YG Entertainment's CEO Yang Hyun Suk has revealed the main reason behind the group's disbandment that shocked fans across the world. In a recent interview with a news outlet, the CEO of the entertainment agency said that the agency decided to disband the group because of Park Bom's drug controversy.
"I wanted to protect 2NE1 when Minzy moved to another label but the reason why I decided on their disbandment was because I believed that Park Bom's mental health was not well," All Kpop quoted Yang as saying. He added that she received immense criticism after the drug controversy.
In 2014, Park drew a lot of media attention with reports claiming that the singer was caught smuggling drugs into Korea in 2010. The idol was reportedly carrying 82 pills of amphetamines from the Unites States when she was caught at Seoul's Incheon International Airport but the case was later dropped by prosecutors.
Yang went on to say that Park was struggling with the stress and guilt in the wake of the drug scandal and at the same time, determined to continue promotions with 2NE1. However, Yang told her that her mental and physical health was more important than the group. He added, "You never know what can happen so there may come a day when they reunite like S.E.S. I believe that day will come."
On Nov. 25, YG Entertainment officially confirmed via a statement obtained by the same publication that the iconic K-pop group will be breaking up. Even though fans saw the group's disbandment coming for a long time, they found it difficult to accept the sad reality when the official announcement was made.
Along with the announcement of the group's disbandment, the agency also announced the renewal of CL and Dara's contracts as solo artists. Minzy left the group in April while Park Bom's contract was not renewed.
2NE1 released their final song, titled "Goodbye," on Jan. 21, Saturday, and has already hit nearly three million views on YouTube. Watch the MV of the song below: