[News] Block B Answers to 2PM Nichkhun, "We Are Deeply Sorry For Being a Disappointment to Our Country's People."

Boy group Block B has been under fire regarding their behaviour during an interview they gave in Thailand.

During the interview portion, the members displayed a questionable and immature behaviour and also made some controversial comments in regards to the recent floods in Thailand. When asked about the floods they answered, "I know about it. I was pretending I didn't but I do."

They also added, "We wish Thai people would heal the damage in their hearts through financial donations, and all we have is money."

But they apologized and are currently reflecting upon their mistakes. They issued an official apology through their agency and also posted a video on Youtube where they were shown bowing to the viewers and fans. Leader Zico also shaved his head to show remorse for his actions as the leader of the group.

Block B's agency also reported that member P.O was hospitalized for shock after he found out about a petition asking for their suicide.

However, there was no trace of the said petition online and fans speculated that the petition was used as a strategy from Block B's agency to attract sympathy.

In regards to this complex situation, Block B's Zico was recently quoted saying, "We're deeply sorry and we regret what we did. We are reflecting upon our actions."

Block B's words deeply touched 2PM's Thai member Nichkhun whose reaction on Twitter was, "As a Thai person I feel offended by those who speak about the Thailand floods without thinking. Also instead of coming to Thailand and acting mindlessly, please respect the country’s manners, and only act in a proper way." 2PM members Chansung and Junho also tweeted about the incident.

Block B recently appeared on KBS 2TV's "Entertainment Weekly". On the February 25 broadcast of "Entertainment Weekly," Block B members gave an interview where they confessed their mistakes and also showed that they were seriously reflecting on themselves.

When asked about how they felt about 2PM Nickchun's piece of advice, Zico commented, "What Nichkhun sunbae said was the truth. We understood that what we did was a big mistake. What we did didn't include and damage ourselves only but Korea's people as a whole. We also understood that our actions damaged the reputation of K-Pop singers."

They also added, "As Korean singers we truly feel sorry for having been a disappointment and for having brought shame to our country's people and our fans. We're deeply regretting our actions and are reflecting upon them."

Don't you think the time has come for Block B to be forgiven?

Source: soompi

[News] Online vote for 2PM’s Japanese album track list draws 30,000 netizens

An online vote for the track list of 2PM's new Japanese album drew 30,000 netizens.

On March 14th, 2PM will be releasing a best hits album titled '2PM Best of 2008-2011 in Korea'. This album, set for release in Japan, will feature a track list made up of fan favorite Korean songs.

An online vote was opened from January 18th to January 30th, and it drew over 30,000 fans who flocked to vote for their favorite songs. As a result, songs such as "10 Points out of 10," "Heartbeat" and "Hand Up" were selected as 2PM's greatest hits.

A total of fifteen fan-selected songs will be featured in this best hits album. Furthermore, member Junsu's self composed track, 'Alive' as well as Junho and Wooyoung's yet to be revealed track, 'Move On' will be included in the album.

Additionally, 2PM will be holding a "Guess the track list" event with the release of this album. 5 fans who correctly guess the entire track list will be invited to 2PM's Japanese performance on May 24-30th.

In related news, 2PM is currently in the midst of their Asian tour.

Source: Naver via allkpop

[News] Forbes Korea ranks the ‘Top 40 Celebrities’ of Korea

In celebration of their 9th year of establishment, Forbes Korea has reported this year’s list of the top 40 ‘Power Celebrities’, and Girls’ Generation has topped the list for the second year in a row.

‘Celebrity’ refers to an individual who is widely known by the masses, and Forbes takes 100 of these celebrities and ranks them based on income, influence, fame, and professionalism.

This format is the same that Forbes in the United States uses for their ‘Celebrity 100' list, and the list is reported on an annual basis.

Girls’ Generation claimed the top two spots under the categories of most articles published, the highest number of television advertisements, TV appearances, and more. Additionally, the #1 celebrity most wanted by broadcasting companies is none other than Girls’ Generation, and the girls shot 36 television advertisements last year alone, and their album ‘The Boys‘ released late last year has sold over 380,000 copies.

The interesting thing to note about this year’s list is that 10 of the top 20 celebrities are idol singers. Here’s the breakdown of the idols in the top 20: Girls’ Generation in at #1, Big Bang at # 2, IU at #3, KARA at #4, B2ST at #9, 2PM at #11, JYJ at #13, TVXQ at #15, Super Junior at #16, and T-ARA at #17. The reason why these idols have made the list is because they have played a huge part in spreading K-pop awareness all over the globe. Flash mobs from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and more began requesting performances from their favorite K-pop artists in their home countries, and cover-dance teams emulating K-pop choreographies have grown in number.

The only celebrities from last year’s list who made it within the top 10 this year are Olympic Gold medalist figure skater Kim Yuna, actor/singer Lee Seung Gi, and Manchester United soccer player Park Ji Sung. Of all the celebrities, Kim Yuna has had the most media influence.

The list of Top 20 is as follows :

1.) Girls’ Generation
2.) Big Bang
3.) IU
4.) KARA
5.) Kim Yuna (World Champion Figure Skater & Olympic Gold Medalist)
6.) Lee Seung Gi (Actor / Singer)
7.) Park Ji Sung (Midfielder for Manchester United & former Captain of Korean National Soccer Team)
8.) Kim Tae Hee (Actress / Model)
9.) B2ST
10.) Park Tae Hwan (Champion Swimmer & Olympic Gold Medalist)
11.) 2PM
12.) Kang Ho Dong (Comedian / MC)
13.) JYJ
14.) Shin Se Kyung (Actress)
15.) TVXQ
16.) Super Junior
17.) T-ARA
18.) Shin Soo Choo (Major League Baseball Player for Cleveland Indians, Silver at World Baseball Classic, Gold at Asian Games)
19.) Yoo Jae Suk (Comedian / MC)
20.) Lee Chung Yong (Footballer for Premier League club Bolton Wanderers)

Do you agree with the Forbes list?

Source: allkpop