However, the reveal of the group’s new official lightstick by YG Entertainment has sparked disappointment among many.
Fans expressed that 2NE1 already had a distinct lightstick design, and they view the new version as a step down.
The original lightsticks stood out and perfectly captured the essence of the group’s fandom, BLACKJACK, named after the card game where 21 is the winning number. The earlier designs reflected this theme, making them unique. In contrast, the new lightstick features a more standard sphere shape, which fans find overly simplistic.
To add to their concerns, many BLACKJACKs were upset by the apparent change in color. While 2NE1’s official fandom color has always been hot pink, the new lightstick seems to lean towards red, leaving fans feeling that the group’s legacy and identity are being ignored.
Some fans have even suggested better design alternatives that would have honored the original concept while still updating the lightstick.
As a result of the dissatisfaction, many BLACKJACKs are refusing to purchase the new lightstick and are instead calling for YG Entertainment to restock the original design.
In addition to the lightstick controversy, 2NE1’s new concert merchandise has also faced criticism for different reasons.