2NE1 Embrace Oldest Form of K-Pop

Manufactured girl band 2NE1 have their eye squarely on the international market with a style of K-pop they have dubbed "electrot," which combines Korea's oldest pop genre, trot, with electronic elements.

"People outside of Asia still think of Japan or China before Korea when they hear the word 'Asia.' We wanted to approach the fans around the world with a novel yet very Korean music," band members said at a press junket Friday.

2NE1 are showcasing the style with their new single "I Love You," which they say is part of an attempt to expand into different genres.

Band member Sandara Park is quoted as saying, "We initially wanted to release an official regular album, but the process takes so long because we work so hard on every single song. So we decided to release a single and add more songs later to complete a mini-album by the end of the year."

Starting with concerts in Seoul on June 28 and 29, 2NE1 embark on a world tour of 10 cities in seven countries including Europe, Japan and the U.S.