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CNA
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Iconic K-pop group 2NE1 reflects on long-awaited reunion and legacy: 'It felt like coming home'
Just a mere four years ago, the thought of all four members of K-pop girl group 2NE1 performing on stage together, much less going on tour, seemed impossible. After all, the quartet's agency, YG Entertainment, announced in 2016 that the group would be disbanding, and following 2NE1's 2017 single, the aptly named Goodbye, it seemed that the book on the beloved hitmakers had been closed. That all changed in 2022, following a surprise reunion of the foursome at that year's Coachella festival. Videos of 2NE1's performance of I Am The Best reached tens of millions of views as older K-pop fans worldwide revelled in what used to be a wistful dream. With just one performance, the hope of Bom, Dara, CL and Minzy returning to their rightful place in concert halls again, surrounded by thousands of Blackjacks (fans of 2NE1), was within the realm of possibility. Fans' prayers were answered in 2024 after it was announced that 2NE1 would embark on a tour to celebrate its 15th anniversary. 2NE1's Welcome Back tour saw the group reuniting with fans in South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and more. Even though the tour itself has since ended, it seems that this time, 2NE1 has plenty of miles left in its journey. The group recently performed at Los Angeles' Head In The Clouds festival as well as Waterbomb Seoul 2025. Come Aug 31, 2NE1 will return to Singapore for the country's Waterbomb festival. Speaking to CNA Lifestyle ahead of the event, the members of 2NE1 reveal how their reunion came about and their thoughts on the impact they've made in the K-pop industry. It still feels surreal that 2NE1 is back and performing all over the world. What made you decide to return as a foursome again, and how has that experience been so far? CL: We were all able to grow a lot as individuals and artistes during the time we were apart. But 2NE1 as a team was always inside us. Like the title of our song, Come Back Home, it felt like coming home. Bom: We had such a happy time during the 2NE1 tour last year and the decision to get back together wasn't just because of the music. The strong bond we share and the love of Blackjack, who still cheer us on from all over the world, were a huge strength. Dara: The members have been talking to each other since a long ago, and when the timing was right, everything flowed naturally. It's so overwhelming and empowering to be back on stage as four. Minzy: There's a special energy that can only be felt when the four of us are together. Blackjack, your love and support made everything more meaningful, and I'm so grateful to be able to share this new chapter with you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CL (@chaelincl) 2NE1's impact is still felt in the industry, with many new groups citing you as their inspiration. How has that made you feel? Why do you think 2NE1 still has the influence it has? CL: There are so many great juniors and I think it's cool that they work hard to achieve their dreams. We still have the same passion for the stage as our juniors and we're always working hard. We're still spending time on stage to meet our fans more. I think that's why many juniors think well of us. Bom: It makes me so happy. We put a lot of heart into our music and I think that emotion stayed with people. That's what keeps the connection alive. Dara: I feel really proud. We created our own style. Maybe that's why people still remember us and find strength in what we did. Minzy: It's an honour. I think our energy and passion left a strong impression. We were fearless and that kind of spirit lasts beyond the moment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MINZY (@_minzy_mz) Since you've returned, you've shared the stage with many new acts. What are your thoughts on this generation of K-pop artistes and how the K-pop industry has changed? CL: The new artistes are so talented and polished. It's really impressive. K-pop has grown so much and I'm proud to see the new generation leading it in bold, creative ways. They're fearless and confident and I really respect that. The industry's gotten bigger and faster but I think what matters most still stays the same: Being real with your music. Bom: K-pop is loved in many countries around the world and there are many great K-pop artistes actively working. I am so proud of them and I am grateful for the love they have received from the global community. K-pop will continue to move the world even more. Dara: I'm always excited to see how creative and fresh the younger artistes are. Their energy is amazing! The K-pop scene has definitely evolved but I think the passion behind it is still just as strong. That part hasn't changed. Minzy: It's inspiring. I see so many strong performers who are always pushing themselves. The level of artistry has gone up so much. I feel honoured to stand on the same stage and share in this new era of K-pop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 박봄 (@newharoobompark) You finally get to perform at Waterbomb Singapore as a group. CL and Dara, did you give any tips to Minzy and Bom? CL: I've performed on the Waterbomb stage in several cities as a solo artiste, and every time has been an incredibly fun and memorable experience. This time, it's especially meaningful and exciting for me to be sharing the stage with the members in Singapore, where I performed last year. Minzy and Bom are such powerful performers on their own, I know they'll shine without needing any tips. But if I had to give one piece of advice, I'd say: Conserve your energy and don't get tired too quickly! Waterbomb is all about high energy. You have to keep moving, jumping and having fun with the crowd until the very end. Dara: Last year's audience at Waterbomb Singapore was truly passionate and full of energy, so I'm really looking forward to this year's stage as well. If I could say one thing to the members, it would be: Don't be nervous, just enjoy it! When you're having genuine fun and jumping around with the audience, that excitement naturally spreads. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sandara Park (@daraxxi) How does preparing for Waterbomb differ from your past concerts? CL: Waterbomb is a whole different vibe. It's more raw, spontaneous and interactive. There's a powerful energy exchange with the audience. Bom: I usually prepare emotionally for concerts but with Waterbomb, I'm also thinking about how to perform while getting soaked! It's a new kind of challenge but I'm enjoying it. Dara: Waterbomb has a more playful and unpredictable vibe. At concerts, the stage is the centre but at Waterbomb, it feels like we're partying with the fans. So I'm preparing with a lighter, more fun mindset. I'm also putting extra thought into styling, especially making sure everything holds up when we're soaked! Minzy: The energy at Waterbomb is way more dynamic. I'm training harder physically and mentally. Dancing while being splashed isn't easy but it's so much fun! View this post on Instagram A post shared by CL (@chaelincl) You've visited Singapore multiple times. Do you have a favourite memory from your trips here? CL: Performing at Waterbomb Singapore last year as a solo artiste left me with unforgettable memories. The energy from the crowd was incredible and it's something I've carried with me ever since. Bom: This is my first visit back to Singapore since our concert in December and I'm so excited to reunite with our fans on such a vibrant stage. Dara: I also took part in Waterbomb Singapore last year and it was such a memorable experience. The audience's energy was amazing and I'm thrilled to return, this time with the full group. Minzy: This time, being able to perform together as 2NE1 in beautiful Singapore feels truly special. I'm looking forward to making new memories with the members and all our fans. What is something that you haven't done in Singapore that you would like to do this time round? CL: I'd love to try something fun in Singapore that's only possible during the summer, so I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Bom: I enjoy resting on off days, so relaxing in my hotel room, watching the city lights and ordering room service is something I'm really looking forward to. Those quiet moments mean a lot to me. Dara: I always try to walk around local streets when I travel. This time, I'd love to explore Singapore's markets and neighbourhoods like a local, just soaking in the atmosphere. It's one of my favourite ways to enjoy a city. Minzy: I've heard so much about Singapore's amazing food! I want to go on a little food adventure, especially trying different desserts. A sweet treat tour sounds like fun! View this post on Instagram A post shared by CL (@chaelincl) What is your message to Blackjacks in Singapore? CL: It's been way too long, hasn't it? I've missed you all so much! Thank you for sending so much love from afar. Just thinking about being back on stage in front of you makes my heart race. Until we meet again, stay happy, stay healthy and keep shining. Bom: My lovely Singapore Blackjack, how have you been? Thinking of you always warms my heart. When we meet again, I'll sing you all the sweetest songs and maybe we can enjoy some yummy food too! Can't wait to see your smiling faces again! Dara: I've missed you all so much! I'm genuinely excited and looking forward to returning after such a long time! Let's laugh a lot, take fun pictures and make unforgettable memories together next time! Minzy: Thank you so much for your constant support and love. You inspire me to keep dancing, singing and giving it my all. Next time we meet, I promise an explosive stage just for you! Until then, keep smiling and take good care of yourselves.
Newsweek
06-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman Has Sore Throat While Pregnant, Then Comes Shock Diagnosis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After finding out she was pregnant in November 2022, Mariana Bom should have been filled with excitement and anticipation. But instead, she couldn't shake the feeling there was something seriously wrong. In the first trimester, Bom, 25, noticed multiple white patches and an ulcer on the back of her tongue. Shortly after, Bom, of Germany, also developed a sore throat and earache too. She told Newsweek that she wondered if they were side effects of the COVID vaccine at the time, but doctors "always dismissed this theory." But when she noticed a small blister at the back of her tongue that hadn't gone away for two weeks, Bom grew concerned. She visited an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to get a second opinion Bom said: "The ENT told me it was nothing serious, that it would go away, and there was no sign of danger. A month later, I went back, and they said it could be due to pregnancy as dental issues or oral thrush are common." Mariana Bom laying in a hospital bed after her diagnosis. Mariana Bom laying in a hospital bed after her diagnosis. @mariana___1999 / TikTok The mouth ulcer continued to grow and that area of her mouth became really swollen. The more it pressed against her teeth, simple acts like eating and talking became excruciating. As the weeks went by and her symptoms persisted, Bom took matters into her own hands. She did some research and was horrified to learn that her symptoms aligned with tongue cancer. "One evening, I went to the emergency room. My belly was already visible by then and I told them that I suspected tongue cancer. At the ER reception, I was laughed at because I was too 'young to have cancer' in their view," Bom said. "In the treatment room, the doctor dismissed me and told me to put baking soda on my tongue and that it would go away." That wasn't good enough for Bom, who decided to see another ENT two weeks later. She was determined to get answers and needed to be heard. The next ENT decided to do a biopsy and check for any signs of malignancy. Just a week later, everything changed. "That's when I got the call—it was an aggressive tongue carcinoma," Bom said. Cancer is devastating for anyone, but being pregnant made it even more complicated. Bom hadn't even told her family she was pregnant because it was still so early. But now she had to tell them that not only was she expecting, but she had cancer too. Her mom, who had battled cervical cancer in 2019, instantly took her daughter's hand and supported her. "Since I was pregnant, our biggest concern was the baby. Would it have to come early? What were the options?" Bom told Newsweek. "After many discussions between the specialist doctors, we decided, for the sake of my baby and my health, that I would undergo surgery while pregnant to remove as much of the tumor as possible." Surgery to remove the tumor lasted between five and seven hours. The cancer had already spread to the lymph nodes in her neck, so they too were removed. Bom's recovery involved spending two weeks in hospital, unable to eat or speak, and with drains coming out of her neck. It was a living nightmare, and she didn't know if she'd ever feel the same. Mariana Bom while pregnant in 2022. Mariana Bom while pregnant in 2022. @mariana___1999 / TikTok "After two weeks, the ENT specialists and the OB-GYNs discussed whether my daughter should be delivered early so I could start radiation therapy—to be sure we destroyed any remaining cancer cells. Eventually, they decided to deliver her one month after my surgery via C-section," Bom continued. Bom's daughter was delivered at 30 weeks and immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She was placed on a ventilator as she was struggling to breathe and given a feeding tube. Just a few weeks after welcoming her daughter, Bom began radiation. For the next eight weeks, she'd go to the hospital for treatment and then visit her daughter in the NICU after. Her battle was certainly not over because the radiation side effects were so intense. It was "nearly impossible" to eat anything, she lost her sense of taste and felt exhausted. "For the first few weeks, I could only consume liquid. I lost a lot of weight, and I felt extreme fatigue. I think it was a combination of postpartum exhaustion and the toll that the cancer treatment took on my body," she said. Thankfully, Bom and her daughter are doing much better now. While there are some lasting effects, Bom is glad to have her life and to still be here for her family. She still gets inflammation in her mouth frequently, and on some occasions, it feels as though her body has "been beaten up." While healing, Bom has documented her experience on TikTok (@mariana___1999) to raise awareness and encourage others to seek answers. She didn't even know tongue cancer existed before her diagnosis, and what little information she found online left her without hope. Now, she wants to be a beacon of light for others. For anyone experiencing symptoms, Bom urges them to listen to their body and push for answers. "You always hear about common cancers, but I had never heard of tongue cancer," Bom said. "The only thing that kept me going was thinking about my children and my husband. Without them, I don't think I would've gotten through it. I wanted to show that there are different outcomes and it's possible to survive." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
The Review Geek
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Spring of Youth – K-drama Episode 7 Recap & Review
Episode 7 Episode 7 of Spring of Youth begins with Team Two Sa Gye recording the cover of the song on Bom's rooftop. After this, the announcement of Tae-yang's inclusion in The Crown is released. Bom and her friends are shocked to see it. But not for long because their video goes viral, getting far more views than Tae-yang's video. The video goes on to get 3 million views and Bom releases the video which shows their faces. Sang-heon and Min-cheol are flabbergasted. Tae-yang, upset, tells Sang-heon to make him famous enough to erase Sa Gye. Sa Gye gets their first gig at a small town festival but they end up paid in sweet potatoes and onions. Their second gig is at a ski resort. But once they get there, they find that Tae-yang is there for a fansign event. They were never signed on and someone tricked them. A scene with Tae-yang confirms that Sang-heon was behind it. We see that Sang-heon is doing a lot more. He has Seung-su hack into the Two Sa Gye website and delete all performance requests. Sa Gye even asks Seung-su if Sang-heon is behind it. Unfortunately, Sang-heon sees the text and makes Seung-su lie. Meanwhile, Sa Gye and the others make the most of the situation and play around in the snow. Bom talks about how her mother wanted to see the northern lights and Sa Gye promises to take her. Back at J&J, Min-cheol tells Sang-heon and Ji-na that he will be more involved in Tae-yang's career from now on. We then see Tae-yang arrive for band practice but the other band members are rude to him and leave practice early. Later, Tae-yang finds himself face to face with Sa Gye. Sa Gye tries to warn him about the agency but Tae-yang thinks he's just jealous. He doesn't even believe that J&J plagiarised Bom's song. That evening, Sa Gye sneaks some beef and veggies into the house. But Gyu-ri and the others find it in the fridge. In his room, Sa Gye calls Bom and tells her he'll make breakfast for her in the morning. She then opens the connecting doors between their room and once again asks Sa Gye if she can sign him as her first artist. As collateral, she gives him her necklace — the one with the music box. Sa Gye suggests she name the agency Bom Bom. Gyu-ri overhears this from outside the room and looks upset. She goes down, where Ja-young and Jin-gu are helping themself to Sa Gye's beef. In tears, she says she wants the meat all to herself. In the morning, Sa Gye ends up giving Bom coffee thanks to the missing meat. He then wraps her up in a scarf, the same way her mother used to. After she's gone, Sa Gye berates Ja-young, Gyu-ri and Jin-gu for eating all the beef. However, when Ja-young's past experience as a fan comes up, Sa Gye hires her as the band's website manager and tells her not to mooch off of Bom. Both of them and Jin-gu then head out to buy a camera and a van. Kang Seok-hee spies on them as they do this and takes the photos to Sang-heon. Sang-heon has been upset with him for keeping the SUV when he was ordered to get rid of it and the photographs are Seok-hee's way of apologising. Meanwhile, Min-cheol gives an interview for his work as a doctor. The reporter agrees to give Tae-yang a shout-out as well. However, Min-cheol then learns that the old woman he passed on for the politician's surgery has now died. Turns out, she was a rich and generous woman with many admirers — Min-cheol could now be in trouble. Elsewhere, Tae-yang continues to butt heads with his band members who refuse to accept him. During a rehearsal, he proves his talent and manages to get them in line. While scanning through online articles about Tae-yang, Seung-su finds the article about Min-cheol. In it, he sees a photograph of him and Tae-yang standing by an SUV, the same one that Sa Gye was inquiring about. He's then called to meet Sang-heon, who asks him where Sa Gye is getting the money to buy a new van and camera from. Seung-su admits he was the one who gave Sa Gye some money. Sang-heon orders him to get the money back and when Seung-su refuses, he offers him five percent of the company. Back home, when Sa Gye says he wants to take Bom on a ride in the car, Gyu-ri throws a childish fit until he takes her for a ride as well. When she realises he cares more about Bom, she says she won't be his fan anymore. During this, someone breaks into the house and steals Sa Gye's suitcase full of money. While at the department store, Bom comes across Tae-yang who is surrounded by reporters and fans. When a passing fan knocks Bom down, he stops and offers her a hand. The Episode Review Spring of Youth Episode 7 pits Two Sa Gye and Tae-yang against one another. Tae-yang officially wants to take Sa Gye down and Lee Seung-hyub is portraying his villain arc quite well. He's got the right snobby attitude, the walk, and the change in clothing reflect it as well. On the other hand, Gyu-ri is the most annoying she's been. Surely there's a way to portray her frustration without viewers needing to turn down the volume. Story-wise, tensions are much higher which makes the drama a lot more engaging! Sang-heon is getting desperate and combined with Min-cheol, they make a credible threat to Sa Gye. Sa Gye himself is all passion and determination and that serves well in the face of all these obstacles. Did Bom forgive and make up with him a little too quickly and easily? Absolutely. But, since Sa Gye's entire personality seems to be about loving Bom, having them back in each other's good books isn't something I'm complaining about. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
NZ Herald
24-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Thousands attend Anzac Day services across Hawke's Bay
MacLeod spoke to the crowd of around 1000 about the time he spent with Bom, saying Bom treated him like a 'mokopuna and a friend'. 'In 1988, at the Māori Battalion reunion which was held here, this car park was full of veterans, and then we lost the last one last year,' MacLeod said. MacLeod was also wearing his great-great-grandfather's medals and his late grandfather's Māori Battalion jersey - which he said was 'an incredible honour'. At the end of his speech MacLeod sang 'Buonanotte Mi Amore', an Italian song that MacLeod said was one of the many favourites of the 28th Māori Battalion, which translates to 'Goodnight My Sweetheart'. Among the crowd was Steve Kendall, who spent 40 years with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, serving across all Air Force bases in New Zealand. 'It's pretty special to be here,' he said. 'Anzac Day will just go on and on, it will get bigger and bigger. 'More and more people get involved now that the world is not at peace, that's the bottom line.' In Napier, well over 1000 people turned out for the dawn service at the Sound Shell. Royal NZ Air Force warrant officer Darryn Wells spoke to the crowd, reflecting on the sacrifice of servicemen and servicewomen in WWII. He said as news of the cruelty of Nazi concentration camps reached New Zealand at the end of the war, that 'confirmed for New Zealanders that the war that had been forced upon them in 1939 had indeed been a just struggle against evil'. He encouraged people to continue to honour those who fought in the war. 'When we leave here today, we might like to consider what we individuals and as a country can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights. 'In doing this we can continue to honour in a powerful way the memory of those servicemen and women who came before us and sacrificed so much for our nation and our values.' Guest speaker Joseph Pedler echoed that sentiment during the service. 'The significance of Anzac Day extends far beyond reflection of the past, it is a reminder to draw strength from the lessons of those who have gone before us,' he said. 'The Anzac spirit - born of hardship and forged in battle - continues to resonate within every Australian and New Zealander. 'It is a spirit of unity, courage and a duty to our countries, it binds us together and inspires us to face challenges both big and small with the same determination and resilience. 'In our communities, the Anzac spirit is reflected in the way we care for one another - extend kindness and stand together in times of need.' Master of Ceremonies Charles Ropitini, who helped organise the Hastings dawn service, said his focus was to ensure that everybody had a good personal moment.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
K-pop star horrifies fans with bizarre new look amid plastic surgery rumors
Veteran K-pop star Park Bom has horrified her longtime fans after sharing a series of bizarre selfies to social media. In the images, the 41-year-old's features look completely distorted and misshapen. Her eyes appeared to droop down in an unnatural shape, while her lips - which were smeared with lipstick - giving her an overexaggerated smile. It's difficult to tell if the 2NE1 singer has surgically altered her appearance or if she's just using filters and photo editing apps, but fans in the comment section seemed concerned. 'Queen Boomie, please stop editing your face with those filters, you're so pretty, they're unnecessary,' wrote one. 'What the hell has she done to her face?' asked another. The troubled star's evolving appearance has been a hot topic in South Korea for more than a decade now. But despite constant speculation that she may have tweaked her looks over the years, Bom has denied having plastic surgery multiple times. She's chalked some of the changes in her appearance down to weight gain, which is caused by lymphadenitis - a condition which can cause her face to swell. The Don't Cry hitmaker also said that it's hard for her to maintain a diet because she suffers from ADD (attention deficit disorder). In 2020, her record label denied speculation that she'd had surgery after she looked noticeably different during a public appearance. 'Some people say she got plastic surgery, but that's not the case,' they said. The label also said that she was suffering from stress which had caused weight gain. '[She] has had a hard time for a while due to stress,' they explained. 'So, we assured her to just be comfortable until her next album comes out. This has led to a slight weight gain which affected her facial feature as well.' Bom later became the spokesperson for the Korean weight loss clinic Juvis, and shed 11kg on the program. The songstress first shot to fame in 2009 as part of the K-pop girl group 2NE1. The quartet became one of the most successful acts in South Korean history and Bom went on to have a number of chart-topping solo singles. South Korea is known for having some of the strictest beauty standards in the world, and is revered for its cutting-edge plastic surgery procedures and skincare. Some of the most common physical features considered beautiful in the country include a V-line jaw, pale skin, double eyelids, a thin high nose, and a small face. According to statistics, nearly 25 per cent of women aged 19 to 29 in South Korea have undergone plastic surgery. The unrealistic beauty standards in the country have since sparked backlash, particularly from feminist groups. In 2022, a popular cosmetic surgery reality series was shut down following growing criticism from the public. The show, titled Let Me In, saw people come in and plead their case to receive a plastic surgery makeover so that they could improve their lives.
