“Let’s Stop Promoting Now”: What YG Told 2NE1 Right Before Disbandment Revealed By Sandara Park

The name 2NE1 is deeply imprinted in the hearts of K-Pop fans, a name that was once synonymous with boundary-breaking music and stunning performances. However, there was much more happening behind the scenes than most were privy to, especially during the challenging times leading up to their unexpected disbandment. Recently, former member Sandara Park (also known as Dara) shared some emotional insights into the group’s final days while promoting her latest single.

Sandara Park for hew newest single. | @daraxxi/Instagram

In the revealing interview, Sandara painted a picture of uncertainty and emotional upheaval that plagued the group during the production of what would turn out to be their last album, CRUSH. Speaking with a touch of nostalgia, she recalled the fears that ran high while recording their single “MISSING YOU,” hinting that the end was possibly near.

The company said 2NE1 is over now. I think were No. 10 on the chart? We were always No. 1, but now we were No. 10. We were sad, and the fans and the agency were sad too.

— Sandara Park

| 1theK Originals/YouTube  

The artist referenced the difficult conversation that transpired within YG Entertainment. Their earlier singles — “Falling In Love” and “Do You Love Me” — were not performing as expected, triggering a wave of concern and sadness within the group and the agency alike.

Sandara shared the poignant moment when the label’s executive, presumably YG, told them, “This album isn’t going to work. Let’s stop promoting now.” This shocking statement left the group with a sense of doom, wondering if this was indeed the end of the road for 2NE1.

I’m not sure if it was a joke or something he said because he was upset, but we went to record “MISSING YOU” after we shared that conversation and the last lyrics were too much like breaking up.

— Sandara Park

| 1theK Originals/YouTube

The song “MISSING YOU” seemed to echo these sentiments with lyrics that sounded eerily like a breakup song. The emotional charge was so strong that Sandara and fellow member Park Bom couldn’t help but shed tears in the recording studio, spending hours crying until their eyes swelled.

Bom and I cried for hours in the recording studio.

— Sandara Park

| 1theK Originals/YouTube

However, the story took a hopeful turn when “MISSING YOU” climbed the charts to secure the No. 1 spot, offering a glimmer of light in the bleak scenario. The members found a measure of relief and joy, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into promoting the song.

2NE1 | @chaelincl/Instagram

Ironically, while they anticipated “MISSING YOU” to be the swan song, the album CRUSH wound up being their final act. The sudden disbandment following the album’s release came as an unexpected blow to the members and fans alike, marking the end of an iconic era in K-Pop history.