Anti-Korean Fans Call 2PM’s Nichkhun Pro-Japanese over CG Mishap

2PM’s Nichkhun has been involved in an anti-Korean controversy after his recent drink commercial in Thailand emerged as containing pro-Japanese sentiment. In the commercial, Nichkhun speaks a line in Japanese after performing in front of a screen that shows Japan’s “Rising Sun Flag,” which is perceived as offensive in a lot of Asian countries for its association with Japanese Imperialism. Some of the extreme anti-Korean netizens in Japan are even reported to have mocked Nichkhun by calling him, “A K-Pop star trying to be Japanese in Thailand.”

2PM’s Thailand Concert a Success

2PM wrapped up a successful Thailand concert. First 2PM left for Thailand on February 16. On February 17 2PM held a “High Five” event with nearly 3000 fans. Also, on the same day during a press conference 2PM stated that they would be donating some of the proceeds from the concert towards “Red Cross Thailand.”

Block B’s Controversial Behaviour in Thailand Outrages 2PM Members

Recently Block B had an interview on a television show in Thailand. In the interview, Block B showed a careless attitude during the interval of questions, in which you can see the members playing and goofing around and even laying down over the table during the televisive interview. The situation got worse when the interviewer asked their thoughts about the recent flood going on in Thailand. Member and leader Zico answered, "I know about it. I was pretending I didn’t but I do."

[Recap & Performances] KBS Music Bank in Paris

February 8 started as a cold day but this wasn’t enough to keep fans from all over Europe from gathering in front of the Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy, the venue of the much anticipated K-Pop concert in Europe, "KBS Music Bank In Paris!" Some fans had the chance to see their favorite artists sightsee in the streets of Paris and busy taking selcas. It was with utmost interest that they watched their idols twitters for photos updates on their current location.

2PM’s Junho Volunteers in Ethiopia

2PM’s Junho recently participated in the World Vision’s 2012 “Global Share Project” by visiting and volunteering in Ethiopia. It is said that Junho exchanged his first vacation in four years since his debut to participate in the project. Junho visited Ethiopia in January and met children suffering from elephantiasis.

K-Pop in Japanese Music Market Shows Steady Growth In Revenue

On February 16, Oricon released a revenue trends report regarding K-Pop artists’ music softwares and their sales. According to this report, the total revenue of Japanese music market has been steadily decreasing in past five years, but K-Pop artists’ Japanese music software sales has skyrocketed, reaching 24.4 Billion Yen in revenue.