Band Block B Apologizes For Insensitive Attitude About Thai Floods

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie boy band Block B learned a painful lesson about sensitivity following a public outrage against their behavior in a TV interview where they were accused of making fun of flood victims in Thailand and showing immature behavior.

Block B issued an apology on their official website for their behavior during the interview, with leader Zico shaving his head to show remorse.

Block B (Photo courtesy of www.newsen.com)

The boy band was interviewed in Thailand by RYT9, which uploaded the raw video on YouTube that sparked the controversy.

During the interview, Block B leader Zico was asked about his opinion on the flooding in Thailand.

He said he hoped that financial assistance would heal Thai people’s wounds. But when asked how much does he have, Zico said “7,000 won” (P264), a reply that sparked laughter from the members.

Viewers interpreted this to mean that Block B was making fun of the recent tragedy in Thailand and posted negative comments.

Block B was also criticized for their immature behavior during the interview with some of the members playing around.

This drew a reaction from Nichkhun, the Thai-American member of boy band 2PM, who tweeted, “As a Thai, I’m offended by people who talk about Thailand floods carelessly. Instead of going to Thailand and acting carelessly, one should have proper manners.”

Other 2PM members also tweeted about this.

As negative reactions against Block B grew, Nichkhun posted again to say, “Please, don’t say things like ‘wish someone would die’ but hope they would learn. Like we all do, like I did from my own mistakes.”

On YouTube, the raw video has garnered 900,000 views with more than 12,000 dislikes.

Link to my original article: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/352068/band-block-b-apologizes-for-insensitive-attitude-about-thai-floods