2NE1 All or Nothing Malaysia!

When after 2 weeks, you still find yourself occasionally disconnecting from the physical world and reminiscing the sounds, sights and feels of that surreal night, you know it's no average pop concert you've just experienced.

24th May 2014 - The day of the K-pop queens, 2ne1's "All of Nothing" World Tour here in Stadium Negara, Malaysia!

Photo credit to owner

In case you are unfamiliar with the sci-fi sounding name, 2ne1 is one of South Korea's top grossing artists. Composed of leader CL (real name Lee Chae Rin), Park Bom, Sandara Park and Minzy, these 4 lovely ladies hold the reputation of being the "baddest females" in the Kpop world, thanks to their unique genre bending abilities (think electro, reggae, dance and ballads blended into one exotic concoction) coupled with powerful vocals, and topped with extravagant outfits, bold stage makeup and an unbeatable fierce charisma that captures the heart of all the young. They are femme fatale at it's finest, a rarity for a music genre that is choke full with bubblegum pop.

As I've booked a numbered seating ticket, arriving at the concert was relaxed and stress free! No need for queueing up for hours and hours in hope of getting (i.e. running for dear life for) the best view of the stage. Apparently, some dedicated Blackjacks had even camped outside the stadium over night! Wow~ The staff were efficient and polite in guiding us into the stadium, and the queue lines for specific seating areas were well organized too! Good job IME Productions :)

However, cleanliness was definitely an issue. When I arrived at the venue, the entire ground was littered in papers, brochures and spilled food and drinks =/ Come on Malaysia, we can show our queens better attitude right? :)

The concert atmosphere was vibrating throughout the hall even before it started! From the moment we stepped in, hundreds of Blackjacks were karaoke-ing to 2ne1's MVs, even producing fan chants! The excitement flooded us as we joined in the pre-concert fun, our anticipation building on minute by minute.

At 7.30pm sharp (YES, this concert actually started on time, kudos to the organizer!) the lights dimmed, lightsticks glowed across the hall like stars twinkling in the sky and on the big screens, giant countdowns began! 10...9... all the way to 3...2...1... BOOM! Ear piercing screams erupted like fireworks and the giant curtain fell, revealing our gorgeous queens!

Photo credit: dkpopnews.net

2ne1 opened the show with the heavily catchy electro number "Crush" (Also the name of their latest album, check it out!) and continued to power on with Fire ( We were treated to a dazzling visual display of real fire and fireworks) Pretty Boy (Oldie but goodie) and Scream! A highly successful way to crank up the adrenaline with those awesome beats and fierce dance moves! Minzy can do a split, woots!

"Anyeonghaseyo, wassup we're 2ne1!" The quartet chimed to the crowd's hyper excited cheers.

After a quick self introduction ( Minzy: "Apa khabar, I'm Minzy!") the show moved on, with the girls taking on some slower tracks - Come back home (unplugged version) as well as a stunningly beautiful set with whimsical swings for "Missing You" and an eerily intriguing graveyard backdrop for "If I were you".

Photo credit Kpopstarz.com

A particularly memorable moment was during the performance of Ugly. This is a song I'd recommend anyone to listen to, as I believe it speaks out to everyone. The times when we feel ugly, not just on a physical aspect but also the emotional side - feelings of worthlessness, of not being good enough, of standing out as different from the crowd - hey, we all have those times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGe0hHvAGkc


What made the live version so special was how they took it slow. A fast, rock-ish song transformed into a soulful ballad, their beautiful vocals resonating and weaving into our memories. During the chorus, CL gave her own variation on it and just...gosh. You know that feeling when a voice carries so much emotion that it feels like it's speaking directly to the deepest parts of your heart? An emotion so strong it is almost tangible through a squeeze in the chest. Yes, Lee Chae Rin, that was what you did to me that night with that song. I will never ever forget this moment <3

2ne1 trolled us halfway through by saying the concert was over! "Encore encore encore~!" chanted the crowd, the Blackjacks collective effort booming into a crescendo and Bam! Out popped 2ne1 once again, with an all time favourite - Lonely! Another song i definitely recommend :) You'll fall in love with this one, trust me.

Malaysian Blackjacks were treated to a total of 21 songs (2ne1, geddit? :P) including all time hits such as I am the best ( made even more epic with ultra cool motorbike props and background) I don't care, Go away, Don't stop the music, Clap your hands, I love you (sexy dance by Minzy and CL woot woot!) and some of their newer numbers like Gotta be you. Bom's voice soared during that performance!

Photo credit: clthebaddestfemale.com

Oh, and no concert goer will ever forget CL's killer solo stage - Baddest Female + MTBD medley! Yes, she definitely proves herself worthy of the title "The baddest female". With her powerful rap, mesmerizing stage presence and immense confidence, she had the whole crowd on their feet going boom~ boom~ ^_^ This is why 2ne1 can never be complete without her!

Photo credit astrogempak.com.my

A special guest appearance by Winner, YG's newest boy band definitely added fuel to the fiery crowd, whom i personally felt screamed louder when they appear than when 2ne1 did! They are not bad for rookies, and I was personally very impressed by rapper Mino!

Near the end of the concert, the girls showed their cute and natural side by interacting with fans and receiving their gifts. Dara and Minzy even took selfies with some of the fan's cellphones, lucky Blackjacks!

Overall -> Wow, what a night! Watching the queens I've long supported in front of my eyes was like watching a movie come to life. Malaysia came alive with these four fearless ladies, and this is a concert I'd definitely recommend to anyone, new or old to K-pop to attend. Because really, when it comes to 2ne1, it's All or Nothing.