The 2015 MAMA or Mnet Asian Music Awards ended with a blast, but a surprise performance of 2NE1 had the biggest after-effect.
During the event, CL took the stage to perform her song "Hello B******." After her solo ended, she came back on stage with Dara, Minzy and Bom. The group performed their hit songs, "Fire" and "I Am The Best," taking the crowd by surprise which immediately sparked rumors of the group's comeback.
Prior to CL's solo American debut, YG Entertainment CEO, Yang Hyun Suk, told fans that the agency would later work on 2NE1's comeback after preparing for CL's separate career. Now that CL already made her debut, the timing is just right for 2NE1's surprise performance to mark their comeback. Unfortunately the show brought out negative results.
In a report by AllKpop, netizens bombarded the internet with comments against 2NE1. A popular Korean site, Newsen, published an article on the group's surprise show but top comments were remarks of distaste against the group, particularly member, Park Bom.
Mostly, the hate was directed on members' appearances and Dara was the only exception. On a more serious note, most netizens clearly were against Bom. This brought up Korean's strict culture that frowns heavily upon scandals or culturally unacceptable behaviors.
On what Yang Hyun Suk had to say about the event, he denied that 2NE1's performance at MAMA signifies their comeback.
"After MAMA aired, many people were curious about 2NE1's possible comeback, but there are no specific plans yet. It was just a surprise present for fans who have been missing 2NE1 for a long time." Yang Hyun Suk stated.
Right, 2NE1's performance was just a show for fans. It's not some elaborate plan to see if it's worth investing in their comeback or could've actually been the start of their return if only they gained positive feedback.
Considering the timing and the fact that MAMA is a big ceremony that garners the attention of local and international fans of Kpop, plus media outlets eyeing for news, the performance could've been the group's return. With 2015 coming to a close and 2NE1's contract expires next year, Yang Hyun Suk continues to feign comeback but saying he still doesn't have plans, fans may very well prepare for what's to come.
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