On the evening of February 15, the first night of the two-day Welcome Back concert by 2NE1 took place in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. The event attracted around 8,000 attendees, including many Vietnamese celebrities such as Thùy Tiên, Đức Phúc, Lyly, and MisThy, who enthusiastically attended.
This marks the third time 2NE1 has performed in Vietnam and their first return since the 2014 concert in Ho Chi Minh City, making it an 11-year hiatus. The Welcome Back tour spans multiple Asian countries, marking the group’s reunion after eight years and celebrating their 15th anniversary.
2NE1 performs “See Tình” and delivers hit songs at a concert drawing 8,000 fans in Ho Chi Minh City (Video: Bích Phương).
At exactly 7:10 PM, 2NE1 appeared to the delight of thousands of fans. They kicked off the concert with Fire, their debut track that went viral in 2009 and helped propel 2NE1 to fame across Asia.
For two hours, 2NE1 kept Vietnamese fans on their feet with hits like I’m the Best, Go Away, Comeback Home…. During some tracks like Clap Your Hands, I Don’t Care, Ugly…, 2NE1 led fans in synchronized dance moves and clapping along to the rhythm.
2NE1 performing “I Don’t Care” (Photo: Bích Phương).
Despite being past their peak, 2NE1 still impressed with their stage presence. Leader CL and youngest member Minzy heated up the stage with fiery rap verses and energetic choreography.
The concert wasn’t just about high-energy performances; it also offered emotional moments. Ballads like Lonely, Missing You, It Hurts, If I Were You… showcased the Korean group’s heartfelt live vocals.
The organizers also screened videos from 2NE1’s trainee days and memorable career highlights, bringing tears to many fans’ eyes.
Fans standing and dancing to 2NE1’s performance (Photo: Bích Phương).
Cheers, raised hands, and fan sing-alongs reflected the overwhelming emotions of seeing 2NE1 after 11 years.
Many spectators described the venue as a “cauldron of fire” with powerful fanchants (fans singing along). During Missing You, 8,000 fans simultaneously turned on their phone flashlights, creating a touching and unexpected moment for 2NE1.
At 41, lead vocalist Park Bom no longer maintains her previous physical condition or vocal stamina. She skipped some songs like Comeback Home, Go Away… to rest backstage.
Nevertheless, Park Bom earned praise for her emotive voice and enthusiastic interactions with fans. During You and I, she walked straight into the audience, freely shaking hands and taking photos with fans.
Park Bom mingling with fans on stage (Photo: Bích Phương).
Between performances, 2NE1 engaged with fans in English, expressing joy at reuniting with Vietnamese audiences, excitement over Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant atmosphere, and gratitude for the fans’ support.
Member Dara said “I love you” in Vietnamese, sharing that she enjoyed pho, banh mi, and received traditional Vietnamese conical hats and other gifts from local fans.
2NE1 also showed special affection for Vietnam with surprise acts not originally planned, such as Dara’s solo performance of Kiss and their dance to See Tình. While Dara and Minzy were relatively familiar with the famous choreography, leader CL admitted she would practice to perform it during the second night.
According to Dân Trí reporters, the concert received positive feedback for its organized setup, international-standard sound and lighting. Security was tight, with rules prohibiting professional recording devices, selfie sticks, and flammable materials.
Earlier, starting at 3 PM, thousands of fans gathered at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center to exchange wristbands, take photos, and participate in fan activities. Many wore unique outfits and hairstyles to support their idols. Some older audience members brought their children to relive their youthful memories.
Miss World Vietnam Thùy Tiên attending the concert (Photo: Facebook).
With ticket prices ranging from $100 to $300 USD, all seating categories were filled. Audiences considered the pricing reasonable compared to other stops on the Asian tour.
However, some attendees suggested improvements in seating arrangements. Fans noted that the Premium 3 section, despite higher ticket costs, had less favorable views than sections behind it, like Premium 4 and Premium 5, which were elevated.
The second night of the 2NE1 concert series in Ho Chi Minh City will take place on February 16.
Formed in 2009 under YG Entertainment, 2NE1 consists of four members: CL, Park Bom, Sandara Park, and Minzy.
The group became K-pop icons thanks to their bold fashion and groundbreaking music. From their debut hit Fire to chart-topping tracks like I Don’t Care, Can’t Nobody, Go Away, Lonely, I’m the Best, Ugly, Missing You, Comeback Home…, 2NE1 dominated domestic charts and gained international acclaim, leaving a lasting mark on Korean music.
After Park Bom’s drug scandal in 2014, 2NE1 halted activities. In November 2016, YG Entertainment announced the group’s disbandment. In July 2024, they reunited to celebrate their 15th anniversary.
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