Idols/Music
20110629_seoulbeats_2NE1

Is 2NE1 Really That Original?

81
Written by On July 1, 2011

Fresh off their recent, explosive release “I Am The Best,” 2NE1 has some fans questioning if this group is really as original and as unique as they seem.

For me however, the answer isn’t a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.”

While most girl groups are waving their lollipops and singing to their oppas, 2NE1 is definitely different. Conceptually and musically, they step away from pastel colors, perky songs, and aegyo-filled personas. 2NE1, with their gritty outfits, fierce beats, and aggressive attitudes, provide a striking contrast to the prevalent trends in KPOP.

But what makes them original KPOP, also makes them a redundant group. Most of 2NE1′s music consists of hip-hop/club sounds that express how awesome they are or how some guy screwed them over (even though they’re so awesome). Yes, there are exceptions like “It Hurts” and “You and I,” but a few exceptions don’t make that much of a difference. If SNSD, with tracks like “My Child” and “Run Devil Run,” is about pop flavored, oppa-loving then 2NE1 is still about edgy sounding,  It’s all entertaining and redundant may be too harsh an adjective but 2NE1 produces a lot of the same material.

And as a sound in the musical universe, this is a tough call. Because KPOP is such a small market and 2NE1 is one group, it’s easy to look at them through these contexts and come to a conclusion. In a global context that boasts everything from the Black Eyed Peas to Tom Petty, this isn’t easy. It really depends on who and what you listen to. While listeners of Rihanna may claim that 2NE1 isn’t impressively original, listeners of Wagner may claim otherwise.

The only solid conclusion I can come to is that originality is highly dependent on the context. And that, regardless of whether they are original or not, a lot of people find 2NE1 very entertaining. At the end of the day, I invite those of who you believe 2NE1 is as special as a snowflake and those of who you believe the exact opposite to reconsider.

 

 

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  • w

    whatever *rolleyes*

  • Dylan

    “While listeners of Rihanna may claim that 2NE1 isn’t impressively original, listeners of Wagner may claim otherwise.”

    …what?

    • danny

      wagner as in classical music. way to be educated.

      • Dylan

        Um. I was having trouble understanding her logic – that judging the originality of a group could be subjectively based on what kind of music you listen to – not with who Wagner is.

        Way to be a douche.

        • hyorin

          If you’re listening to Wagner all the time and you hear 2NE1, then chances are you’ll say, ‘Oh, that’s different.’ But if you’re listening to Rihanna all the time and you hear 2NE1, you might say, ‘Hmm…sounds similar.’

  • LaLaLa

    In before the usual “2NE1 SUCKS CAMEL DICK AND IS THE TRASH OF KPOP.” This is just another article that is going to stir up hate and bashing.

    What is it with people that they feel the need to dissect EVERY FUCKING THING about Kpop? Why do we love to hate Kpop so much that we like to stir up fights, hate on everyone and every detail, and bash so much that we are unable to see anything good and likeable? For God’s sake, WHY have we lost the ability to LIKE and even LOVE Kpop? I want to be able to enjoy Kpop for the fun music, fun dances and fun people without having to deal with depressed and pessimistic Kpop fandoms all the time. It’s really a mystery to me why Kpop has such a following worldwide, when everyone seems to hate it with a burning passion. You should right a frigging article on THAT!

    Why am I even reading Kpop newsarticles and comments anymore? Getting worked up on shit like this just isn’t worth my energy anymore. I’ll see you in an insightful article Seoulbeats.

    • LaLaLa

      *You should write a frigging article on THAT!

    • Ashley

      What is it with people that they feel the need to dissect EVERY FUCKING THING about Kpop?

      Why is it breaking news every time an idol changes their color? Or is accused of plastic surgery? We talk about these things because collectively, we all have an interest in them we all enjoy the music and/or culture to a degree. If people were able to have intelligent discourse without resorting to insults and petty name-calling there would be no fights.

      • Beat It

        Yes- but is the dissecting everything necessary?
        There’s going to be unoriginality here, talentless pretty-boys there, degrading cutesy images everywhere- but honestly, is there anyone who came into kpop and still expects talent and originality in every group that debuts/has debuted? Let’s face it, half of the fun in this fandom comes from the shallowness of it.
        Talking about how YoonA recently showed off her fresh no make-up face is mind-numbing and very irrelevant. It’s something someone would read and possibly head desk at. But it’s better than reading a whole article mapping out all the reasons why musically SNSD is the most unoriginal thing to come out of SM- they’re unoriginal, but they’re fun to look at. What’s the big deal.
        I admit I overthink and disect kpop and generally make snarky comments about it every other day, but I can see where the pessimism becomes particularly annoying.

        Though to be fair if over analyzing and dissecting really does irk someone, they probably shouldn’t be on SeoulBeats in the first place. The sight itself claims:
        “We’re interested in not only the news, but what the news implicates about the culture. We love our pop, and we also love analyzing it.”

        So yes dissecting and analysing is tedious and can be particularly annoying. But it shouldn’t be anything new to frequent SeoulBeats readers.

        • chiangma

          Yeah, but no one really claims that SNSD is original. People claim that 2NE1 is original, different, and unique all the time while there others that strongly disagree with those claims. I think this article was interesting in that it looked at both prospectives and brought it down to context. And at the end of the article, Subi does say that whether 2NE1 is original or not, they’re clearly entertaining.

          None of this is a big deal but hey, people care and care not to care.

    • Chill

      Oh. My. Goodness. Yes.
      I don’t mind looking into the inner workings of KPOP, like its use of socio-media and whatnot. But honestly I don’t see the big whoop.
      2NE1 aren’t original, their concept is too try-hard.
      Super Junior are untalented mofos.
      SNSD are cutesy whootsy and have no depth.
      Well boohoo, I’m sorry if people want quality music with intricate taste, then you’re looking in the wrong place. Seriously what’s with the bashing- they’re entertaining. I like KPOP because I like being entertained without people flocking all over me for supporting vocally untalented, shallow, try-hard bands.

      • Mimichan

        And this is exactly why I listen to Nell. Best Korean indie band in the history of Korean music.

      • Lauren

        Exactly! Thank you.
        The simple answer to the question is no. 2NE1 isn’t really that original, but as far as music goes today, what even is orginality? Everyone has someone they copy – even Lady Gaga.

        And furthermore, anyone who looks for originality in Kpop at all must not be very knowledgeable about the American music scene at all, because let’s face it, the whole genre of Kpop is a modification of American sound.

        But that’s not to say I pretty much only listen to Kpop, as far as pop music goes. It’s all just personal taste.

    • lalapaloli

      LaLaLa, chill take it easy. An article can’t stir up hate and bashing, only people can. You either choose to hate and bash or talk(write) it out in an understanding, respectful manner, up to you. There is nothing wrong with dissecting every little thing as long as it’s done in a nice manner. Subi wasn’t disrespectful(from where I see it), she expressed her thougts, that’s all. I actually think a lot of people here are dissecting every little thing Seoulbeats posts, as I said nothing wrong with that but something is wrong with that if you are using swearwords and being disrespectful. Please show more respect. I am not saying this to point out “the black sheep” or blame anyone, I just wish for better understanding and less of a misunderstanding. I’m referring to all the ones who wrote in a rude way. I hope no one’s offended, it is not my intention to offend anyone. I just wish people could be nicer and communicate in a peaceful manner(3rd time I write manner haha lol). Anyway, back to 2NE1, I, personally, think many of their MVs are alike and a bit boring but I have to admit that they have talent. Their latest “I’m the best” is not their best and only half-good. I believe they can do better if they wanted to. I like “I don’t care” and “Lonely” much more than “I’m the best”. I Hope 2Ne1 comes out with something better next time. Go 2NE1! hehehe…

    • hyorin

      Someone should also write an article on all the people that come to the site and get really freaking personal. They attack other commentors, they attack the writers–they attack everything. It’s really sad.

    • dsadsa

      You want to know why? Because Kpop has lost it’s originality. It follows trends. It’s manufactured. The artists don’t have any creativity and are MARKETED. They have “concepts” they don’t have any personality. One moment they’re “feminist cool “hip hop” and the next minute they’re “heart broken r&b”. It’s not dissecting it, it’s telling the truth.

  • eboy07

    Most kpop groups are not original.

  • chris

    I have to agree on some points. Yes, 2NE1 may be redundant with their style but so are most of popular KPop acts. It all depends on musical preferences of the listeners. Personally, I love their vibe compared to most other girl groups. I prefer this type of persona.

  • Kat

    What is an original idea today anyways? Each and everyone of us has an influence that affects who we are. The rock bands have The Beatles, Lady Gaga has Madonna, Lea Michele has Barbra. At this day and age with so many people and so many ideas it is possible that what you may think is an original idea already exist on the other side of the world. What I appreciate in 2ne1 is that, whatever they do they make it their own, they’re very good and they have fun while doing it. Isn’t that the best thing in the world? This is what makes people like them. When you listen to them and see them on stage, you know that this is what they want and they belong there. They may not be THE MOST ORIGINAL product that kpop has produced, you have to admit in the slew of girl groups that exists in Korea 2NE1 is different.

    In my opinion, no one has come up with a very good original idea since post-its. =)

    • Jenn

      Your comment = win

      • lay

        i absolutely agree. :)

    • loki2

      you`r right..they`r may not original but they`r different.

      • dsada

        they’re original in terms of kpop they’re just different from the typical pop music. if you seriously call this music you need to do some research on what real music is. from the likes of artists that actually CREATE their music and bring in influences that arn’t marketed to a nation that IDOLIZE these manufactured people. why would the talented need to be trained for 5-10 years? >_____>

    • WoW

      THAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNK YOU :3

  • Bday

    I don’t believe in originality. Nothing pops out from a vacant space.
    Anyway, this article sounds more persuasive than critical.

    • Bday

      but i like it though ;)

  • Vello

    I see what you’re saying but I also think that you have overlooked 2NE1′s concept. While at times you can’t really differentiate some girl groups’ songs from others, you can always tell which song is a 2NE1 song. 2NE1 is original and I believe that their overall concept and goal is to make them easily recognizable within kpop which is why they don’t change their song styles up in every album. If they did a frequent change of the style of their songs like SNSD or Secret…etc, then they wouldn’t be so easily recognized by their fans. Despite your claims..you really can’t say that there is anyone out there who’s music sounds like 2NE1′s…except for 2NE1…but I think that’s that point ;D

  • JOMAMA

    I think I said this on another article, but anyway…

    It’s a well-established fact that 2NE1 is not original. If any butthurt BJ’s actually try to say that they are, I might lose faith in humanity.

    • chris

      just because a fan believes they are so doesn’t make them butthurt. this is all subjective really. moreover, you are taking this way too seriously. lol

      • JOMAMA

        Ummm no, you are taking my comment too seriously. I’m exagerating…

    • WoW

      That’s silly. Why would you loose faith in humanity if a fan of 2NE1 defended the very thing they are fans of? That kind of really makes no sense O_O

      • JOMAMA

        Like I said to the guy before you, I wasn’t being serious…Wow…

    • yuchen

      Someone misunderstand your soundless words on a computer screen. Imagine that.

  • kimi

    Originality doesn’t exit anymore if you want to be popular or already is popular but want to stay popular. That’s my opinion. In KPOP world, they may seem original no they are original because no other girl group is like them but outside of KPOP world probably no.

    • fdsafas

      That’s right.. they seem original now but just watch. SM or JYP has a group training under them for 5-10 years that will come out with the same concept and be just as “original”

  • acidimp

    In the KPOP world they are different but I don’t think their problem is lack of originality, it’s lack of authenticity. SNSD might be a manufactured group of singing barbies but they don’t pretend to be anything more than that. 2NE1 tries to pus this hip hop, tough rebellious image that just falls flat on so many levels. In the global music market we have had girls groups with a similar concept and style but you could identify with their punk attitudes and tough girl lyrics so the music had heart and was authentic.

    How many times can a person sing about breaking up without it overlapping other people? It’s not what you sing or how you sing it, it’s the heart and soul you put behind your music that makes it good. In that respect KPOP is pretty soulless. There is no originality and the differences between most of the groups is superficial at best.

    • ristakay

      Word! I think it’s important for kpop fans to recognize the manufactured aspects of their favorite ‘idols.’ Blindly praising these kpop groups simply because they present a certain image is just another form of GroupThink. We should all be able to discern the troubling aspects of kpop–all of which centers on the fact that the idols generally have no say in their artistry and presentation. They are controlled by the Powers That Be! In that sense, kpop is soulless.

    • aiscreamparty

      ^ THIS

      …we so need a like button…

  • Pas

    Let’s face it Kpop isn’t original. Everything that they are doing has already been done. It’s not like jpop which has it’s own sound and feel. Kpop follows trends and sounds from the West. I got into kpop for the good looks, repetitive sound, and idols, so can we stop over analyzing.

  • benny

    I like their style.. very original.. Music eehhh its aight

  • RC

    I live 8550 km west from Seoul, 2NE1 is the reason I started listening to kpop. Sometimes I listen to After School too.

  • huh

    To even ask that question is hilarious! The answer is quite obvious. No.

    • -

      lol, THIS.

      It’s not that I have a problem with analysis. It’s that I have a problem with analyzing something that is, in my opinion, pretty damn obvious to the majority. Bring up a topic that hasn’t been done/mentioned to death.

      Maybe this article could’ve worked better as a general analysis of multiple groups instead of just focusing on 2NE1? Plus, I swear there was another piece like this on this site from way back when.

      • JOMAMA

        I would like this 1000 times if I could.

  • Merewen

    I’m confused as to why some people think we shouldn’t analyze or talk about dislikes of certain groups and/or people. Seriously tho, is Seoulbeats supposed to here for just boot licking or can the writers question what’s out there? A lack of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity is a sad sad sad thing.

    • hyorin

      I’m assuming that most of us don’t know the seoulbeats’ writers personally so it’s hard to tell if their articles are supposed to be food for thought or if they’re supposed to be TMZ. I’ve seen plenty of articles on this site get read one way or another. Overtime, I’ve come to realize that seoulbeats isn’t about news; it’s about opinions. Things happen in KPOP and these writers are reacting to it in their individual way. And that’s why people come here–for their opinions. But some people get really nasty here. They all whine about how this place is becoming like allkpop or sites like that when really, it is their comments.

      • ristakay

        Personally, I appreciate Seoulbeats because the writers question the kpop establishment. It’s very disheartening when die-hard fans reject criticism as merely another form of “jealousy” or sheer hatred. Obviously, the people who run the Korean entertainment business have very low expectations when it comes to their audiences. In order for Kpop to be taken seriously the AUDIENCES need to be attentive to what they’re potentially consuming.

        • Merewen

          ” In order for Kpop to be taken seriously the AUDIENCES need to be attentive to what they’re potentially consuming.”

          That’s just it. They get distracted by the shiny and go into a drool state. I like K Pop, I really do, but I also know that a lot of it’s crap. Some of these people are really talented, but are not allowed to grow. The fans feed this and the kind of fandom that they portray doesn’t help the artists. It only helps the entertainment company’s pockets.

          • Felicia

            I totally agree. Teen girls will just buy everything because its by their favourite group. I am a big Big Bang and 2NE1 fan but there are definitely a number of songs i don’t like by them as well as a lot of groups i don’t like. But it seems like crazy Kpop fans have to love absolutely everything!

            1 thing that i’ve also noticed from this article SEOUL BEATS NEEDS A LIKE BUTTON!

          • Seri

            I love you guys

  • Leni

    okay,wha?
    why are we questioning if 2ne1 is orig or not. no one is truly ever original.
    plus,cant we question the other girl groups on their originality too. why choose 2ne1?

  • rani25

    guys its kpop.KPOP.lol.u know wat sells as u follow kpop??so get over the originality shit.ido like yg ppeeps tho

  • blah

    Nothing about 2NE1 is original. They are the same as every girl group out there.

  • maring15

    whether the artist is original or not, the most important thing is enjoying their music…
    i’m not the kind of person who over analyze things, so whatever makes me happy i’d go for it..
    i like 2ne1 because they freaking give me goosebumps..i enjoy their performances so much….i just love them…hehe

  • Nori

    What was the point of this article? The anti SM artist and pro YG stance of seoulbeats cracks me up… They’ve become the fox network of kpop blog world…xD. Fair and balanced my ass FTW…

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  • RoxyIsFerox

    Not just 2NE1… MOST KPOP GROUPS AIN’T THAT ORIGINAL.

    I cannot say either ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and I should not be forced to say so. Part of it tells that there are instances that 2NE1 imitated some artists in the US, which, some antis, accused 2NE1 as bad-ass ‘wannabes’. Concept-wise, they are somehow, original. Seriously, it’s only 2NE1, alongside Browneyed Girls, After School, and 4minute that does not go with the ‘forever-generic’ bubble-gum/cutesy-for-oppas-and-ahjussis image as well as music. Another thing that separates them is, despite Minzy’s humping dance steps, 2NE1 are not meant to be objectified just like some girlgroups out there (stares at SNSD)

  • LoL

    Yes, 2NE1 is original….in KPop! When people claim that 2NE1 is original, they’re talking about it in KPop perspective. what most of us is forgetting is that KPop is it’s own world, what might seem as common sense in KPop is seen as weird and out-of-this-world outside of KPop. When we compare it to the American music scene, it’s just going to vanish. KPop is a decade behind the American music scene, what America has done ten years ago, KPop is just starting to do now. So why is there a need to compare the two? It’s pointless, and it’s going nowhere.

    I agree with some of the comments, if you’re listening to KPop to begin with, then you’re probably not really after the musical quality and originality. Then, why do we need to over-analyze something that is so simple? If you’re looking for ground breaking music with depth and originality, it’s best to stay out of KPop. It’s as simple as that. If KPop’s just not doing it for you, listen to something else. KPop has never been ground-breaking and original, and it’s never going to be, since its main target market are obsessed fans.

    • eboy07

      In other words kpop is just a trend. Obsessed and deluded kpop fans keep on bragging how superior kpop is and how they gonna listen to it forever. But you gotta note that most kpop fans are actully young teenagers. Mostly females who are fighting over their favorite oppa. But its sad, in my opinion how some kpop fans behave like their country is shit and treathing Korea like the best country,best food, nicest people and best entertaiment. And calling westerners close minded when in reality kpop fans are close minded.

      • Merewen

        Another comment I wish I could like :D

      • lil

        I totally agree with you. I don’t understand as to why Kpop obsessed koreans (not normal koreans who have other interests) are so insisting that “KPOP” is taking over the world. 2ne1 is cool and all but at the end of the day it’s still just Kpop. Honestly they can’t brand them selves as a “hip-hop” group or an “electronic” group because the rest of the world will simply laugh at them. And while I like Kpop I just want people to realize that the so called “hally” wave will eventually die out. So for once stop worshiping koreans and trying to be korean because trust me they are no better than any other nationality. Just enjoy the music because you like it and stop trying to over think everything.

        • tvxqfangirl85

          @lil: Yes, I totally agree. Let’s just enjoy the music and not try to hype Kpop up to be more than it really is.

      • jieun

        +1

  • J

    1) No, they’re not.
    2) Fucking redundant question. It’s like these countless SB articles about Yoona being the ideal girl of Korea that we have all discussed way back in 07-09.
    3) About time we stop stressing over obvious issues related to kpop.
    4) I’ve been saying this for the longest time, but people need to stop paying attention to hardcore fans’ claims as if it’s the holy grail of kpop truth. They’re called fantards for a reason – no one should be taking their overzealous claims seriously to begin with.

  • WTF???!

    WTF??!! what kind of website is this? a website where they post news (concerts,song release ect. ) OR A BLOODY K-POP BASHING SITE WHERE THEY BITCH ABOUT IDOLS/ GROUPS? OR A DIARY WHERE YOU RIGHT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT GROUPS? im confused! that article is a load of crap! seriously, STOP COMPARING 2NE1 TO SNSD! they are different in their own way! YOUR ARTICLE DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE. i seriously regret going on this site and reading stupid articles! this website should shutdown!

  • jo

    No, they’re not but they make it look like they do and that’s one of their strongest points. In Kpop filled with almost everything and the same thing, you need to be at the very least interesting or different to the point that you’re interesting.
    2ne1 is that.

    <3

  • hmm

    I love 2NE1 but they’re not original. They just popularized their type of style in Korea.

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  • rini

    First time in this site and honestly Seoulbeats writers SUCKS =____=
    even AKP articles are way better than this sh*t.

  • blackjack

    I’ve seen like 8 pages of the articles here but I’ve never seen one article about them that is good. You always criticize 2ne1.

  • some1

    this website = trash! do u create a website just for this ? your article even not worth it to read!

  • http://twitter.com/20twentie twentie

    I’m not SNSD’s fans, but they have so many female fans, and the percentages of female fans are even higher in foreign countries, as I observed in those who wore SNSD’s shirts attending SMTowns and all charity concerts (with many artists).  To mock them with the words/sentences used in the article, just in order to make the other group look better and so-called unique, is not very professional. Well, I know this site is more like a personal blog, but still.

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  • eh

    i don’t really think they are all that unique

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