Safia Shafi: Star Analysis

2NE1 is Korean girl group who first debuted in 2009; the group consists of four girls, Park Sandara, Park Bom, Minzy and CL. In collaboration with Big Bang, 2NE1's first song was Lollipop. The song was created for LG to promote their Cyon phone. Lollipop went to number one on various online charts, and topped the online chart of music television network Mnet for four weeks in a row. Since the release of lollipop 2ne1 have not only been recognized for their unique style as a girl band but also for there wardrobe and constant delivery to many fans.

Fashion/Visual Look

There fashion and visual look can be described as unique, sexy, outrageous and fierce. 2ne1 is the only girl band that does not follow the being cute girl theme that is currently trending in Korea, there have managed to create there own look which there audience seem to love. Just recently, 2NE1 made there come back with “Lonely”, and once again, 2NE1 don’t fail to impress with both an edgy and mature look, Through there cloths 2NE1 set the vibe of being feminine but powerful at the same time, the group is made up of Tons of metal hardware, acid-washed denim, eye-popping neon colours mixed with lots of black leather, shiny metallic’s, and the most outrageous prints you can imagine. From Park Bom to Minzy each member is always looking sleek and sexy.

Genre

2NE1 as a band fall under the categories of R&B, hip hop, electronic, dance, K-pop. There music explores independence and female empowerment this is evident in songs such as i don’t care and go away. They conform to these genres very well; they tend to have an element of dance and tell a story which 2NE1 does very well. They appeal to many female audience as they are seen as strong role models to many international fans as they promote independence through there music and tackle other issues that appeal to there fan base.

Media representation

2NE1 is known for a "unique and edgier style". They are represented as strong feminine women however after the single it hurts they were noted for there gothic, black attire, strange hair and wigs. The girls also have a reality TV show called 2NE1 TV this gives an opportunity to get a full insight of 2ne1. Although they are represented as strong women in there videos, what we see on there reality TV show is different. As individuals they are all represented different, Sandara and Bom tend to be seen as the cute ones on screen and of screen and Minzy and CL are the ones with attitude on screens but funny in reality. However their unique fashion style is consistent throughout the music videos and in reality. In the media they are also represented as fashion icons and have won awards for the unique style.

Motifs

One recurring theme that seem to be present in many 2ne1 videos is the black leather, shiny Metallica’s, and outrageous outfits.

another motif that takes place in the majorit of their videos is the theme of women empowerment, femenism and confidence.

Symbolism

2NE1 explore situations that women can relate to. They are seen as fierce and independent women in their videos. Throughout all the videos u can see the confidence from these women. I think the symbolism you get from the majority of their videos is feminism and confidence.

Performance

2NE1’s performance in their videos can sometimes be a bit dramatic like in the video Go away, it was a narrative with an element of performance as well. There videos have a lot of synchronized dancing, as they fall under the category of house/electro and pop as well, having synchronized dance routines is part of the genre characteristics.