CL's 'transformation' shocks fans
CL, performing in "MTV Spotlight @ Hyperplay" at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Aug. 4, appears fatter than most international fans remember her. Photos from social media
By Ko Dong-hwan
CL at Incheon International Airport on Aug. 3.
K-pop artist CL from defunct girl band 2NE1 shocked fans who believe the rapper, known for her charisma, sexiness and her appearance on Psy's music video and at the PyeongChang Olympics' closing ceremony, has apparently been neglecting to watch her weight.
Public relation staffer Shim Jae-geol from YG Entertainment, which manages her, declined to comment on her “transformation,” saying “it wouldn't be any woman's interest to talk about such topic.”
Media outlets and social media spread news, photos and videos of the star entering Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport on Aug. 3 surrounded by managers, chauffeurs and fans.
Wearing running shoes, ripped blue jeans, a black T-shirt and red-framed sunglasses over yellow-dyed hair, the former leader of the four-member band-with-attitude was completely devoid of the slim physique or chic fashion style that marked her “airport looks.”
A video showed the former adidas model entering the terminal and heading straight to the boarding area through a security gate, leaving behind the person filming the video. She did not forget to smile at reporters.
After her appearance at the airport, she performed in Singapore the next day for “MTV Spotlight @ Hyperplay” at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Hyperplay, the first concert that brings together esports and music, will feature on “MTV Spotlight” special on Aug. 21 in Southeast Asia.
Fans' photos and videos on social media show the star performing during the concert, wearing a huge white coat to hide her body.
Despite CL's looks, some audience members and fans praised her performance, sharing photos and videos.
Online fans posted footages from her latest gig. One said, “She's still hot as fire (no matter what size people are).” Another said, “Yeah, CL has gained weight but she's still the sexiest badass female idol.” Another posted that CL “reminds me of Mariah Carey's post-heyday glamor.”
A Twitter post referred to her performance as “truly a scene stealer” and said, “The power CL holds on the stage was and always will be amazing, one and only, baddest female.”
Apart from the positive feedback on her performance, shocked Koreans tried to make sense of why the star gained weight. One clue was her social media post from August 2017, in which she confessed that 2NE1's disbanding in November 2016 “shattered her.”
“It was all my life and (taking the toll) wasn't easy,” CL said in the online post. “I need time for restoration.”
CL in November 2013. Korea Times file
Fans pointed out that she might still be grieving about the end of the band, and therefore had failed to watch her weight.
Previous to her shocking exposure at the airport, she boasted her slim-fit look in COSMOPOLITAN magazine in June this year. She also acted in the film “Mile 22” in a minor role as “Queen.”
Debuting with the band in 2009, the musician, whose real name is Lee Chae-rin, remained an influential female artist in K-pop and won honors at Mnet 20's Choice 20's and at the Mnet Asian Music Award.
Announcing her debut as a solo artist in the U.S. in 2015, she released her first American single “Hello Bitches” followed by an extended play album “Lifted.” She then began her first North American “Hello Bitches Tour” in New York City, ending in Toronto, Canada.