Fire was released in 2009 as the debut single of South Korean girl group 2NE1, helping define the bold, electronic sound of second-generation K-pop. The track became one of the group's signature songs and remains closely associated with their confident image. Online, short clips from the song have been reused for years in fan edits, entrance memes and hype videos, where the instantly recognisable hook signals attitude and energy without needing the full track or any spoken introduction.