Sandara Park Reflects on 2NE1’s Daesang Win and YG’s Expectations

Sandara Park, widely known as Dara, recently shared insights about 2NE1’s remarkable achievements during their early days in K-Pop. This discussion took place on the variety show *JaeFriends*, hosted by fellow K-Pop star Jaejoong. The conversation highlighted not only their friendship but also the challenges they faced amid the competitive atmosphere of the industry.

During the show, Jaejoong and Dara reminisced about their experiences in K-Pop’s second generation. Jaejoong, a member of the iconic group TVXQ, debuted in 2003, while Dara made her mark with 2NE1 in 2009. Their paths crossed before 2NE1’s debut when they both auditioned for a film, showcasing a bond that was initially overshadowed by the rivalry between their respective agencies, SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment.

2NE1’s Historic Debut and Award Success

Jaejoong praised 2NE1’s debut, particularly noting their success at the *2009 MAMA Awards*, where the group won a prestigious Daesang award for their hit song “I Don’t Care.” According to Jaejoong, achieving a “Song Of The Year” Daesang award as a rookie group was a significant accomplishment, even by today’s standards. Despite the accolades, Sandara Park admitted that the group was unaware of the magnitude of their achievements at the time, as they were still adjusting to life in the spotlight.

Adding a personal touch to the conversation, Sandara Park revealed that YG Entertainment expressed disappointment when the group did not cry during their acceptance speech. The company compared them to groups from SM Entertainment, questioning, “Why won’t you cry like groups from SM?” This expectation placed additional pressure on the young artists during their formative moments.

Reflecting on Emotions and Expectations

In response to YG’s comments, Sandara clarified that the overwhelming experience of their first major win left them in a state of shock. She noted, “Everything was too new” for them, and while they did not show their emotions on stage, they shared tears once they were backstage. Jaejoong empathized with their situation, explaining how it is common for artists to feel their minds “go blank” when receiving significant awards, making it understandable why 2NE1 did not cry in the moment.

As K-Pop continues to evolve, the stories of its pioneers like Sandara Park and Jaejoong remind fans of the pressures faced by idols in their early careers. Their reflections contribute to a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape that accompanies success in the competitive world of K-Pop.