This is 2 NE 1 who is concerned; Park Bom is a legend. Say it with respect! (done with the pun).
If you want to summarize the second generation of K-pop into one group, then it has to be 2NE1. Here’s the brief history of a girl group that truly pioneered empowerment.
YG Entertainment was riding the high wave of BigBang’s success. Now they wanted a girls’ representation, who are strong enough to be the counterpart of the successful boy group. Producer and CEO Yang Hyun-suk took it upon himself to curate a team of girls capable of carrying this baton.
With thousands of participants, hundreds of auditions, and meticulous filtering, CEO Yang found four young girls who fit the mold. Their unique personalities, eccentricity, charm, visuals, and, most importantly, their immense talent were unparalleled among rookies.
Thus, after years of training and polishing their skills, four diamonds were presented to the world in 2009 with their hit debut MV “Fire,” literally blazing the K-Pop. No one expected a girl group with such a strong concept and portraying themselves courageously. All the “girl crush” concepts in the current generation evolved through 2NE1’s era.
In just a few months after their debut, 2NE1 were everywhere– breaking records, performing live, holding concerts and fan meets, appearing on variety shows, having their own show, giving multiple interviews and press conferences, attending fashion shows, and the list never ends.
Their schedule looked like a nation’s constitution, constantly hustling and making music. Plus, their 4-D personalities became the most desirable trait in girls.
However, when the worth is not valued, the entity dissipates. The same thing happened to 2NE1. The four girls, Park Bom, Sandara Park, CL, and Minzy, revealed appalling details of their treatment in the agency. They were subjected to harsh criticisms, brutal remarks on their visuals, and body shaming. Imagine the mental toll on young women’s minds.
But Park Bom had it the roughest with YGE. She ordered prescription medicines from the USA for her ADHD. But she was accused of being a junkie since Korean laws for “drug possession” are pretty stringent. Even her agency did not back her up and left her alone amidst these allegations.
2NE1 finally disbanded in April 2016, but there was an iconic last performance that shall be forever etched in Korean history.
What Happened to Park Bom?
After 2NE1 disbanded, Park Bom ventured into her solo career. Her stellar vocals were enough to establish herself as a soloist.
And quite effortlessly, her songs climbed all the music charts in South Korea and internationally. And she amassed her fandom called BOMSHELLS.
But her internal struggles were far from over. Korean beauty standards are not just harsh but despairing. Park Bom was accused of going under the knife one too many times.
Yet, this only made her susceptible to harsher comments and further criticisms. She was called a druggie, and most people undermined her talent. But Bom knew how to bounce back every time.
However, her recent Selcas had Bomshells a bit worried.
What’s Up with the New Selcas?
Park Bom posted her selfie on Instagram on August 14. Her visuals showed drastic changes in the past few months. The comments section was divided on their initial reaction to the selca.
Some fans showed obvious concerns over Bom’s visuals–
“Tbh, she’s getting botched.. her nose here is turning as MJ’s nose. She doesnt need PS. she’s already been pretty. Plastic surgery is supposed to enhance features not to make people to get botched … Either way, that’s her choice. It’s just sad to see a naturally born pretty girls are getting ruined by this unnecessary reconstructing surgery and society’s beauty shitty standards.”
“Honestly, she really talented. But according to the latest trend and generation, some people tend to like fresh vibe , new thing ,, etc. And the past artists being ignored and maybe forgotten. But they’re very talented and special. You know what i mean right? They’re different, something we can’t find in this generation ( hard to find) . It kinda sad to see some artists just slip away. They’re totally my childhood memories, i knew kpop through them. 😔But seeing they rarely through the news, youtube make me sad . We’re rooting for you Park Bom ❤️. Keep making a good music . Stay healthy and safe. Love you from 🤍🖤”
“It’s not a healthy encouraging her like that saying she’s beautiful and pretty. She need a professional help..it hurts so much to watch..”
“She was beautiful before plastic surgery ruined the life of a beautiful, pretty and unique woman by the mockery of the mean-minded Korean netizens. The tens of thousands of Korean netizens who made other celebrities commit suicide by hiding behind anonymity, not only Park Hyuk, but also making bad choices reflect on the current 30s~40s who made fun of Hong Kong’s suspicion that made them make bad choices.”
“What happened? She doesn’t look familiar. Honestly curious. I thought this was a new person but, then I looked at her username.”
“Nah it’s too much. She needs help.”
Meanwhile, some fans defended her, urging people to leave her alone. They showed empathy towards Park Bom, who has been through a lot being a female idol who experienced the darkest corners of the K-Pop industry.
“No because I will never forgive or forget how horribly people treated Park Bom just because she took her prescribed adderall for her ADHD. Then people wonder why idols are tragically taking their own lives in a harsh industry that’s so unforgiving.”
“Hello guys!! We never know everything, please. We don’t know her actually condition especially about what she’s going through until now. Don’t spare hateful or disrespectful for everyone. If you truly care, just do it politely or support her, please.”
“Ya’ll want to paint Park Bom as a lost case so bad, it’s annoying. Bom is one of the only two 2nd gen idol that has seen the top 10 & 20 of any chart in the last 3 years. Had a successful sold out concert in June, had the second best selling song in 2022 after tayeon.”
What are your thoughts on Bom’s Selcas? Do you think she should get counseling? Could it be the case that she used too many filters?
Is it our place to poke at her decisions? Let us know in the comments section below.
