2AM’s Seulong and Block B’s Jaehyo wish SECRET a speedy recovery

Following the news of SECRET‘s car accident, 2AM‘s Seulong and Block B‘s Jaehyo were two celebrities among those who sent their sincere wishes for SECRET’s speedy recovery.

Seulong shared on his Twitter on the 10th, “SECRET’s car accident.. I was shocked since reading the news in the morning. Although they are not close friends of mine, as colleagues, I wish for them to have a speedy recovery.. !”

Jaehyo also showed his concern as he tweeted, “When I hear celebrities getting into a car accident, I don’t feel at ease. I wish for a speedy recovery!!”, sending good vibes to the girls who have just gone through a rough ordeal.

We wish all the members a speedy and complete recovery!

credit:allkpop.com

Block B's Zico Responds to Songs Being Banned

Block B revealed their candid thoughts in relation to deliberations over two of their latest songs.

On February 1, a press conference was held to commemorate Block B’s latest release. During the event the group put on a powerful performance to kick-off promotions for their second mini-album, “Welcome to the Block.” Directly afterwards Block B fielded questions from the press. It was during the interview session that leader, Zico, had the opportunity to respond to the recent banning issue.

Upon the release of their comeback album, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (also known as the MOGEF) has made the decision to ban a handful of the group’s songs. Two of the songs in question, “LOL” and “Did You Or Did You Not,” have been banned by both the MOGEF as well as KBS. When KBS representatives heard the songs they immediately deemed the songs to be vulgar and inappropriate. The group has had issues with songs being banned in the past. They had to re-release their debut song, "Freeze," with edited lyrics.

Zico, who was in charge of the new album, had this to say about the controversy, “It isn’t that we don’t keep in mind the regulations when we write songs, though I did feel at times that our creative freedom of expression was being suppressed. Yet, I do take responsibility, as a producer of music meant for public consumption, for not paying closer attention to the rules and regulations in place.”

He followed up by saying, “I still have the feelings of disappointment, but I will not remain carelessly obstinate. Going forward, I will try my best to protect Block B’s color. While our music is meant to be enjoyed by the public, so I will make attempts to consider that aspect and make adjustments to cater better to their tastes, while we remain true to ourselves.”

Block B plans to roll-out full-fledged promotions for their album and title track “NalinA.”

cr : soompi

KBS deems Block B’s new songs unfit for broadcast

With the release of their new album just around the corner, hip hop idol group Block B is already facing numerous obstacles for their comeback.

KBS has deemed the tracks “Did You or Did You Not” and “LOL” as unfit for broadcast, stating “vulgar expressions” as the reason.

The broadcast station stated that “Did You or Did You Not” brings to mind the question people ask when referring to sex: “Did you do it, or not?” In their Korean title, “haet suh ahn haet suh”, ”haet suh” is derived from the Korean verb “to do”, on it’s own. (If it is used in conjunction with other words, the meaning is changed)

Meanwhile, “LOL” contains the word “ggondae” in the lyrics (which is usually used as a slang referring to elders with a negative connotation).

Fans have expressed their outrage and refuted, “‘ggondae’ is a word that was definitely heard on KBS’ drama ‘God of Study’, and also used in SBS’s ‘Protect the Boss’.” They argued that it is unfair for the station to only impose such a standard on the music industry when the word is being broadcast publicly on dramas.

They also spoke out for “Did You or Did You Not” stating, “It is not right for a song to be judged vulgar only due to the title.”

Delly Boi, who co-wrote the song “Did You or Did You Not” took to his Twitter on January 26th to express his frustration with KBS’s decision. He wrote, “‘Did You or Did You Not’ doesn’t mean ‘did you have sex, or did you not’, it’s supposed to mean ‘Did you say it or did you not’… whew.. Do I need to explain everything, KBS high ranking officials?”

Singer Younha also expressed her disbelief at the outcome, stating on her Twitter, “They interpreted ‘Did You or Did You Not’ that way.. It was totally clear to me even without the lyrics. The lyrics were heart-wrenching. It seems they have quite an overactive imagination~~ Block B, this is a sign that your comeback is going to be daebak. To the Block B members and BBCs, don’t be hurt by it ^o^ “

In protest to KBS’s decision, fans have taken to creating a petition online titled, ‘We request the revision of KBS’s deliberation on Block B’s new songs’. By 10 a.m. (KST) on January 26th, more than 2,400 people had already signed the petition. The petition aims to gain 10,000 signatures by April 1st.

Those who participated in the petition commented, “I don’t even know what to say. Did you or did you not is a vulgar expression?” “Don’t ruin the result of months of effort [by Block B],” “Did you or did you not put some thought into your decision?” “My mom always says ‘did you or did you not’.. I guess my mom is using a vulgar expression everyday. I see now.”

Source + Photo: Money Today via Nate

Tip: triple

credit: allkpop

Block B models their new fan merchandise

Ever since their debut, Block B has been working closely with male clothing brand ‘Mutnam‘ to bring band merchandise straight to their fans.

Earlier in the year, they released promotional t-shirts and towels, and they’ve recently returned in time for the year’s end with a new set of hoodies, t-shirts, and hats. The zip-up hoodies have been in high demand amongst fans because it’s one of the staple “Wanna B” looks for the boys, having been featured in their debut teaser and promotions.

On December 14th, ‘Mutnam’ released photos from their latest photoshoot with the boys modeling the merchandise with some urban flare.

Check them out below!

Source + Photos: Mutnam

credit: allkpop

Block B’s Zico shares a childhood photo with Co-Ed’s Taewoon

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There’s a new pair of K-Pop siblings in town, and they’re none other than Co-Ed’s Taewoon and Block B’s Zico! On July 16th, Zico updated his Twitter with a childhood photo of him and his older brother.

As the caption, Zico wrote, “Brothers have gotten older.”

Fans already know that Taewoon was initially a member of Blockbuster before he moved to Core Contents Media and debuted under Co-Ed.

Chanmi playfully commented, “Kyak >< So cute!!!!!!  Such chubby little babies* I can recognize Jiho, but who’s the person to the right of him?…” She later added, “Hahaha, Taewoon oppa grew up so well ^^.”

Fans commented back, “Absolutely adorable,” “Lovely!”, and “They’re both still just as cute.” Check out some of their other childhood photos below!

Source + Photos: Zico’s Official Twitter (@ZICO92)

credit: allkpop

Block B and A Pink show off the live singing skills on Starry Night!

Powerful rookies Block B and A Pink appeared on Younha's Starry Night!





















Impressed with their vocals?

Cho PD to create new seven-member hip hop group, “Block B”

Cho PD has recently revealed that he will be spending over $1.4 million USD to create and nurture a new seven-member hip hop group through his “Creating Korea’s Eminem Project.”

Cho PD stated on February 16th, “I won’t be creating artists who will copy Eminem, but artists who will give as much musical and social influence as Eminem. The industry has yet to see an artist who has correctly utilized the strongest point about rap, which is delivering messages to the listeners. I believe now is the time carry out a new venture in the already difficult Korean music industry.”

The new group will be named “Block B“, and its comprised of members who have been developing their craft with support from underground rappers; they’ve also received training for choreography. Interestingly enough, other hip hop artists have also been mentoring these trainees, including Verbal Jint, Skull, and Rhymer.

Cho PD expressed, “Introducing underground and public activities into their training is something that has never been done in a popular music industry where trained singers and indie groups have polarized. They will be a group that will satisfy both musically and popularity-wise.”

Block B are currently preparing for their debut this coming April, and they will also soon be revealing the profiles of the seven members.

Source: Economic News via Nate
Credit: allkpop