Block B criticized for rude behavior, 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?