“Naega jeil jal naga (I am the best),” blasts from the speakers outside of the Olympic Park Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, where in a short while 2NE1 is set to commence their world tour. Blackjacks (what 2NE1 fans go by) are scattered outside the Olympic Gymnastics Hall, purchasing 2NE1 merchandise, taking pictures with other blackjacks and waiting on line for the venue doors to open. Some blackjacks have dressed up for the occasion, sporting Bom’s signature red hair, Dara’s iconic “lollipop hair”, and the group’s overall punk/grunge style. As opening time approaches people rush to give in their cameras and purchase light sticks.

“Oh my God.” Band leader CL’s final words in the song “I am the Best,” are heard. The doors open. Bags are quickly checked and fans are directed to their seats.

“Yay!” fans cheer as a picture of each member appears on the giant onstage screen. The energy is already high, and it doesn’t die for the rest of the night.

The magic words are sung, “Naega jeil jal naga,” and the concert begins. From the instant the girls arrive on the stage the crowd feels their love and passion and can’t help but getting up and cheering along. The show is off to a great start and the fans get more excited each time the stage goes dark before another set of songs.

Park Bom, at first glance, is simply gorgeous. However, gorgeous isn’t the word to describe her solo act. Wearing a robe that looks three sizes too big, no one concentrates on her looks, but rather her sensational voice. Performing her two singles, “Don’t Cry” and “You and I,” the only word to describe Bom is phenomenal. She sings with such power that even those who are just hearing the song for the first time can feel the emotions she is trying to convey.

A few songs later it is Minzy’s turn to shine. The youngest member in the group, not yet 21, solidifies her presence in the group; she is the dancer. Minzy tears up the stage with her killer hip-hop moves to 2NE1’s “Pretty Boy.” The maknae (Korean word for youngest member) is followed by the member who is often mistaken as the youngest, Dara. The often sweet and innocently portrayed Dara goes for a sexy and daring persona as she sings her song, “Kiss.” Fans gasp and giggle as she invites a fan-boy onto the stage and honors him with a kiss on the cheek.

With the solo acts complete, the concert is far from over. The girls take the fans backstage, with a live camera, as they get ready for their next segment. Once onstage again, they perform their ballads, “It Hurts,” and “Lonely.” The audience waves their light sticks and mouths the words to the songs. The girls immediately lighten the mood with “In the Club.” Not long after this they sing their new hit single, “I Love You.” The song had only debuted around two weeks before the concert; yet the Blackjacks know all the words.

“Can’t Nobody,” is the last song of the night but when that ends the “Encore!” chants start, which 2NE1 is well prepared for. They come sliding back onstage, literally: there are giant inflatable slides for each of the girls to come down. Just like the start, the concert ends with a more fun and playful version of “Naega jeil jal naga.” The girls take their bows and dance off stage leaving no exception that they are truly the best.

Photos from 2NE1’s official Facebook page.