Coachella 2022: ‘Queens of K-pop’ 2NE1 reunite for first performance since 2015
2NE1 members joined former bandmate CL on the main Coachella stage after her solo set, to perform seminal, 2010 hit ‘I am the best’ together
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Korean girl band 2NE1 reunited at Coachella on Saturday (16 April) for their first live performance since the “Queens of K-pop” disbanded in 2016.
2NE1 members joined former bandmate CL on the main Coachella stage after her solo set, to perform seminal, 2010 hit “I am the best” together on day two of the free-spirited, glitzy Californian music festival.
CL’s performance was part of a special showcase by record-label 88rising at Coachella this year.
Since 2015, 88rising have been working with artists and creators from across Asia and, tonight, the LA-based company brought in the big boys and girls for an 80 minute extravaganza with an epic list of names as well as a troupe of dancers and multi-layered stage.
A mini version of 88rising’s own hugely successful Head in the Clouds festival, their debut Coachella show was the perfect potted variety show – with spots from Chinese superstar Jackson Wang, Thai rapper Milli, South Korean singer songwriter Bibi and Jakarta-born Taylor Swift co-signed singer Niki as well as Indonesian rappers Rich Brian and Warren Hue.
Fans were thrilled to watch 2NE1 perform together for the first time in six years, with one calling the group a “true phenomenal quartet that raised a generation of b****** and baddies”.
Only the second K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella after Blackpink, 2NE1’s last performance together, before Coachella, was at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in December 2015 when CL brought her fellow bandmates out as part of a solo set – like she did on Saturday night.
Celebrating their performance tonight, one fan tweeted: “Despite their reunion after six years and four months, 2NE1 reproduces the heyday of being called the best K-pop girl group with the best performance [at Coachella].”
Follow all the latest updates from Coachella here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments