[Blog] 2NE1 & Girl Group Roster Changes

I couldn't really come up with a more clever or interesting title. Anyway I wanted to talk about the next "era" of some girl groups. The world of Kpop isn't like the world of esports, where people join different teams every so often, even though that would make Kpop way more interesting. The closest we have to that is just idols signing with different agencies and the like after contracts expire. Over the past year, we've seen the rising stars like f(x) lose members, and other previous titan groups like KARA fall away in disbandment.

2NE1 is of course, the latest exhibit to undergo roster changes. Minzy will not be renewing her contract, and is off to hopefully greener pastures. The trio that remain behind face the pressures of other groups who have gone through their trails. Wonder Girls, KARA, and f(x) are the most recent similar examples. For Wonder Girls and KARA, both groups already had some history with juggling members, with the likes of Hyuna, Sunmi, Nicole, Youngji, etc. etc. However they also had the benefit of getting a new member. 2NE1 won't be, so they'll be like f(x), who lost Sulli last year. All the comebacks for these groups were not only significant, but inspiring, too.

"Mamma Mia," "I Feel You," and "4 Walls" were all top-of-the-line releases. Youngji might not have necessarily had a strong debut, but Hara also got room to grow, and lead to "Cupid," which was a timid but good song, and unfortunately their last. Wonder Girls came back as a band so that's sort of self-explanatory, and they arguably had the smoothest transition since Sunmi had previously been a member, but the comeback helped them stay relevant (leading to Yubin on Unpretty Rapstar, etc.). And f(x) wins pretty hard just looking at the numbers, what with their album being great and "4 Walls" being even greater. 2NE1 has not had progress since early 2014, this comeback is so important because if they drop a mediocre track, say goodbye.

Thankfully they still have the talent necessary to keep going. It's weird to say this, especially since I'm such a huge Minzy fan, but the group doesn't technically "lose" much. CL will carry 2NE1 even more than she already had, and as for Bom and Dara, either one of them (or both) will get more lines (and opportunities). Darling Dara has a chance to escape Minzy's shadow in terms of vocals, while CL and Bom get even more singing time. Minzy, if she chooses the not to return to Kpop / idol life, will leave her mark as one of the industry's best multitalented idols. Her singing and rapping were both underrated and not talked about enough, while she's recognized as one of the industry's top dancers. I'd imagine with her dance school, she'll be focusing on that for the most part. It may be a while before we hear Minzy's sweet voice again.

Sidenote: with 2NE1's changes and comeback, the impetus is on a few other groups who haven't been active to get their butt in gear. Secret, miss A, and SPICA are close to oblivion if they don't remind the world that they in fact exist.