Block B's behavior during an interview in Thailand roused criticisms + official apologies
Block B is in the center of attention after a certain interview from Thailand went online and harbored criticisms from the netizens. On the 19th of February, a video interview of Block B's visit to Thailand last January 27th started circulating online and has been getting negative responses for the behavior displayed.
During the interview, Block B was seen showing a rowdy image, as they yelled and sat vigorously clapping. It was also discussed online as to how they were casually distracting the entire interview and were said to have made a comment about Thailand's recent flooding. The said behavior while in an interview roused the netizens to ask if the group wasn't taking things too far. Further expressing if hip hop idol groups or artists are used to a free spirited image.
Block B's management also sent out a statement in response to the speculations stating that the group was merely trying to have some fun but promised that they will soon release a statement about the situation. They later revealed personal messages by all of the group's members (added at the bottom of this article).
As the interview video started circulating online a while back, netizens were alerted once 2PM's Nichkhun tweeted what looked like an indirect message to the group on the matter. Just awhile ago, the boy group's Thai member made an update 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." At the same time, fellow 2PM member Junho retweeted the same message and also stating that, "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."
In the meantime the Block B members themselves have been confronted with their own behavior by watching the interview and comments themselves and have started sending out their apologies. Member Taeil was the first to reveal his apology through the group's fancafe. After him, the others followed, sending out messages such as "We were not aware of the seriousness of the situation. We were too rude and we are reflecting on our actions. Again, I am apologizing. We are sorry." (Kyung), "To the citizens of Thailand, I am truly sorry" (Jaehyo), and "I lacked common sense through my words and actions. For that, I truly sincerely apologize" (Zico).
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.
And Leader Zico's apology.
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.
What do you think of Block B's behavior during the interview? Any thoughts on Nichkhun and Junho's indirect message?
Block B's Apologies
2PM's Tweets
Source: Newsen, RYT9, @Khunnie0624, @dlwnsghek, @2PMAlways, blockbintl, BlockB and heodang
Miyako 33 Points
they were stupid and they had to apologise, which they did, so i guess it's okay now. I just hope they don't do it again.
chanseobie 24 Points
Well, I don't know I heard about all this in the morning. I'm part Thai so it hits home. I'm glad they apologized pretty quickly so they still have some of my respect. I don't know if I forgive them just yet. Meanwhile, I've read some fans apologizing on their behalf and I say fans shouldn't need to do that. I want them to just look at it in the eye & admit their pop-stars aren't 100% perfect.
ThaiKPOPLvr 0 Points
The apology is appreciated, but the Thai people will NEVER support Block B!
hingEMY 0 Points
BBCs know Block B members aren't perfect, they know it themselves and that is why we love them that much. From a french point of view, I didn't take this serisouly. Don't you know what irony and humour is ? I myself laughed hearing Zico. He was just trying to lighten the atmosphere. Just let them be who they are. Saying Thai people will NEVER support Block B is so childrish. Someone who knows what forgiveness is, will succeed in his life.
As for me, I don't apologize for Block B, it's their matters, not mine. All I have to do is to support them. I wasn't disappointed by them, I'm just proud they are enough mature to apologize themself. As long as I know they didn't mean to be rude, I'm fine.
Forgive them or not, it's up to you. I'm sure good people with a huge heart open-minded will forgive them.
A real BBCs will always stand by Block B' side. No matter what. This is what fans do.
ElizaBen 1 Points
After every scandal 2PM has been through, they need to STFU. Sorry. I understand Khun but even he doesn't need to stick his hands into someone else's affairs, especially after what he said about the tsunami.
Ria 266 Points
haha! i forgot about that! at least block b didn't say that the floods were just rearranging the thai bedroom....
erina 25 Points
I watched the interview and it wasn't all bad. There were some parts that were actually fun to watch. But some comments and behaviour of theirs were kinda inappropriate... But they made a mistake and they apologised so the bashing/cursing should all stop already. Let's just hope they learn from their mistakes. :)
@ThaiKPOPLvr "Thai people will NEVER support Block B!" << I don't think all Thai would agree to that. I'm not a fan of Block B but I won't say I won't support them just because of this incident.
...And Nichkhun has every right to express his thought about this. :]
Selvie 20 Points
I'm really glad that they took self-reflecting time.. and sincerely apology knowing that they might've crossed over the line too far.
That's so mature of them.
They're yet newbies with lot of shortcomings... but I'm sure they'll learn from this experience.
And I also respect Khun and JunHo's opinion.
As sunbaes.. they are allowed (and personally, I think it's rather wise) to give their opinion.
I love both Block B and 2PM.