Minzy of ‘2NE1’ to Replace Momoland in UAAP Season 81 Opening?

Former ‘2NE1’ member Minzy Gong will set foot back in the Philippines!  The now soloist K-Pop singer and performer announced her upcoming stint on University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 opening on September 8. This is rumored to be the association’s solution to Momoland’s cancellation due to an event in Singapore on the same day.

Momoland is scheduled to be in Singapore on September 7-8 for the Hallyu Pop 2018 as seen on the official Hallyu Pop 2018 website. This caused confusion among fans since Mall of Asia Arena announced on August 19 through Twitter that the group will headline the opening of UAAP Season 81 which is happening on the same day. According to the post of Momoland Philippines on August 24, the group will not perform anymore due to a conflict in schedule. (See tweet below.)

Minzy and Momoland: Who Are They?

Although ‘2NE1’ disbanded two years ago, most of its members continued their careers as soloists. The lead, CL, debuted in the United States under Justin Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun. Sandara Park maintained her popularity in Korea and in the Philippines by starring in shows and commercials worldwide. Minzy transferred into another agency and started her own dance academy. Meanwhile, after the backlash on Bom’s issue with smuggling drugs to Korea, she chose to reflect on her behavior. Although the claims turned out to be false, 2NE1’s reputation remained tainted in the public eye.

Before disbanding, Minzy tried to learn English by practicing and writing songs. She is the member who least knows the language. But their agency, YG Entertainment, decided that Minzy was not too passionate with her duties. However, before leaving YG Entertainment, Minzy was able to produce two songs while being a soloist called “Ninano” and “Superwoman.”

On the other hand, Momoland is a newer girl group who debuted in 2016. Through a show called “Finding Momoland,” the seven-member team rose to prominence. Since then, they signed with the agency MLD Entertainment. But in the release of their first EP, two other members were added to the group. The now nine-member group continues to dominate the charts in Korea and Philippines as well.

Recently, their member Nancy was compared to Liza Soberano. Netizens say that Nancy looks like Soberano. This boosted their prominence in the Philippines. In an event last August 18, Momoland graced Solaire Hotel and Casino with a performance along with other KPOP idols.

KPOP Invasion in the Philippines

KPOP is a big fad in the country. Although there is a barrier in terms of language, the type of music Korea produces still connects to Filipinos. In fact, 2018 is a year of KPOP concerts. In the current line up, three boy groups dominate the list. Seventeen from the agency Pledis Entertainment will perform on September 29 in Mall of Asia Arena for their “Ideal Cut” Tour. YG Entertainment’s Winner and IKON will take November 10 and 11 respectively on Mall of Asia Arena.

MOMOLAND will not perform on UAAP anymore due to conflict of schedule 🙂#MOMOLAND @MMLD_Official @mld_official_ @MMLD_supporters https://t.co/9nKaooTqbG

— 모모랜드 MOMOLAND🇵🇭 OFFICIAL (@MOMOLANDPH1) August 24, 2018