Minzy Speaks Up About 2NE1 'Goodbye' Single: 'It's a Shame'

Former 2NE1 member Gong Minzy took to Instagram on Thursday (Jan. 19) to express her disappointment regarding the group’s final farewell song. Although she’s featured in the official promotional picture for 2NE1’s “Goodbye,” Minzy was unaware that the group’s other members were releasing a new recording.

“It's a shame that I had to find out 2NE1 will be releasing their final album through a news article,” wrote Minzy. “This is very unfortunate as I was previously a member of the group 2NE1.” (The English translation of the post erroneously referred to “Goodbye” as an album rather than a single.)

The youngest member of the hugely successful 2NE1, Minzy departed the group last April at the end of her contract with YG Entertainment. The group appeared set to continue on as a trio and were poised to release a new album, until YG Entertainment announced their sudden disbandment in November. The three other members -- Dara, Park Bom, and CL -- announced earlier this month that they would release one final farewell single to “express how sorry they are” to fans.

In her message, Minzy conveyed her disappointment in not participating in, or even being aware of, the group's final song. She also thanked fans for their continued support of all four 2NE1 members.

The statement was uploaded to Minzy’s personal Instagram account in both Korean and English along with promotional pictures of 2NE1 from their first (“Lollipop”) and final singles (“Gotta Be You”). Minzy also added the hashtags “#2NE1,” “#Fourever,” and “#Goodbye.”

On Jan. 18, 2NE1’s social media team shared a promotional picture for the single, “Goodbye,” which featured all four members of the group. As it circulated throughout the Internet, 2NE1’s fans, known as Blackjacks, speculated that the group was releasing “Goodbye” as a whole quartet but Minzy’s message laid to rest all rumors.

This is the second time Minzy addressed Blackjacks through Instagram; in May she thanked fans for supporting her and promised to work harder in the future.

Between their debut in 2009 and their break-up in 2016, 2NE1 was considered one of South Korea's most popular girl groups. With hits like "I Am The Best" and "Lonely," the act broke stereotypes within the K-pop industry and garnered an intense international following.

Since leaving 2NE1, Minzy moved to MusicWorks Entertainment and is pursuing a career as a soloist. Read Minzy’s statement below:

It's a shame that I had to find out 2NE1 will be releasing their final album through a news article. This is very unfortunate as I was previously a member of the group 2NE1, but I share the same feelings as the other members in wanting to show appreciation and bid farewell to everyone for all their love and support of 2NE1. I am truly grateful and sincerely appreciate all the love 2NE1 received and hope for your extended love and support as the members continue on in their individual careers. Thank you.