2NE1‘s MV for “Hate You” is creating some controversy in Japan, as some in the Japanese media have asserted that the MV is anti-Japanese.

‘RocketNews24‘ in Japan stated, “K-pop group 2NE1′s animation MV is creating quite the buzz among the public who are arguing that the MV is anti-Japanese“, and that “the MV starts out with an exploding nuclear reactor, and an ‘monster’with a red dot on it’s forehead (representing the Japanese flag) is killed and done away with.”

Anti-fans argue that the nuclear explosive highly resembles the Fukushima Daiichi, the nuclear power plant which was made inactive after the tragic earthquakes and tsunami in March, and that the monster representing Japan was portrayed as inferior, being easily slayed.

The press also delivered the news that netizens were wildly commenting on the video clip with many negative comments on Youtube. Netizens voiced their opinions, and most felt that as long as the Japanese continue to feel that the MV is anti-Japanese, the girls will soon be unable to continue their promotions in Japan.

As the media continues to blow up the story, there are some Japanese citizens who are spreading their anti Hallyu sentiments.

Are people too over-analytical and is this controversy overblown?

2NE1‘s first concert in Thailand, ‘NOLZA in BANGKOK‘, has been canceled due to the severe flooding in the country.

2NE1 was originally scheduled to expand their activities in Asia with a concert in Thailand for October 29th. Unfortunately, the country’s been suffering from major damages caused by heavy rain and flooding, which began in July. 2NE1′s concert hall was recently declared to be in a critical situation.

YG Entertainment stated, “We recently canceled our concert in Thailand because of the flooding there. On the 29th, 2NE1 will be filming postponed endorsement photoshoots in addition to rehearsing for their YG Family concert in December. 2NE1 is disappointed, but they’re more concerned for their Thai fans. Recovering Thailand is the biggest priority at the moment.”

The YG Family concert will be held on December 3rd and 4th.

Source + Photos: BNT News via Naver

Sandara Park has left an exciting hint about 2NE1‘s upcoming Japanese MV for “Go Away” on her me2day!

On October 28th, Sandara Park posted, “Shooting the movie for Go Away~ Dadoong (Sandara’s cat) is showing interest in CL? “Go Away” video for Japan~ Point! Dadoong makes an appearance for 2 seconds with Dara.”

She continued, “There’s Dougie [dog] who passionately acted with in a couple hats with Minzy, personally painted pictures by CL, a sexy bathing scene of Bom, and more.”

Netizens commented, “There’s a bubble bath scene of Bom! Is it Rated R?”, “We get to see a music video of Dadoong!”, “I can’t wait for the music video”, and “I hope it’ll be released soon”.

Source: Sandara’s me2day

 2NE1‘s youngest member Minzy revealed her own dancing skills in a video she uploaded while dancing to Black Eyed Peas‘ “Imma Be“.

Along with the video she wrote, “J.H’s Lesson ^^ Black Eyed Peas – Imma Be So Flyyyyyyy LoL !!”

After seeing her dance netizens commented, “Can’t touch this! haha”, “Minji never fails -_____- <3 So fly!”, “Very good ! ^^ <3 You are the best”, “Minzy best girl dancer ! I love you ! <3 :)”.

The guy in the video is Park Jung Heon from HI-TECH. You can watch the video below:

With fans streaming into the Tri-Delta area from places as far as Canada and Florida to attend the KBS – New York Festival earlier this month and SMTOWN New York which takes place at Madison Square Garden tonight, New York City has been the latest to directly experience the effects of the Hallyu Wave! New York Daily News recently published a feature article on this worldwide phenomenon, highlighting the excitement that’s invigorating fans in the city this week.

When B2ST and 4minute recently performed at the MTV TRL Studios, a crowd gathered outside for hopeful glimpses of the idols. After seeing the frenzy outdoors, MTV’s executive vice president Peter Griffin commented, “I haven’t seen this in years … It reminds me of when ‘N Sync was here and the fans lined up around the studio.”

Cedarbough Saeji, a Ph.D. candidate at UCLA in culture and performance with a focus on Korean culture, commented, “[K-pop music videos are] just slick, extremely well produced, always have different themes that really capture audiences’ attentions … The production value is very sophisticated. Every k-pop video is as high quality as any top American act like Lady Gaga or Britney Spears, but the image is a lot cleaner, less sexualization.”

The feature also highlights the Wonder Girls‘ upcoming official debut in the American tween market with their TeenNick movie as well as their past experiences with the Jonas Brothers and more. Furthermore, 2NE1 has “become designer Jeremy Scott‘s muses”, inspiring the shoe “JS Collage Wings x 2NE1″ which will debut next month. The article continues, “The group’s look — high fashion with a colorful, punky twist — has even inspired some updated costumes in the new production of Broadway’s ‘Rent’.“.

According to NYDailyNews, SNSD member Tiffany auditioned for Kollaboration, the Asian American talent show back when she was fifteen years old. Though Tiffany didn’t make the show, she caught the eyes of SM Entertainment scouts that were present at the event. Later on, Tiffany reflected, “I guess I got the bigger end of the deal.”

While discussing her training regiment, Tiffany explained, “I practiced a minimum of 4-6 hours every day … Being there alone gave me a lot of motivation to keep going on.” She also cited SNSD’s fans as a large motivator after the group’s debut. “Words cannot describe [our fans] … They are our inspiration and the foundation behind our music. Without fans we wouldn’t be here.”

In response to SNSD’s foray into the American market with their first English track, “The Boys”, which has reportedly hit #52 on iTunes’ Main Singles Chart, Tiffany expressed, “We’re definitely ready. … I’m not nervous. We’re looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to it.”

A few days ago, we reported that 2NE1 was working on their first Japanese single called “Go Away“. As the title suggests, the single will hold a Japanese version of “Go Away”, with “It Hurts” acting as its B-side.

Some short audio clips have made their way onto the net, and it’s amping up anticipation for the single’s November release.

On October 23rd, labelmates Psy and 2NE1 showed off their friendship through a picture update on Me2day.

Psy wrote on his Me2day, “With 2NE1. The kids that are the best.”

The five performed at the ‘I-FESTA‘ on the 22nd at the Olympic Stadium. Although they’re known for being charismatic on stage, they’re looking sweet and innocent here alongside a very proud-looking Psy.

Fans commented, “So jealous! Yesterday was really fun, everyone’s jjang!”, “Looks like an uncle with his nieces”, “YG Family ♥♥♥♥ 2NE1 on each side”, and “Loving the hair styles!”

Source + Photos: Psy’s official me2day

A few days ago, Sandara Park showed off her new kicks from famous fashion designer, Jeremy Scott. The close friendship between Scott and girl group 2NE1 has been making headlines for a while now, but it’s just been revealed that he’ll be showcasing a line of footwear inspired by his fierce amigos.

The designer revealed that many of his projects were inspired by musicians and artists, and 2NE1 were his latest muses. He wanted to directly express the inspiration he received from 2NE1, and so he came up with the collection, ‘JS Collage Wing x 2NE1′.

‘JS Collage Wings x 2NE1′ has elements derived from 2NE1′s music, character, fashion style, and individual member qualities. In order to express the mix-and-match style unique to 2NE1, he decided to incorporate the use of the collage technique.

Meanwhile, ‘JS Wing 2.0 Satin is made of pure white satin material and decorated with wings to evoke an angel design.

Adidas Originals will release Jeremy Scott’s ‘JS Collage Wings x 2NE1′ and ‘JS Wings 2.0 Satin’ in Korean branch stores sometime in November.

Earlier this month, it was reported that 2NE1 was chosen as one of the performers at the 2011 Autumn/Winter ‘Girls Award by Crooz’ in Japan.

It turns out that the girls will joined by their fellow label mate, Taeyang from Big Bang as well for this year’s event. The girls and Taeyang will be forming at the event scheduled to take place on November 12th.

‘Girls Award’ announced Taeyang and 2NE1′s scheduled appearance through their homepage as well as revealing the concept for this year’s event, stating, “This season’s theme is adventure. This event will be like a feel-good trip made through fashion and music.”

As one of Japan’s top fashion and music event, ‘Girls Award’ includes performances from top stars every year. Some of the past Korean performers included JYJ‘s Junsu, SNSD, and 4minute.