News on Block B
Prompted by Block B’s recent controversy for their actions during an interview in Thailand, South Korea’s Culture Minister has sent an official letter to talent agencies to strengthen education in artists to develop better manners to prevent recurrence of the incident.
The outcome of Block B’s actions in the interview has urged Choe Kwangshik, the minister for The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to personally send letters to major talent and entertainment agencies and producers. The letters encourages the agencies to take steps to prevent another incident of the likes from occurring again.
The Ministry’s move came after Block B was in the spotlight for the actions displayed during an interview with Thailand, along with their comments regarding the recent flood. The certain video clip resulted in criticism from their Thai followers, with other Korean celebrities and fans leaving brash comments as well.
An official revealed some contents of the letter by saying, “In the letter, Choe asked agencies to pay greater attention to education on personality development and cultural differences for Hallyu stars and would-be-entertainers, so that they can keep in mind their roles and influence as public figures.”
Just last year, the ministry supported the increasing popularity of the Korean pop culture and offered humanities lectures and counseling programs to the entertainers. Now, they are planning to expand the lectures and encourage the talent agencies to comply with attendance.
Block B was interviewed for 30 minutes by the Thai media site RYT9 on January 30th, where they were asked on their opinions regarding the country’s recent flooding that damaged the country. The leader Zico replied, “I hope monetary compensation will heal their wounds because all I have is money.”
According to Korea Times, another member asked how much his total assets were worth and Zico replied, “About 7,000 won ($6).” Throughout the interview, one Block B member could be seen walking around, while another was seen lying down on the coffee table.
Since the incident, Block B sent their official apologies to everyone through a video message and also plans to change their “free-spirited concept” due to the controversy. The group’s leader Zico also shaved his hair to repent from his actions.
However, there has been reports that there are some netizens who have been collecting signatures for Block B’s disbandment and withdrawal from the entertainment industry.
Regarding reactions from Thailand, a ministry official said that while the Thai people felt uncomfortable, “the government hasn’t seen the signs of displeasure developing into anti-Korean sentiment yet.”
He continues, “But if such a thing reoccurs, public opinion there will become aggressive toward Korea’s pop culture in its entirety. In exchanges between countries, building trust and paying respects to counterpart nations is the most important thing. We’ll try to prevent such incidents from recurring.”
‘Since the incident, Block B sent their official apologies to everyone through a video message and also plans to change their “free-spirited concept” due to the controversy.’
NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. FUCKING NO! I DON’T WANT THEM TO BE ANOTHER COOKIE-CUTTER FUCKING BOYBAND. SO FUCKING PISSED RIGHT NOW.
