Since the start of their WELCOME BACK reunion tour last year, 2NE1 (투애니원) have also been busy performing at festivals and other events this year. One of their most recent appearances was at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where they performed during the Coupang Play half-time show. However, throughout the tour and other performances, there have been persistent rumours of tension between the members.
Some have speculated that Park Bom (박봄) has grown distant from the group, as she rarely appears in their social media photos and the fact that she’s suspending activities with the group to focus on her health. The rumours intensified after it was noticed that the singer is no longer following any of her bandmates online. Did something happen, or was she simply carrying out a social media cleanse? Let’s take a closer look:
Over the weekend, fans noticed that Park Bom was no longer following any of her 2NE1 bandmates on Instagram. In addition, her more recent posts no longer included the #2NE1 hashtag she had consistently used in the past. Adding to the concern, her following list had dropped to just three accounts, YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyunsuk, an account by the handle hyungyoon1983 and actor Lee Min-ho. By Wednesday (1st October), this number had fallen further, leaving only Lee Min-ho.
The idol had previously raised concerns among fans over her behaviour and apparent fixation on the actor, as she often mentioned him in her social media posts, even referring to him as her husband. This eventually prompted his agency to clarify that the two were not dating. The vocalist’s representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding her posts about Lee Min-ho.
Since Park Bom’s mass unfollowing, fans have voiced concern for the singer’s mental health. Many have expressed sympathy, suggesting she may be going through personal difficulties. Others questioned why she would unfollow her 2NE1 member but continue to follow their former boss. Some fans came to the idol’s defence, suggesting that she has always had a playful personality and that others should simply mind their own business.
At the time of writing, neither Park Bom, her agency, nor the 2NE1 members have addressed the situation. It may simply be the star being her usual light-hearted self, but if she is facing personal challenges, fans hope she will receive the support she needs.
