2NE1 made a successful comeback on 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon stage 10 years after their last performance at the music festival. The annual event was held on December 25 at the Inspire Arena on Incheon's Yeongjong Island.

CL, Minzy, Park Bom, and Sandara Park performed a medley of their hits beginning with “Come Back Home” before transitioning into their 2009 debut single “Fire.” This was followed by “I Don’t Care” and “Ugly” before ending with “I Am The Best.”

Fans noted that while the second-generation K-pop group’s performance was different from their earlier days, their set still managed to get them excited and cheering and singing along during their seven-minute set.

"Park Bom seemed fine, but let’s be real, they’re both almost 40. How can they dance and perform like they used to? Even the younger idols today can’t do it," one fan said as per allkpop.

“So we have a 30 year old, a 33 year old and two 40 year old women who rock the show. Fantastic!” another commented.

More netizens also called the group legendary, noting that their performance is something younger groups should try to emulate.

“Younger gen fans, this is the quality of k-pop music you missed. Hope the listening standard & quality of music, & live performance like this will come back in the coming years,” a fan on YouTube commented.

"This is what a real singer is. After watching idols who just lip-sync and barely dance, seeing 2NE1’s stage is so refreshing," another fan commented.

 “Sandara’s hair is literally the same as her debut days," fans said, noting how Sandara’s faux hawk was reminiscent of their early days.

SBS Gayo Daejeon is a yearly music festival and awards show that takes place at the end of the year and features performances from top K-pop artists. The three-part music event featured a total of 29 K-pop acts including BabyMonster, ILLIT, NewJeans, Le Sserafim, IVE, aespa, WayV, Riize, ZeroBaseOne, Ateez, 2NE1, SHINee’s Key, Tomorrow X Together, (G)I-DLE, Stray Kids, NCT Dream, NCT 127, and G-Dragon.

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) confirmed that 2NE1 was performing at the music festival in a press release earlier in December. “This is 2NE1's first time to join Gayo Daejeon in 10 years since 2014. 2NE1 has previously created legendary stages with overwhelming charisma and stage presence that captivated audiences. So its appearance (this year) is drawing much attention from global K-pop fans,” the broadcaster said as per The Korea Times. Their previous end-of-year performance was at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards, which has reached more than 50 million views on YouTube to date.

2NE1 is currently on their Welcome Back concert tour. The group decided to take a quick break from touring to fly back to perform at the SBS Gayo Daejeon event.

“Despite their tight tour schedule, the four members had a strong will to provide special memories to fans on their 15th debut anniversary. We will repay the love you have shown us with the best stage, so please look forward to it," the group’s agency YG Entertainment stated.

After 2NE1 was disbanded in 2016, CL, Minzy, Bom, and Dara decided to reunite this year in time for their 15th anniversary. Their Welcome Back tour kicked off on October 4 at the Olympic Hall in South Korea. Their three-day show was sold out and had a number of K-pop acts in the audience like BLACKPINK's Jennie, NewJeans, Stray Kids, Winner, G-Dragon, Daesung, Se7en, Gummy, aespa's Winter, BoyNextDoor, Kang Daniel, iKon, The Boyz, Jung Yong-hwa, and Shinee's Key.

Their next stop was a homecoming of sorts for Dara as they made way to her second home, the Philippines. They staged two sold-out shows at the Mall of Asia arena on November 16 and 17.

2NE1 stages a successful ‘homecoming’ in Manila

The concert was even more special for Dara as the entire arena greeted her a happy birthday. “There’s a lot to say and there’s a lot of fun stuff. But she's been talking about how she's so emotional and blessed and happy to be back here her hometown with us. It's been such a long time and we feel so blessed. You know it's such a trip and such a different experience when we come with her. And I feel like we're so welcomed and whenever we come here feel like we have a family and a fan base here,” CL said as Dara got emotional.

Dara shared how her birthday was even more special as she got to celebrate it with the rest of 2NE1 this year. “I'm not going to forget this day forever,” she stated.

2NE1 are set to stage the next legs of their Welcome Back concert tour in Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China.