Block B Under Fire After Interview in Thailand and Offers Official Apologies

Lisa Lui on Monday, February 20, 2012 1:30AM

Block B is taking fire from not only fans, but idols including 2PM’s Nichkhun, Chansung and Junho after a video of an interview from their visit to Thailand on January 27th hit the web.

The video hit the web and revealed a very rowdy Block B as they yelled and clapped vigorously. In addition to being too casual during the interview, some of their comments were quite rude and insensitive.

An example of this is when the interviewer asked “what separates you from other Korean hip-hop artists?” (about the 9:15 mark). Zico responded with “If you look at hip-hop artists, they’re very ugly. But we feel confident in our technical abilities” to which the members burst out laughing and P.O. thrust his legs into the air while clapping his hands and feet together. Zico then continued, “And sometimes we get crazy assholes like him.” U-Kwon then ended up dancing around and imitated a monkey.

Block B also discussed the Thailand floods…sparking much anger from the viewers (starting at about 12:32). The interviewer apparently brought up the crisis and Zico’s response was, “I know that many people have it hard due to the flood. With this monetary aid, we hope that you will feel better. The only thing we have is money.” Another member then asked how much money he had, and Zico stated “About 7000 won?” which is about $6 USD…and the other members laughed.

It’s no surprise that 2PM’s Nichkhun and others were appalled by this interview and in response Nichkhun (@Khunnie0624) tweeted about it saying: “Those, who speak about things related to flooding in Thailand without having given it a decent thought, make Thai people feel bad. And instead of coming to Thailand and acting as you please, show some courtesy to this country and please display a proper attitude.”

2PM’s Junho (@dlwnsghek) also took notice and retweeted Nichkhun message along with his own words: “I’m not going to disclose the names, but as a fellow Korean I am embarrassed beyond control. It would be great if a person could behave properly knowing that in one single moment one single action can disgrace not only him, but also the people around him. I’m saying this as a human being, and as a senior.”

Chansung (@2PMagreement) also chimed in and stated, “Even if carelessness can seem inevitable even if you’re trying your best to avoid it, if you’re absent-minded and hurt others then act like you’re the best, that’s being careless. This is more than a mistake and proves that you’re that kind of person. Shame on you.”

Block B’s management, Brand New Stardom, responded that the boys were trying to have fun, but promised they were release a statement about the situation. Since then, all of the members of Block B have taken to the group’s fancafe and apologized for their actions. Taeil was the first to apologize and wrote:

I’m Sorry.

I’ll be the very first to give words of apology.

Even before this Thailand’s interview, there have been many words asking if we aren’t too free-spirited.
I think that despite being authorized to show this side to the public, we did not heed the small warnings, instead acting as if it was our merit, and caused this result.
I believe that every member was foolish.

I watched the Thailand interview video through the fans’ SNS messages and more.
Honestly, I was very surprised. I thought, “Those people in that video are us..
We were doing this media interview in such an irreverent manner” and I felt very ashamed.
I could really understand why people are saying that Block B is disgracing the country.

I, who was distracted with other things during the interview and overlooking rather than controlling the younger member’s behaviors, bow my head once again and give my apologies.

I will work harder than ever before. I will work harder and compensate through better music.
To the victims of the Thailand flood and our fans, I would like to apologize to everyone again.

We’ll show a more mature and humble Block B and Taeil. I’m sorry.

Block B’s leader, Zico also wrote:

With our crooked manners and behaviors beyond our common sense, we truly apologize in causing uproar in regards to the residents of Thailand who hadn’t necessarily come out of the shock of the flood.

Despite being an adult, we’re very embarrassed that we not only behaved absurdly or in such suggestive manner, but that we did not reckon the national disaster it had caused as well as the hearts of the victims of the flood.

From sitting while leaning against the sofa to shaking our legs and having side conversations with the members throughout the interview, as a public figure, we think that we cannot excuse ourselves in any way nor receive any form of forgiveness in that we could not differentiate the lines between acting freely to acting purely on our own desires, thoughtlessly trying to liven up the atmosphere in which we couldn’t control, and that we made a mistake in ruining the image we have of our country to those in Thailand today.

I am currently truly reflecting over my actions as I apologize in bowing my head again.

I apologize for my disrespectful interview in that I have caused another wound on top of the already existing scar and that I am ashamed. I’m sorry and sorry again.

Check out the video that’s under fire below.

Geez making fun of others and then talking about the crisis like it’s solely a monetary issue!? Words cannot express how appalled I am. I’m glad they apologized, but I really wish they would have realized this earlier and not almost a month later. I hope from now on, they and others really think about how their actions not only affect them but Korea in general.

What do you think of Block B’s behavior and Nichkhun and Junho’s responses to it?

Source: @dlwnsghek + @Khunnie0624 + @2PMagreement +4 + 5

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