2NE1 Surprises With Return At ‘MAMA 2015’ But Korean K-Pop Fans Are Not Happy With It

On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, millions of K-pop fans around the world watched the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards, which is usually shortened to MAMA 2015. It is one of the biggest K-pop awards shows to happen annually, and oftentimes the audience (as well as the millions tuning in, thanks to KCON.TV) are treated with numerous K-pop goodies. This year was no different as MAMA 2015 delivered with more than its fair share of K-pop idols, performances, and surprises.

One highly-anticipated part of the show was CL’s return to the stage to perform her newest single “Hello B*****s” which came out on November 21, 2015 at 21:00. K-pop fans, especially Blackjacks (devoted/hardcore fans of 2NE1, the K-pop idol group CL is the leader of), looked forward to it. They got more than they asked as it wasn’t just CL returning to the stage, but also Dara, Minzy, and Bom. After more than a year, 2NE1 was back. However, not all people are happy.

It should be noted that 2NE1’s comeback has been sought out by Blackjacks for quite some time. Ergo, it was such a surprise when they returned at MAMA 2015. According to KpopStarz, CL first came out to perform her first single, “The Baddest B***h,” followed by her newest single, “Hello B*****s.” After finishing up her second song, she slipped under the stage, a confusing thing to do given the fact her performance was not over. Suddenly, Dara, Minzy, and Bom rose, which was welcomed with a pop of cheers and screams of adoration. With 2NE1 now reunited, they performed “Fire,” their first hit made back in 2009. But the crowd really exploded when CL sung, “Naega jeil jal naga,” the chorus for 2NE1’s biggest hit “I Am The Best.”

Unfortunately, international K-pop fans seem to be the only ones who were hyped for 2NE1’s return. Reportedly, Koreans were very negative, as reported by AllKpop. Comments on an article from Korean news outlet Newsen reporting on 2NE1’s comeback were debilitating as most focused on Bom and her drug situation. Back in 2014, it was announced that Bom went into self-reflection when news was reported she trafficked drugs when she was younger. Apparently, one year of self-reflection is not enough for said Koreans whom commented.

“What did they do this year to come out? They should be ashamed, they’ll be the first and last girl group to do drugs and come out to an awards ceremony…it seems like.”

Bom’s past drug situation was just the most used reason to insult 2NE1 at their comeback. Other comments on Koreans nitpicked on CL using too much cosmetics or Minzy and Bom supposedly going through plastic surgery (which is very common in Korea).

“She [Bom] said she would self-reflect, but she did plastic surgery… Besides Dara, they were all busy changing their appearance kekekeke. Park Bom and Minzy with plastic surgery and CL with her makeup.”

International K-pop fans are finding it sad to see Koreans are up in arms over 2NE1’s return. Yet, it should be noted those who posted negative comments on the article from Newsen do not represent all the K-pop fans living in Korean despite the fact almost all the comments were negative. It is probably best to let this situation go. If not, it will only add fuel to an inferno-raging war already happening between Korean K-pop fans and International K-pop fans.

[Image via MAMA 2015 Promotions]