According to Thailand's International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), 2PM is the top-selling foreign artist(s) for 2009.
2PM beat out popular artists such as Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas with the release of their Thailand Special Album back in June. Despite the turmoil with Jaebeom, 2PM's popularity in Thailand is still very strong. Speaking of turmoil, if you can recall, back in August TVXQ was also selected as the Most Popular Asian Artist 2009 on Thailand's Channel V Music Video Awards.
During happier times back in July, 2PM made a visit to Thailand and even visited with the Prime Minister.
I'm sure the presence of a Thai member in Nichkhun has helped 2PM's popularity in Thailand tremendously. Right now, the 6 members of 2PM are finding popularity in homeland Korea as well as they won the coveted artist of the year at Mnet's MAMA. Hopefully, their leader Jaebeom can join them in the near future.
Jay Park interviewed about 2PM, his family, and his ideal girl
Jay Park recently made an appearance on the November 10th episode of "Talk Show Taxi" on tvN. He talked all about his family, career, and his ideal girl. The interview touched on some topics and issues that were quite personal such as the reason he left 2PM and his feelings were when leaving Korea.
Jay was asked if he still kept in touch with 2PM but answered no. He did say that he really missed them quite a lot since he was really close to Taecyeon and Nichkhun. They were close because they were able to communicate with their English as well instead of only Korean. The hosts really tried to ask a lot about the 2PM incident making Jay a little uncomfortable.
Jay answered that it was really coming down to what he had to do. He also said that he realized many fans were not happy with Jay publicizing the incident since he got accused of being an attention-grabber. He heard a lot of bad things back then and everyone around him suffered a tough time, especially his parents.
He gave up everything when he left the group and he was left to question what would he be doing next. After moving back to Seattle, Jay worked at a local tire shop since he didn't want to rely on parents. Although the shop only paid $400 a month, he worked hard to not disappoint his parents. Lee Young Ja, responded that she wouldn't be able to work in a tire shop if she left a celebrity life. Jay disagreed since he was really blessed to be a celebrity but also he didn't feel the need to still be one. He was just thankful there were still people around him that cared.
Jay's ideal type was not just about a beautiful girl or a perfect body but he wants a girl that is able to build chemistry with communication. It could be through anything, meaning it doesn't only have to be the smile, eyes, or personality, just a connection. He also addressed the rumors about picking Min Hyo Rin as his ideals.
Nichkhun to make his Japanese movie debut in ‘Ouran High School Host club'
On November 13th, Korean group 2PM’s Nichkhun (23) announced that he will make his Japanese movie debut in the upcoming movie version of popular drama, ‘Ouran High School Host Club‘.
This movie is based on a manga of the same name. It is a romantic comedy centered around a popular host club at ‘Ouran High School’, where the female student Haruhi (Kawaguchi Haruna) has to disguise herself as a male host to repay a huge debt. Nichkhun will play the older brother of Michelle, an international student played by AKB48’s Shinoda Mariko (25).
Nichkhun will play the president of Singapore’s leading corporation and will be featured in a business suit – giving off a sleeker, more polished look from his usual image. He is also the first 2PM member to be participating in a Japanese film.
He will have to speak in both Japanese and English in this theatrical adaptation. While explaining the role the producer stated, “Nichkhun demonstrates a proficient English level as he has studied it in the U.S. He has a flavor of bashfulness and confidence which is perfect for this role.” The producer also discussed his high expectations of Nichkhun.
Nichkhun revealed he had the support and help of his fellow members to make progress with his Japanese skills. He also mentioned that he, “would love to appear in a Japanese film again”.
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until March 17th, 2012 to see him in this much-anticipated film.