On December 15, 2011 the first ever "Weekly K-pop Top 10 Best-sellers" Chart by HMV-UK was released and none other than our very own 2NE1 were the past week's best selling kpop album. The full list is below:
1. 2NE1 – 2nd Mini Album
2. Infinite – Over The Top
3. Super Junior – Mr Simple 05
4. Miss A – A Class
5. Sistar – So Cool
6. Kara – Step
7. SNSD – The Boys
8. SHINee – Hello
9. G.NA – Top Girl
10. Super Junior – Super Junior 05
Due in part to the persistence of unitedkpop blog, not to long ago, HMV Oxford Circus, London began selling hard copies of k-pop CDs in their store. HMV is a British global entertainment retail chain and is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The HMV Oxford Circus store met with such success and has been working hard to keep up with demand as word gets out that the store is stocking kpop albums. As you can see below there is a nice-sized section of albums. For all you VIPs out there, word on the street is that they have ordered even more Big Bang cds, plus posters and t-shirts.
Photos by Freya Bigg
Oh and the reason why 2NE1's 2nd mini album isn't in any of the photos -- it is constantly sold out!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS 2NE1 and thanks British Blackjacks for showing our girls love form the UK.
Source: HMV, UnitedKpop
Thanks to ukygqueens for the tip.
Article by tazanya @ygladies.com
K-Pop Superstars 2NE1 Take Over Times Square By David Bevan on December 14, 2011 1:14 PM
“We were worrying,” CL says. “What if a lot of fans won’t show up?” Lee Chae-rin of Korean hip-pop girl crew 2NE1 shared an honest moment with SPIN just moments after the group stormed the stage at New York’s Best Buy Theater early Monday night. Their brief headlining performance was their first on U.S. soil as well as part of MTV Iggy’s Best New Band blowout, the finish line to an online contest in which they were top vote-getters. Much of that success came on the strength of the group’s fervent (and extraordinarily web-savvy) fanbase, who often refer to themselves collectively as Blackjacks. Those Blackjacks in this particular corner of the globe came to Times Square in numbers — so many, in fact, that the worrying seems curious in retrospect. With Times Square having morphed into even more of outdoor mall over the past two years, the excitement surrounding the show added a tiny bit of chaos to the calm.
But underground, deep inside the theater, the feeling was far less muted. Three tiers of glow band-bedecked fans were in position, eager to finally catch a glimpse of the girls in person. Mothers, daughters, sons, fathers, the works. And every runner-up performer that preceded them — be it Malaysian lawyer/boutique owner/Nirvana-covering singer-songwriter Yuna or Jamaican lover’s rock lothario (arguably the guy behind last year’s Song of the Summer) Gyptian — felt like just one more hurdle in between.
Every interstitial breather, every baffling Matt Pinfield-ism and Sway-ism, every interview segment with anyone but 2NE1, brought on more sighing and fidgeting in seats. But then there they were, down on the street outside, just saying hello to us before they made the same trip downstairs that we did. Cameras followed them all the way to sidestage. The room jittered and heaved. Clusters of digital cameras began bobbing up and down from front to back, ready for the moment they’d finally step into view. And then they did.
Four hits (save for “Ugly”, an unfortunate omission) and they were done. They came, they dance, they conquered, they even received crowns. We screamed. Waiting for the way out to clear, three Montclair State students facing a trip back to Jersey caught their breath for a second. ”
That was so emotionally draining,” Elene Badillo, 20, gasped. Adrianna Andino, also 20, had no words. Her hair was done up in one elongated, cherry stem-like extension just like Dara’s, her eyes were glazed over. She nodded in agreement.
1. Kanye West, “All of the Lights.”
2. Tyler, the Creator, “Yonkers.”
3. Adele, “Rolling in the Deep.”
4. Lana Del Rey, “Video Games.”
5. Lady Gaga, “Born This Way.”
6. Robyn, “Call Your Girlfriend.”
7. Fleet Foxes, “Helplessness Blues.”
8. Lady Gaga, “The Edge of Glory.”
9. Beth Ditto, “I Wrote the Book.”
10. Azealia Banks featuring Lazy Jay, “212.”
11. Das Racist, “Michael Jackson.”
12. Gotye featuring Kimbra, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
13. Florence and the Machine, “Shake It Out.”
14. Lana Del Rey, “Blue Jeans.”
15. EMA, “California.”
16. Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends.”
17. SBTRKT featuring Yukimi Nagano, “Wildfire.”
18. Lykke Li, “I Follow Rivers.”
19. Girls, “Vomit.”
20. Frank Ocean, “Novacane.” 21. 2NE1, “I Am the Best.” 22. Patrick Wolf, “The City.”
23. St. Vincent, “Cruel.”
24. Beyoncé, “Love on Top.”
25. Battles featuring Matias Aguayo, “Ice Cream.”
*NOTE: Slant Magazine is an online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. (wiki)
Yesterday marked the first U.S. performance of K-Pop girl group 2NE1 (pronounced either “To Anyone” or “Twenty-one”). For anyone who missed MTV Iggy’s Best New Band livestream or are unfamiliar with the four-member outfit from South Korea–CL, Park Bom, Dara, and Minzy–you can read all about them on this gloriously exhaustive write-up but for the rest of you…ZOMG, YOU GUYS! THE CONCERT WAS SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD.
First of all, the line for the show which began at 4 p.m. ET was out of control by 10 a.m. and since the Best Buy theater in Times Square is, like, a yard-and-a-half away from MTV, every time 2NE1′s exuberant fanbase (known as Blackjacks) cheered, our office windows would shake. And, yeah, hi, we’re on the 17th floor. So you can imagine the excitement when the ladies (clad in varying iterations of scarlet military uniforms with gold metal armor panels) stormed the stage. There was so much screaming you could feel the reverberations on your ribcage.
Jeremy Scott presented and each number was filled with pyro, animation, synchronized moves and the crowd (who by the way knew all the lyrics to the songs IN KOREAN and danced in perfect unison) went berserk. After the show ended, we were able to sneak backstage to chat with the ladies about their first time in New York, their adidas collaboration with Jeremy Scott (“He’s a good friend”), how style relates to their diverse sound (“We never decided to be fashionably edgy. Fashion is a lifestyle so you don’t try [to be edgy] it’s just there), and of course we got good-and-close to their nail situations because these ladies know how to WORK. Psssst Bom, who you’ll see in the vid, DOES HER OWN NAILS.
Bom’s diamond encrusted manicure. Photo: MTV
Plus, we grabbed Jeremy for a quick chat, too (okay, so maybe we accosted him, professed our undying love, hugged him violently and pleaded him to). For the record, the man is a national treasure and had the most insightful thing to say about 2NE1, who he calls his muses. #LOVEFEST.
On music and fashion:
“I think that 2NE1’s style and their music go hand in hand. I think that they’re really speaking to a whole new generation and mixing up all different things… Not only culture and languages and musical genres, but style genres and I think that’s one of the things that’s made them so popular.”
On what it’s like to style 2NE1:
“The girls are really easy to work with. When we do things together, from music videos to styling for photo shoots or live performances, they’re really easy because they know what they like. You have to know that Minzy really has to move… Bom has those great legs that she likes to show off, and CL has a very tough style. Dara loves baggy, baggy things even though she’s the littlest thing you’ve ever seen. So there’s certain things that I already know about them and then we just play around and it’s lots of fun.”
On their appeal:
“Each one of the girls is so unique… that’s where the lines and the lyrics came from for ‘Ugly.’ CL said to me, ‘You know, not everyone thinks we’re beautiful. You think we’re really beautiful but all these other people don’t think we’re beautiful because we don’t look perfect.’ And I explained to her that she is perfect and they are perfect because they are unique. That’s what I think the world will appreciate.”
Sandara Park, who was recently in the limelight for devouring food, continues to be in the center of attraction by praising CL to the skies.
On December 16, Sandara Park posted a picture on her me2day account with the comment, “Earlier today, our team leader CL had an interview with BBC, representing 2NE1.”
“That aired live all over the world. What a smart interview of Smart CL’s! She appeared super adorable and her English was perfect. Check out the interview to enjoy her cute smile.”
In the picture, CL is posing on a table wearing sunglasses. She looks charismatic and her stunning figure catches the eye.
The privileged broadcast BBC recently posted an interview with 2NE1, who has been crowned for the Best New Band by MTV Iggy.
CL stated, “K-Pop will have more impact on pop music world. It is the power of music that makes us successful crossing countries beyond Asia. We will interact with fans beyond the language barriers.”
Source: TV Report
Credits: Korea.com
okies, ada snippets sket.... CL is doing a great job as 2ne1's leader (updated)
Website ‘Refinery29.com‘ ni terkenal dalam kalangan fashionista in the US and other parts of the world - a popular one-stop website for fashion, style, and shopping. Kpop Cheat Sheet: The Bands To Know Before They Blow Up
The Lowdown — Forget any thoughts of sugary tunes, frilly dresses, and cutesy looks — the girls behind 2NE1 are badasses and are proud of it. Consisting of CL, Sandara, Park Bom, and Minzy, these girls have already taken the world by storm with their hip-hop infused songs. They've even going so far as to declare "I Am The Best" in their latest hit (which has already racked up numerous awards this year). You might think they're being boastful, but it's kind of hard to disagree — their thumping beats, unique and versatile voices, ability to drop rhymes like the best of them, and their flawless style have already earned them the attention of Will.i.Am, who has produced several of their tracks. The group just won MTV Iggy's Best Band in the World contest, which has earned them their first concert in NYC. But then again, their awards shelf is not exactly empty — they've earned no less than 40 other awards and 74 nominations in the past two years since they made their debut. If any group is poised to take over the world, it's this one.
Their Style — 2NE1's style isn't for the faint of heart. These girls prove that, no, you can't have too many layers of color, texture, and pattern in any given outfit. 2NE1 are usually decked out in leather, patterned leggings, graphic tees, and piles of jewelry — and some sky-high heels to top it all off. They're also not afraid to rock a hairstyle that's a little less than normal — whether it's bright blue, red, or sticking out at an angle we can't compute without a protractor. Designer Jeremy Scott numbers amongst the group's devoted followers, and has even collaborated with them to create a line of his iconic winged kicks. But while their image may be loud and in-your-face, these girls certainly aren't afraid of their feminine side. Every now and then, you'll see them in a sleek little LBD, but rest assured — they might just accessorize with a pointy-shouldered blazer, or a nail-studded bra.
Jeremy Scott Skeleton Big Sweater, $1,035, available at Opening Ceremony; Topshop Black Aztec Print Leggings, $40, available at Topshop; Dries Van Noten Cacey Contrast Print Blouse, $569, available at My Theresa; Dr. Martens Izzue Stud Boots, $240, available at Dr. Martins; Style Stalker Viper Room Bustier, $125, available at Glassworks Studios.
The ladies of 2NE1, who had us singing “I Am the Best” since their second mini album was released in July, are our Badass Chicks of 2011.
From debut single Fire and I Don’t Care in 2009 to 2010 hits Clap Your Hands and Can’t Nobody, 2NE1 never fails to give the ladies an anthem, and this year was no exception with hits I Am the Best, Hate You and Ugly.
Since taking Korea by storm with their in-your-face performances, avant-garde fashion and sky-high hairstyles, the girls have set their sights on the rest of Asia and the world.
Not only has 2NE1 been recognized for its talent in Korea, taking home the Album Award at the 2011 MelOn Music Awards and Song of the Year at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), the girls have been making waves overseas as well.
The girls’ debut Japanese album Nolza stole the number one spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart in the first week of its release, and the group wrapped up a successful concert tour in Japan in October.
2NE1 has also been praised by international superstars like will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, whom leader CL performed with at this year’s MAMA and MTV Iggy named 2NE1 the Best New Band in the World. Oh, and the girls are BFFs with too-cool-for-school fashion designer Jeremy Scott. A girl group hasn’t been this hot since the Spice Girls.
Photo and video credit: YG Entertainment, MTV Iggy
Source: enewsworld.com
American music magazine ‘SPIN‘ have released their annual ranking of the best pop albums of 2011.
Entitled, ‘SPIN’s 20 Best Pop Albums of 2011‘, the magazine considers pop albums from all over the world for spots in their top. This year, 2NE1‘s 2nd mini album placed 6th, along with fellow kpop group SNSD who placed 18th.
6. 2NE1
2nd Mini Album The TLC of K-Pop dropped this stopgap, six-song EP compilation in July, and for pure (purely impure?) sonics, it might be the year’s most boldly thrilling recorded statement. A collision of electro-house, hip-hop, and pop-rock guitar, with yet another undeniable hook cropping up every 15 seconds, it is the primary work of producers Teddy Park (formerly of Korean-American rap group 1TYM) and Kush. But this all-female foursome clearly own their persona more than most K-Poppers, particularly on the spicy, playalistic “I Am the Best” and the body-image throwdown, “Ugly.” There’s even a solo turn by the group’s vocal powerhouse Park Bom, who considers the cosmos over a springy sprint to a piano-plinking chorus. (C.A.)
Recently, a video titled “The Apostle of Justice Park Bom at Incheon Airport” made its way around various internet communities. The video was taken on December 14 when 2NE1 came back home from New York after headlining the "MTV IGGY's Best New Band Concert."
In the video, a fan was in the midst of handing over a gift when she almost tripped. Thinking that her manager pushed the fan, Park Bom scolded her manager, “Why’d you push? Don’t push!” The fan had been walking backwards and tripped over the manager’s foot. The manager did not push or repress the fan, However, he instantly apologized to the fan without realizing that it was just an accident.
Those who have seen the video commented, “She’s so kind,” “The manager is also very good-hearted, but something about the situation is just so funny,” and “The fan’s smiling as well, she probably knows something wasn’t right.”
ha'ah. she's naturally cute. takyah pretend buat2 cute
btw, kalo baca tajuk artikel ni kat allkpop mmg misleading betol! nampak cam bommie garang gile nak marah kat manager dia. and the title makes the manager looks bad. shian manager bommie. but all turns out funny and well after watching this fancam. hehehe...bommie, being her plain cute, innocent self. manager dia pun siap gelak and mintak maaf.
another vid...bommie being super duper cute, as always
Post time 13-12-2011 10:23 AM
