After nearly five years since making their K-pop debut, the four ladies of 2NE1 are finally releasing the act’s second full studio album titled “Crush.”

The group’s upcoming album is slated to be released on Feb. 24, the same day rivaling powerhouse girl group Girls’ Generation is scheduled to release its comeback EP album “Mr. Mr.”

YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk is calling this album 2NE1’s “first full album with brand new songs,” explaining that the ladies’ debut studio album featured only a few new tracks coupled with all of the group’s previously released digital singles. Yang has thus stated that he has chosen not to include 2NE1’s most recent digital single releases ― “I Love You,” “Falling In Love,” “Do You Love Me” and “Missing You” ― and will instead release an album featuring brand new music.

2NE1 will launch the group’s second world tour with two concert performances on March 1 and 2 at Seoul Olympic Park’s SK Olympic Handball Stadium, where the members will perform their newest songs live for the first time.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)