2NE1 was a groundbreaking South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2009. Comprising members Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy, the group became a significant force in the K-pop industry and played a vital role in the Korean Wave, known for their innovative musical styles, bold fashion choices, and commanding stage presence. They are recognized as one of the most influential girl groups in K-pop history, credited with challenging and expanding the conventional image of female artists in the genre.

The group's journey began in March 2009 when they made their first appearance on the promotional single "Lollipop," alongside fellow YG artist BigBang. Their self-titled debut extended play, released later that year, included the hit singles "Fire" and "I Don't Care," which propelled them to prominence and showcased their unique sound that blended hip-hop and pop elements. This initial success set the stage for their debut album, "To Anyone," released in 2010, which further solidified their status with chart-topping tracks.

In 2011, 2NE1 released their second self-titled EP, which featured several hits, including "Don't Cry," "Lonely," "I Am the Best," and "Ugly." The group's dynamic performances and innovative music videos captured the attention of fans worldwide. They made history in 2012 by embarking on the New Evolution Global Tour, marking the first world tour by a K-pop girl group. Their performance at the Prudential Center in New Jersey was notably recognized by The New York Times as one of the year's best concerts, underscoring their impact on the global music scene.

The release of their second and final album, "Crush," in 2014 marked a significant milestone in their career. The album not only debuted within the top 100 on the US Billboard 200 but also became the highest-charting Korean album for two years. By the end of 2014, 2NE1 had achieved nine number-one songs on the Gaon Digital Chart, becoming the group with the most number-one singles in South Korea, a testament to their popularity and influence.

After a two-year hiatus, the group faced a turning point when Minzy departed in 2016, shortly before YG Entertainment announced their disbandment. Their final single, "Goodbye," was released in January 2017, marking an emotional close to their illustrious career. However, the legacy of 2NE1 continued to resonate with fans, culminating in a surprise reunion performance at Coachella in 2022. Their announcement of a reunion under YG in 2024 further delighted their fanbase, leading to the "Welcome Back Tour," which attracted over 250,000 attendees.

Throughout their career, 2NE1 received numerous accolades, including nine Melon Music Awards, ten MAMA Awards, and eleven Cyworld Digital Music Awards. They were the first artists to win all three daesangs (grand prizes) at the MAMA Awards within two years of their debut, highlighting their remarkable achievements in the industry. With over 66 million digital and physical records sold worldwide, 2NE1's impact on K-pop and their status as one of the best-selling girl groups of all time remains undeniable.