I Love You (2NE1 song)

In a StarNews article published on May 21, 2012, an official from YG Entertainment revealed that 2NE1 had recorded seven new songs produced by Teddy Park and planned to release a new Korean album in mid-June.[1] After a month with no news, however, YG announced via YG Life on June 29 that 2NE1 would make a comeback with a new single titled "I Love You" on July 5, 2012, marking their first Korean language single since "Ugly" in a year.[2] The agency also announced initial plans for the release of a new single every three weeks, leading up to a new album.[3] "I Love You" was subsequently released for digital download and streaming as a single on July 5.[4] The song was produced by Teddy Park, who had worked on many of 2NE1's previous material—including "Fire" (2009), "Go Away" (2010) and "I Am the Best" (2011)—and was co-written by Park and Lydia Paek.[5]

The Japanese version of the single was first made available digitally on August 29, 2012 in Japan and was subsequently released as the group's third Japanese CD single on September 19 through YGEX—a joint venture between YG Entertainment and Avex. The Japanese lyrics were co-written by Keisuke, Tatsuji Ueda, Sunny Boy and Izumi Soratani.[6] It was physically distributed in two formats: a CD-only regular edition and a CD + DVD limited edition bundle.[7] "I Love You" was later included on the Japanese edition of 2NE1's third studio album titled Crush, which was released nearly two years later on June 25, 2014.[8]

Musically, "I Love You" was described as an affectionate, lush, and "moody synth" dance-pop number that combines elements of electronic and traditional Korean trot music instrumentals to create a "different sound" and a "new genre of music" contrasting with the styles the group has explored in the past.[9][10][11] The song is composed in the key of C minor with a tempo of 125 beats per minute, and has a length of 3:57.[12] In a press release, YG Entertainment stated that, "Since their debut, they have always done hip-hop, electronic, reggae and R&B. It was time for them to challenge themselves and try something new."[13] The incorporation of oriental trot instrumentation in the song is a reference to the genre being considered the earliest form of Korean popular music—dating back to the era of Korea under Japanese rule, and became the defining element of the Korean music scene throughout the 1900s.[14][15] Lyrically, "I Love You" is a confession song, with the songwriting depicting the emotions and confusion of a strong and independent, yet inexperienced, woman falling in love; as the members sing: "Don't get obsessed / Don't make me jealous / I'm still afraid of love / Give me faith like this."[16] In an interview with Star News, CL elaborated on the song's musical direction, saying:

"We have always tried to mix different genres, whether it be rock or acoustic or hip-hop. This time it's like trot. Japan has 'enka' music, and it seems to resonate well with the emotions. Since there is no such genre in the United States, I think it will feel fresh. We want to show the beauty of Korean culture through us."[17]

The first teaser for the song's music video was released on July 1, 2012, which composed a clip of Dara and Minzy singing snippets of their verses. It was followed up with similar teasers featuring CL and Bom singing their verses on July 2 and 3, respectively. On July 4, 2012, a 25-second teaser was uploaded, featuring all of the members as well as showcasing the song's full chorus.[39] "Slowly transitioning from space-pop styling to a more glamorous affair," as Bradley Stern writes, the members pose and pout on beds while showing off unique and intricate nail designs and looks.[40] It garnered more than 1 million views within 17 hours of being released.[4] The dance practice video for the song was uploaded to 2NE1's YouTube channel on July 10, 2012, which was recorded by YG Entertainment's founder Yang Hyun-suk.[41]

"I Love You" premiered on television with the group's performance on SBS' Inkigayo on July 8, 2012.[42] During the intro performance, CL rapped a verse from the then-unknown track "Falling in Love" in English with a parrot on her shoulder, which would be released as their next single exactly one year later.[43] For "I Love You", the stage additionally incorporated live swans for decorations; the use of live animals for the performance stirred controversy amongst netizens as some felt that it was "borderline animal cruelty". Their agency subsequently apologized for the insensitive gesture.[44] 2NE1 included "I Love You" in the set list for their first worldwide concert tour titled "New Evolution" where they embarked on later that month, which is considered to be the first worldwide tour and first American solo arena tour by a K-pop girl group.[45]

Following the Japanese release of "I Love You" on September 19, 2012, it was chosen as the official accompanying track for 2NE1's Maybelline New York endorsement campaign in Japan, which provided the theme song to one of the cosmetics company's newly launched mascara lines.[46] On October 18, 2012, 2NE1 performed the song along with "I Am the Best" at the K-Pop Collection in Okinawa, which was broadcast on November 1.[47] At the SBS K-Pop Super Concert in Irvine, California on November 10, the song was part of the group's set.[48] At year-end award shows and festivals, they performed the song at the annual Melon Music Awards on December 14,[49] SBS Gayo Daejeon on December 29,[50] and the MBC Gayo Daejejeon two days later.[51] They again performed the song at the 22nd Seoul Music Awards on January 31, 2013.[52]

Credits adapted from Melon.[54]

• 2NE1 – primary vocals
• Teddy Park – lyricist, composer, arranger
• Lydia Paek – composer