It was truly the most heartbreaking news of the year when YG Entertainment had announced the disbandment of their flagship girl group 2NE1. For seven years, CL, Park Bom, Dara, and Minzy (who had already departed from the group early this year) had wowed the world with their amazing talent, unique style and electric performances.

The news of their disbandment was met with much grief not only by loyal fans and true Blackjacks, but the entire K-Pop scene as well. When it comes to k-pop, you can definitely say that 2NE1 had played a significant role in expanding the reaches of Korean music and culture. Not only that, the girl group itself has greatly influenced k-pop in many different ways from music style, to fashion and they themselves have become prominent figures in female empowerment and advocates of self-confidence.

2NE1 has greatly helped in introducing K-Pop to the west and have become one of the most well-known k-pop acts in the US.

Now since 2NE1 had done all these remarkable things, why would such a great and influential k-pop group disband? Here is a simple breakdown of factors that would have led to 2NE1's disbandment.

PARK BOM'S DRUG SCANDAL

Back in 2014, Park Bom became the central figure in a messy drug scandal after the singer was caught carrying several ampethamine tablets, which she got from the US. According to Yibada, Park Bom had about 80 amphetamine tablets when she was caught. A series of investigations were conducted and she was cleared of all the charges against her. Since then, Park Bom had avoided the spotlight and went into hiatus while YG focused on CL and Dara's solo careers.

MINZY'S EXIT FROM THE GROUP

If you think that Park Bom's scandal was intense, the group had faced an even bigger rock when Minzy had decided not to renew her contract with YG Entertainment so she could focus on her own career. This proved to be the biggest obstacle in 2NE1's career, seeing as the group had only 4 members and all of them are key figures in the group.

AN AGING DARA AND PARK BOM

They may not look like it but Sandara Park and Park Bom are in fact both 32 years old, which make them quite "old" as idols.

YG ENTERTAINMENT'S NEW GIRL GROUP

This factor may be unfair to fans of the recently launched BLACKPINK but still, it is difficult not to add them as one of the factors that influenced 2NE1's disbandment. It is rather questionable that after YG launched a new girl group this year that they would decide to disband another, also in this same year. YG definitely made the wrong move by disbanding 2NE1 in the same year as BLACKPINK's debut. It also doesn't help how similar the two girl groups are.

CL AND DARA'S SOLO CAREERS

It is no secret that 2NE1's leader, CL, has set her heart on breaking into the US and so far, she has been doing pretty well having just recently wrapped up a North American tour and signing with Scooter Braun, who happens to be the man behind Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, Koreaboo reports.

Dara too have found success in her online acting career as well as just recently becoming the face of Penshoppe and Head & Shoulders. She also became a judge on a reality competition show in the Philippines. Both CL and Dara are finding success in their solo careers and you can't really blame them if they want to focus on that.

Know that this article is just a personal analysis and everyone is open to their own interpretations and conclusions. Still, this doesn't change the fact that 2NE1's disbandment feels like a horrible dream that everyone wishes to wake up from.

Come back home, 2NE1!