the song while getting their makeup done, a moment that brought back fond memories of their early days as trainees.
Forever the Queens of K-Pop
As a testament to their legendary status in K-pop, 2NE1 received warm video messages from some of the biggest names in the industry, a reflection of the deep respect they had earned over the years. Veterans like IU and G-Dragon, who have long been established as pillars in the K-pop world, sent their congratulations and admiration. Meanwhile, younger generations of idols, such as Stray Kids and NewJeans, expressed their respect and gratitude for the group’s lasting impact on the industry. G-Dragon’s message, complete with slow claps and finger hearts, added a personal and playful touch, highlighting the bond 2NE1 shares with fellow artists.
2NE1 ASIA TOUR [WELCOME BACK] marked a triumphant return for 2NE1 and Blackjacks, while also offering a warm ‘welcome to the fandom’ for newer fans. Thank you, Live Nation Singapore, for making it possible for us to see legends reunite! The tour will continue in Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and wrap up in China.
Written by: Atiqah Rosle
Photos by: Live Nation Singapore
The Seoul Story – Connecting K-Pop Fans Since 2011
WEBSITE | TWITTER | LIKE US | WATCH US