A spectacle of resilience and adoration 15 years in the making.
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, one group has consistently remained a force to be reckoned with, touching fans’ hearts for 15 years. That group is none other than 2PM, and their recent online concert ‘It’s 2PM’ was a testament to their enduring popularity and unwavering commitment to their fans.
I was able to watch the concert’s livestream from the comfort of my home where I was transported into a world of nostalgia, high-energy performances, and a renewed appreciation for this extraordinary group. It was a reminder of why I became a fan 15 years ago.
The Legacy of 2PM
2PM is a six-member boy band formed under JYP Entertainment that made their debut with 10 out of 10 in 2008. Comprising of members Jun K, Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho and Chansung, the group quickly gained recognition for their dance skills, acrobatic choreography, charisma and unique concept of blending the rough and tough image with a playful, boy-next-door charm.
Over the years, the group achieved tremendous success, both in South Korea and internationally. Their hit songs, such as Again and Again, Heartbeat and I’ll Be Back, became anthems for fans worldwide. Yet, their journey didn’t always run smoothly. 2PM faced their share of challenges and ups and downs, which only made their bond with their fans known as ‘Hottest’ grow stronger.
The 15-Year Journey
Being a fan of 2PM for 15 years means witnessing a rollercoaster of emotions. From the early days of their meteoric rise to the pinnacles of their success, Hottest experienced it all. We laughed, cried and cheered together.
One of the defining moments in 2PM’s history was the infamous 2009 controversy surrounding former member and leader Jaebeom. The group initially debuted with seven members, but Jaebeom left not long after controversies arose from his posts on
social media.
Despite the hardships, the group came together, their unity stronger than ever. They faced challenges head-on and their resilience in the face of adversity only deepened their connection with fans.
The group’s journey was marked by individual pursuits as well. Many of the members ventured into acting and solo careers, demonstrating their versatility and determination to grow as artistes.
This period of personal exploration allowed fans to see different sides of their idols and appreciate their talents beyond the stage.
With enlistments and their dwindling group activities, it left many fans wondering whether 2PM would ever be seen performing altogether again.
As I waited for the livestream to start, the anticipation was palpable. I watched the counter from 10 minutes to the start of the show, not wanting to wait a single second.
The Online Extravaganza
The group’s last concert together was in 2017, so the livestream was a long-awaited event for fans who patiently supported 2PM throughout their careers.
The concert began with an intro video highlighting 2PM’s journey over the years. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, showcasing their evolution from rookies to seasoned performers. It was a reminder of the memories 2PM and the fans shared together.
The stage came to life, and 2PM emerged to thunderous applause. Their charisma was as potent as ever, and they kicked off the concert with a medley of their signature hits including I’ll Be Back, Go Crazy and Hands Up. The choreography, vocals, energy and the members’ chemistry on stage brought me back to the golden era of K-pop.
The concert was a whirlwind of emotions and musical diversity. From the heartwarming ballad My House to the explosive energy of Go Crazy, 2PM showcased their versatility as performers.
Although I was at home watching the concert by myself, I did not feel alone. A friend was also watching at her house and we were texting each other after every song and notable interaction. And as cliché as it may sound, it really felt like we were there and experiencing it for ourselves. There was also a chat option during the livestream – it was fun reading the comments and seeing fans all over the world show their excitement for the group’s performance.
2PM also ensured that fans watching the livestream did not feel left out. They often addressed those watching the concert online, showing how appreciative they were for fans all around the world.
During the concert, 2PM took moments to interact with fans, sharing their thoughts and feelings. Thankfully, the livestream also included live subtitles in multiple languages, so I never felt like I missed out on anything.
A Glimpse into Their Lives
They also expressed gratitude for Hottests’ unwavering support over the years and shared personal anecdotes from their careers and lives.
It was heartwarming to hear them speak candidly about their journey, the challenges they faced, and the importance of their bond with their fans. They even made jokes about embarrassing moments that they wished fans would forget and never speak of again, such as their so-called ‘futuristic’ concept for I’ll Be Back at a festival in 2010.
One of the most emotional moments came when the members spoke about their hiatus due to military service and their return as a group. It was a touching moment as they thanked fans for patiently waiting for their return. The mutual love and appreciation between 2PM and Hottest were palpable, even through a screen.
The Future of 2PM
As ‘It’s 2PM’ drew to a close with a highly demanded encore, I couldn’t help but reflect on the group’s enduring legacy. They weathered storms, both individually and as a group, and emerged stronger. 2PM had grown with their fans, and their music left a mark on the K-pop industry.
Over the years, Taecyon and Chansung had signed with different agencies, marking the end of an era. However, this does not spell the end of 2PM. The members expressed their commitment to continue their journey together and explore new opportunities. As they venture into new territories and challenges, Hottest will undoubtedly be right there with them, supporting and cheering them on. The ‘It’s 2PM’ concert was not just a musical extravaganza – it was a celebration of resilience, admiration and the enduring bond between artistes and fans. As a fan who has been on this journey for 15 years, watching the livestream did bring tears to my eyes. It was a reminder of my younger and more carefree years, and how the group’s music was an integral part of my growing up – I bonded with friends over the group and took trips overseas to watch their concerts where I also made new friends with other fans. Watching the livestream reminded me or the shared experiences that made 2PM an integral part of fans’ lives.
As the final notes of 10 out of 10 faded away, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the music, the laughter, and tears that 2PM brought into my (and other fans).
Will their journey as a group continue? Who knows, but I have no doubt that Hottests around the world will be there, cheering them on, just as we have for the past 15 unforgettable years. – Lina Gapar
