Lee Chae-rin — Biography
Lee Chae-rin, more famously known as CL, is a talented South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter. Originating from Seoul, she spent a significant portion of her formative years in both Japan and France. In 2009, she gained widespread recognition as a member of the girl group 2NE1, which became one of the most successful South Korean girl groups globally. Making her solo debut with the single "The Baddest Female" in May 2013, CL followed up with the song "MTBD" in February 2014, featured on 2NE1's last studio album, Crush.
After the group's hiatus in early 2015, CL embarked on her solo path, releasing singles such as "Hello Bitches" in 2015 and "Lifted" in 2016. With "Lifted," she became the first female Korean solo artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and the third Korean artist overall to achieve this milestone. In November 2016, following a nearly two-year hiatus, YG Entertainment announced 2NE1's disbandment, but CL continued with the label. After departing from YG in December 2019, she released her solo EP, In the Name of Love, which features six tracks written over the preceding three years since "Lifted." Her debut studio album, titled Alpha, was released in October 2021.
In July 2024, 2NE1 reunited, and CL resumed her activities within the group under YG Entertainment. In recognition of her influence, she was ranked 2nd and 25th in readers' polls for Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, she appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2019 and was celebrated by The Guardian as one of the greatest girl group members of all time. Beyond her musical career, CL has also earned recognition as a style icon by various international publications.
After the group's hiatus in early 2015, CL embarked on her solo path, releasing singles such as "Hello Bitches" in 2015 and "Lifted" in 2016. With "Lifted," she became the first female Korean solo artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and the third Korean artist overall to achieve this milestone. In November 2016, following a nearly two-year hiatus, YG Entertainment announced 2NE1's disbandment, but CL continued with the label. After departing from YG in December 2019, she released her solo EP, In the Name of Love, which features six tracks written over the preceding three years since "Lifted." Her debut studio album, titled Alpha, was released in October 2021.
In July 2024, 2NE1 reunited, and CL resumed her activities within the group under YG Entertainment. In recognition of her influence, she was ranked 2nd and 25th in readers' polls for Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, she appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2019 and was celebrated by The Guardian as one of the greatest girl group members of all time. Beyond her musical career, CL has also earned recognition as a style icon by various international publications.
