Popular girl group 2NE1 is kicking off the first world tour for a Korean girl group, according to their agency YG Entertainment.

The four-member group is starting the tour with Seoul concerts on July 28 and 29 at the Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park. They are slated to tour a total of 10 cities in seven different countries in Asia, Americas and Europe. 

Since their debut in 2009, 2NE1 has enjoyed popularity at home and abroad, and are best known for their hip-hop sound, powerful choreography and stage presence. They made their Japanese debut in September last year with a mini-album “Nolza,” and topped Japan’s Oricon chart in the week of the album’s release.

Another popular girl group Wonder Girls, on the other hand, is holding a solo concert on July 7 at Seoul Olympic Stadium. The group recently released their latest album “Like This.”

Wonder Girls’ last solo concert was held three years ago.

Tickets for the concert, titled “Wonder World Tour in Seoul 2012,” will be on sale starting July 12 at www.yes24.com and www.interpark.com.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)