CL Is In A Class Of Her Own

On a sweltering afternoon, I’m seated on the outdoor balcony of K-pop icon CL's room at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. As I am about to pose my second interview question, she notices that I’m beginning to perspire and interjects: "Is it too warm here? Are you sure? Are you sure? We should go in." For one of the most famous figures in K-pop, Lee Chae-rin, better known by her stage name CL, comes across as surprisingly laidback and thoughtful.

The star, who was the leader and main rapper of the record-breaking girl group 2NE1, was in Singapore for Cartier's recent Panthère-themed exhibition event, Into the Wild. To say that the past 15 months have been a whirlwind of a comeback for CL is almost an understatement. In September 2021, she became the first K-pop female musician to attend the Met Gala in New York, and a month later, CL unleashed her long-awaited full-length solo album, Alpha. Just months ago, the artist surprised 2NE1 fans everywhere by bringing her former bandmates on the Coachella stage to perform their anthem, I am the Best. Yes, this is the same K-pop queen who warmly asked her team to get me a chair (and some tissue) for the interview to continue indoors.

Welcome to Singapore, CL! You're here for Cartier's Into the Wild. Tell us about a recent time when you went wild for something.

Thank you! Well, you know me (laughs). Keeping a wild side — I think everyone has that inside. And for me, it's when I'm on stage that I can be as wild as possible. And that's my favourite thing to do.

Congratulations on the one year anniversary of your album, Alpha. Looking back, how do you feel about it as a body of work?

Yes, thank you. For the project itself, Alpha was all about being independent. So just by releasing the album, it did its job for me. And it's me being able to — even recently — connect with the fans in person after all these years of not being able to. It has been a pleasure. And I feel that by doing that, it gives me, the songs and the project more life. Connecting in person — that's important.

Musically, what can fans expect from you next?

Alpha was more defining what CL is. For the next project, I want to explore newer sounds and different sides of me.

There are countless K-pop artists who have listed you as an inspiration and a key influence. At this stage of your career, how do you feel about these compliments?

I think it's always amazing to be appreciated and to feel understood by a fellow artist, whether they are young or old. To be in this industry and to be doing this together, feeling that love is always amazing. It's motivating and hopefully, I can give back a lot of whatever they need.

Is there anyone in the industry today who you find particularly inspiring?

For me, I definitely connect with a lot of female artists because I am one. Coming from a group, and now being a solo artist, I connect with female solo artists a lot. I feel like it involves a different journey compared to being in a group. So that category definitely inspires me a lot.

These days, K-pop is more influential than ever before. As an icon of K-pop, what are your hopes for the industry in the years to come?

Not to feel like I'm old or have been around, but even five or six years ago, when I would go to LA to work on music, they didn't even really know K-pop. Or there wasn't even word [going around] 10 years ago. And to come so far, it's amazing. Now, it's about having diversity within and that will give it longevity. It's not just about having this kind of group, or having this kind of style or sound. To have layers to that, I think it's important.

To many, you are a super woman when you're performing. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Wow (laughs). If I could have a super power? Anything? That's so hard. Honestly, I do believe that everyone does have a super power. Not in a Marvel way (laughs). Not in a Batman way, but I do believe everyone does. I think the greatest gift is if you could realise that. I could say, “oh, I want to fly” (laughs), but I think finding your power in real life, that's finding the gift, and it’s about having the love and discipline to execute that.

You’re known for your confidence, charisma and individuality on stage. When you’ve got a moment to yourself and can put Lee Chae-rin first, what do you like to do?

I don't know if I have a complete day off. Because it's a lifestyle. So even if I don't have a show for a couple of days, I can't log out (laughs). I try to do things that complement my lifestyle. I love going into nature, or spending time with family and friends. And just to balance things out. But yes, I can't really log out. I do love swimming. I love water. I love taking a bath and long showers. That's when I feel very peaceful. And a good cup of green tea never fails. I sound like a grandma! I don't sound fun at all but yes, I guess those are the things.