Why is a reunion possible but not a comeback? Korean media outlet explains why 2NE1 can't release new album.
K-Media Highlights 'Real' Reason 2NE1 Can't Release New Album, Comeback
2NE1 (News1)
On May 4, Hankook Ilbo explained the reason 2NE1 has no choice but to have a surprise stage through 2022 Coachella.
In particular, on April 16, the K-pon icon 2NE1 turned K-pop enthusiasts all over the world into a frenzy after surprise stage at the Coachella 2022. Initially, it was CL's solo performance under 88rising, but the female idol decided to gather other 2NE1 members for a reunion performance of "I AM THE BEST."
CL explained:
"Before it's too late, I wanted to gather on my own and on our own, not others, to show that we're still here."
Followong the iconic stage, several fans expressed interest why 2NE1 members aren't releasing new album or having a comeback, despite their interest to return in the music scene as a group.
As a result, the media outlet stated that the problem is not gathering the group itself, but the name they would be using in case of the reunion.
2NE1 (News1)
According to Wow!Korea, the name "2NE1" and its trademark rights still belongs to YG Entertainment as well as their songs and its related copyrights also belongs to TEDDY, the composer and producer of the group.
Since their disbandment in 2016, the members also left YG one by one, leaving no 2NE1 members under the agency since Dara left in 2021.
Hankook Ilbo continued:
"If the four members want to perform or release an album under the name of 2NE1 legally, they must obtain prior consent from YG Entertainment or transfer their trademark rights. This is why the stage of 2NE1 had to be planned as a surprise event at Coachella."
Here's Why 2NE1 Was Able to Reunite at Coachella 2022
Meanwhile, as aforementioned, 2NE1 performed at the Coachella 2022 in guise of being special guests to CL's solo stage. Thus, they were able to perform legally because they didn't really promote as a group. It's hard to say the infringed YG's trademark right.
In regards to music copyright of their song that they performed, it seemed like the organizer paid the cost of using the song, and asked permission from the Korean Music Copyright Association.
As a result, music industry officials voices are calling for the need to standardize trademark usage fees after three years after the seven-year standard contract ends and all the group members leave their entire agencies.
Kim Sung Hwan, a music critic, said:
"We need a compromise plan that pays trademark usage fees to all agencies like copyright fees, but prevents them from demanding profits from recordings or performances."
