Park Bom opened up about her personal journey, her years in the industry, and her bond with her fellow 2NE1 members while also addressing the drug controversy involving Sandara Park, hoping that the issue will be "treated as if it never happened."
It was in early March when Bom said that she was framed to hide Sandara’s alleged drug use. At the time, Sandara denied the allegations and simply said she wished Bom well.
READ: 2NE1’s Park Bom claims she was framed to hide Sandara Park’s alleged drug use
On April 17, Bom shared a handwritten letter in a now-deleted Instagram post where she reflected on her journey as an artist and praised 2NE1 members for their individuality.
“I am writing this thinking it might be my final message to you all… I came to Korea to become a singer after studying abroad in the U.S. It’s an unexpected story, but please listen,” Bom began her letter, as translated by South Korean media outlet, The Chosun Daily.
She continued by recalling her determination to succeed as a vocalist and the long process that led to her debut, detailing years of auditions and sacrifices in pursuit of her dream.
“I am Park Bom, in charge of vocals. I am a singing prodigy… Even during my time as a student abroad, I was very popular for my singing. After returning to Korea from the U.S., I went through countless auditions with many people, abandoned my parents’ expectations and dreams as a student abroad, and came to Korea without saying a word. For three years, I did auditions without promises or expectations until I met YG. With the correct judgment and obsession to become the best at singing, I took charge of vocals in Captain Planet…”
Bom then shifted the tone of her letter to her fellow 2NE1 members, expressing admiration for each of them and highlighting their individual strengths within the group.
She described leader CL as a standout performer and creative force in the group.
“She is a performance god! To that extent! Impromptu choreography, expressions, everything just ‘clicks’!… She is a rapper. I can’t describe her in detail, but she is a friend from a French school who came to Korea. We all came from far away, didn’t we??”
“Lee Chae-rin is a truly impressive person. She does everything stylishly… She is also honestly stylish… She oversees everything that makes things stylish,” she added.
The singer then turned her attention to the group’s youngest member, Minzy, praising her natural talent and stage presence.
“Well-known as the granddaughter of Lee Eun-seok, a designated national treasure dancer, Gong Min-ji is truly admirable, as if she inherited her bloodline,” Bom wrote.
“She is a dance god! Her dancing is magical… Even I find her mesmerizing. She is a straightforward, impulsive, and peculiar person… Refreshing… That’s why I always smile and watch her first during performances. It’s partly because of her dancing,” she continued.
Bom also expressed admiration for Sandara, whom she previously made allegations against, noting that she had long been a fan of her even before debuting together.
“Lastly, my Sandara… Sandara is a princess from the Philippines… I was a fan from the start. I even watched human documentaries on time just to see her…”
READ: Sandara Park reacts to fellow 2NE1 member Park Bom's drug allegations: 'I wish her well'
She went on to describe their onstage chemistry and Sandara’s role within the group.
“When I sing with her, the main vocalist in the team, the synergy creates a beautifully pretty voice. Everyone works hard, but even though she is an older sister, she uses her squid-like body, endures pain during performances, and shows relentless effort. I know everything. She is in charge of the brain in Captain Planet. She is brilliant. She is also described as having a manager-like role.”
Bom ended her message with an emotional note of appreciation for all members, saying she had long wanted to express her thoughts about their journey together.
“First, thank you for raising us, who gathered so difficultly. Thank you so much for raising us in Korea… You raised us all, and I hope my heart reaches the group 2NE1. I wanted to convey my heart, so I left this letter.”
She also directly addressed the drug controversy, expressing her hope for closure and understanding moving forward, saying how she hopes for it to be ‘treated as if it never happened’.
“Actually I am writing because I want that drug-related story to be treated as if it never happened… It would be such a waste because it was a miracle that the four of us met given the big age differences and how absurd it is… I am writing this letter.. You raised us tenderly and I am very grateful,” Bom concluded, as translated by Maeil Business.
As of this writing, the 2NE1 members have yet to comment on her statement.