1. Biography
- Real Name: Park Bom (박봄)
- Stage Name: Bom
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1984
- Country of Origin: South Korea (Seoul)
- Field of Activity: Singer
- Notable for: Main vocalist of 2NE1
- Instagram: @newharoobompark
2. Early Life and Background
Growing up in Seoul, Park Bom comes from a musically inclined family, with her older sister Park Go-eun being a cellist. During her time in junior high school in the United States, she was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her dedication to music led her to pursue education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, from which she graduated in 2008. This strong musical foundation would later prove instrumental in her career development.
3. Career
Park Bom’s journey to stardom began with persistent determination, auditioning for YG Entertainment multiple times over three years before finally being accepted in 2006. During her trainee period, she collaborated with several prominent artists, featuring on Big Bang’s early singles “We Belong Together” and “Forever with U,” as well as working with artists like Lexy and Red Roc.
Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she debuted as the main vocalist of 2NE1 alongside CL, Dara, and Minzy. The group quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of South Korea’s most influential girl groups globally. During this period, she also launched a successful solo career with hits like “You and I” (2009) and “Don’t Cry” (2011), both reaching #1 on the Gaon Digital Chart.
Following 2NE1’s disbandment in 2016, Park Bom took time to regroup before making a powerful comeback in 2019 under D-Nation Entertainment. She has since released several successful digital singles including “Spring,” “4:44” featuring Wheein from Mamamoo, and collaborations with artists like Changmo. In 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by holding her first solo concert, “You & I.”
Now, Park Bom has been making a strong return with 2NE1, who reunite with various concert and musical performances.
4. Style and Influence
Park Bom is known for her distinctive, powerful vocal tone that has become her signature in K-pop. Her voice has been praised by industry figures, including G-Dragon who noted that “In every song that her voice goes, it’s a hit.” Her emotional delivery and unique timbre have made her one of K-pop’s most recognizable voices, particularly in ballads and R&B-influenced tracks.
5. Personal Life/Health
Park Bom has been open about her health challenges, including her ADHD diagnosis and struggles with lymphadenitis, which she was diagnosed with during her trainee period. Her transparency about these issues has helped raise awareness and understanding among fans and the public.
6. Scandals/Controversies
Due to her changed appearance, Park Bom was often accused of “overusing” plastic surgery. However, the female idol disclosed that she suffered from lymphadenitis, and the disease was what caused her face to change. She also affirmed that she did no such thing as plastic surgery, but that wasn’t enough to escape the public’s ire. Instead of caring about her, people were only complaining about how Park Bom was no longer pretty, even calling the idol hideous.
Afterwards, Park Bom faced fierce criticism after netizens dug up an old case in 2010. At the time, the 2NE1 member was stopped at airport customs for carrying 82 amphetamine pills, and was even reported to officials in October. However, Park Bom was declared innocent after showing her medical records, which revealed that the idol needed the drug for her Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Despite having her name cleared, the incident led to Park Bom taking a temporary hiatus from the entertainment industry.
At the time, Park Bom admitted herself that she started to hate performance due to harsh internet comments directed at her
7. Achievements and Awards
Park Bom’s remarkable career is studded with significant achievements that showcase her impact on the K-pop industry. Her solo debut “You and I” (2009) was a massive commercial success, earning her the prestigious Best Digital Single award at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards. This achievement was particularly notable as it established her credibility as a solo artist while still being an active member of 2NE1.
Her follow-up single “Don’t Cry” (2011) further cemented her position in the industry by achieving a perfect all-kill on Instiz, topping seven local music charts simultaneously. Her collaborative works have also received significant recognition, particularly “Having an Affair” with G-Dragon and Park Myeong-su, which became the second most downloaded song of 2011. This demonstrated her ability to succeed both as a solo artist and in collaborations with other prominent industry figures.
Throughout her career, Park Bom has consistently received recognition at major award shows. She has won at the Cyworld Digital Music Awards, including Song of the Month for both “You and I” and “Having an Affair.” Her comeback single “Spring” in 2019 earned her multiple nominations at prestigious award shows including the Gaon Chart Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards, demonstrating her enduring relevance in the industry. The same year, she was honored with the R&B Artist Award at the Soribada Best K-Music Awards, acknowledging her contribution to the genre.
Park Bom’s first solo concert “You & I” in 2023 showcased her longevity and continued evolution as an artist. This milestone event, coming after nearly two decades in the industry, proves her enduring appeal and ability to maintain a dedicated fan base throughout different phases of her career.
