If you follow the K-pop music scene, no doubt you've wondered how a genre that sells out arena shows around the United States whenever its big acts come to town, and that is the basis for one of Los Angeles' bigger music events of the year (K-Pop Fest), has never had an act with a U.S. presence as strong as the European acts that have no problem breaking onto the airwaves. Well CL of the K-Pop group 2NE1 is looking to answer that question, according to Billboard, having signed on with Scooter Braun, the executive responsible for managing the affairs of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
Psy may be the biggest K-Pop name in the United States thanks to the absurd sales numbers of "Gangam Style," but 2NE1 has actually been a more impressive business operation overall across the country. The group's Crush album holds the record for the highest charting Korean pop album ever in the United States, and they're the only act aside from Psy to top Billboard's World Digital Songs Chart.
Just like Justin Timberlake was the obvious focal point in N'SYNC, CL is the main draw behind 2NE1. Consider her Fashion Week recognition thanks to being buddy-buddy with Jeremy Scott, plus her appearance on Skrillex's new album (with G-Dragon, who'd be our next best bet for a K-Pop star waiting to strike in big in America). Most importantly, CL is comfortable singing in both her native Korean and English, an ability that-for better or for worse-goes a long way in drawing English-speaking fans.
Braun is an obvious choice for CL in terms of management as he also handles Psy's American interests. We'll keep you updated as to when the K-Pop star begins work on a solo debut.
