2NE1, Brown Eyed Girls to go head-to-head on their return

2NE1 has made its much-awaited return as a group with the release of single “Falling in Love” on Monday. Upon its release, the new single topped nine local real-time music charts, giving the track a certified “all-kill” title.

The four members of 2NE1 took their first leap into the reggae scene with the tropical-flavored electro pop song in their first group single in a year. Their last single “I Love U” went public on July 5 last year.

Although the ladies are currently one of the most iconic girl groups in the K-pop industry, they have only released one full studio album since their debut in 2009.

“Falling in Love” is merely the first track among a cluster of comeback teaser singles. Representatives of YG Entertainment previously announced that 2NE1 will be releasing various singles one at a time, from July to September. The group will then release either an EP or full-length album sometime in October, followed by a solo concert.

2NE1 will put on its first live performance of “Falling in Love” on the Mnet Countdown stage on Thursday. 

Brown Eyed Girls are also making a comeback this week, battling against 2NE1 in the charts. The group will be pre-releasing a track on Tuesday from its upcoming album, which is scheduled to be fully released sometime at the end of the month.

JeA, Ga-in, Miryo and Narsha debuted in 2006 with the ballad-heavy album “Your Story.” The ladies released countless number of singles and other studio albums after their debut, steadily increasing the group’s star power as K-pop idols. However, it was the release of the group’s 2009 hit “Abracadabra” that catapulted the group to the next level.

The sexy hip-swaying choreography of “Abracadabra” took the country by storm. Even three years after the song was released, the choreography has now been seen around the world as the dance that inspired Korean rap star Psy’s single “Gentleman.” Brown Eyed Girls member Ga-in was featured in Psy’s latest music video performing the group’s signature dance move alongside the rapper.

The ladies newest single marks the group’s first release in nearly a year after its previous two-track EP album “The Original,” which was released on July 17 last year.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)