2PM’s “Again and Again” at 2009 Dream Concert

As reported earlier, the once 7-member idol group 2PM performed together without their leader for the first time at the 2009 Dream Concert on the 10th. Due to the controversial issue of Jaebeom's MySpace comments that has still have a lingering effect on the nation, their performance will not be aired on tv.

Fortunately, fancams have sprouted up on YouTube, enabling international Hottests to witness the performance for themselves.

Even though the boys had not been on stage for a while, their performance was just like any other they had in the past. In terms of vocals and choreography, the quality of the group's performance had not deteriorated during their period away from the k-pop scene.

Of course, the absence of their leader made a significant difference on the overall show that could not go unnoticed. Instead of having another member replace Jaebeom's singing parts or cutting them out altogether, the audio was left alone. The gap left by 'Leadja' was particularly glaring at the end of the song, where his usual spot in the middle of the group was completely vacant.


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You can bet that fans didn't hold back during the night of this very occasion. 40,000 people showed their support for Jaebeom by chanting his name in unison throughout the song.


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Of the many banners made for 2PM and their leader, there was one, in particular, that glowed (literally). It read, "We are waiting for our Leadja Park Jaebeom" and was the only visible banner in the dark.


I, for one, am utterly speechless at the extent Korean fans have gone to try and restore the ex-leader of 2PM to his rightful position.

However, do you think their efforts are applaudable or should there be a limit on how far they can protest against JYP Entertainment without sacrificing support for the remaining members?
Source: allkpop

2PM to continue to work Hard + Infinity Challenge Preview

Earlier today, 2PM took the stage as 6 at the Dream Concert. 2PM had a brief message for the fans saying that it's been too long since they've been on stage and that no matter what, they will continue to work hard and do the best they can.

2PM performed both 'Again and Again' and 'I Hate You,' they put on a powerful and passionate performance for the fans. During the performance, a good portion of the more than 40,000 in attendance shouted for Jaebeom and for him to come back. Unfortunately it won't air on TV, but hopefully there will be some fancam footage.

It was good to see the fans cheering for Jaebeom, hopefully things work out for the best soon.

Fans shouting for Park Jaebeom (just the audio) :

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Also, a preview of 2PM's appearance on the next Infinity Challenge has aired. It also includes Jaebeom in the preview. Check out the 2ONEDAY Forums and check out the preview below:

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Source: allkpop

Hottests Raise their Voice Again For Jaebeom

We have reported earlier about the boycott set to take its place on the 10th, regarding the exclusion of 2PM's performance for the Dream Concert's public broadcasting.

2PM, or some may call them 6PM, are back in schedule again, yet with their leader's position remaining empty. Returning 2PM members are set to perform their "come-back" stage on the 10th at the Dream Concert. However, SBS recently agreed with the JYP Entertainment to cut out the footage of 2PM's stage for their broadcast on the 11th, due to the controversies still revolving around their former leader, Jaebeom. This officially abandoned the last straw for the fans to see their beloved 2PM perform on stage again after a very long time of absence.

The heartbroken fans gathered under the club named "The Happiest Time for the Noonas", to purchase an ad containing messages toward their wait for Jaebeom. The ad was displayed on page 6 of Han Gyuh Reh News on the 9th, successfully raising their voice throughout the country.


The Hottests have proven once again that their sense of creativity is always miles ahead everyone else. The ad showed a world map with a line connecting the cities of Seoul and Seattle, yet with both clocks pointing at 2:00. It reflected the deep meaning of their unification, and how they only shine when there's seven on the stage.

Also, they added the word, '기다리다', meaning 'Waiting'. Below the word, they included the bilingual definition straight from the dictionary but seems to describe their status in minds. At the very bottom, they directly expressed their thoughts by writing "2PM: The Happiest Time of the Noonas await for the Leader Jaebeom's return."

I think it's now time to ask the real question... would Jaebeom really want all this?

Source: allkpop

Hottests to Boycott 2PM At 2009 Dream Concert

2PM will be performing at the 2009 Dream Concert on October 10th. This will be their first performance as 2PM without Jaebeom.

It has been stated that 2PM will be performing their hit songs, "Again and Again" and "I Hate You." This stage however, will not be recorded, and Hottests plan to continue with their boycott by not attending the concert, and instead going to the JYP building to attach post-it notes to voice their disapproval of JYP's decision to ignore their pleas to bring Jaebeom back.

The trouble that had started from Jaebeom's Myspace comments, are still going strong. 2PM's official fanclub, Hottest have stated before that they will boycott a 6-member 2PM.

Is this really the right thing to do?

Source: allkpop

Jaebeom enjoys a stress free Chuseok

Newsen recently reported that, ex-2PM leader Jaebeom, spent Chuseok in Seattle with church members, sharing the rice cakes sent by the fans. It is said that the fans sent the rice cakes and shikhye (rice drink) to Jaebeom through his church.

As you all know, JYP Entertainment's Park Jin Young recently visited Jaebeom and his family. People are very curious to know what Jaebeom and JYP talked about. But it's also nice to see Jaebeom celebrating a stress free Chuseok.
Source: allkpop

The Story Behind Jaebeom’s Sky Banner

Hottests, the fans of ex-2PM leader Jay Park (Jaebeom), took an extraordinary leap in the world of fan dedication and loyalty on September 28 when they hired a plane to fly over Seattle with a sky banner asking, "J. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?"

There has been a rush of mixed feedback but the question has remained in many people's minds: who started all this? It has now been revealed that Briar Francis, a 19 year old from Australia, came up with the idea of writing a message in the sky. Through lots of planning, help of many others and developments, the sky banner project was born. But if I'm correct and my elementary school simplified map doesn't lie, Australia is quite far from Seattle.... so how did Briar accomplish this? The mind behind the project tells all in the interview below.

Who conceptualized the project?

Briar: I came up with the idea first as sky writing, and contacted the 2OD forum to suggest it. But it was rejected, and I [thought] about it and agreed with the 2OD staff. At the time it was an unrealistic, disorganized group of thoughts. The sky writing wouldn’t last very long for the amount it would cost. I [searched] the internet and thought maybe a banner would be more interesting. By this time I’d gotten excited about it, so I made a Twitter page, emailed around for the best quote, and then left a post [on] Soompi and the 2OD forum again. The quote was around $2000 at first, but it increased to $2500 after suggested changes to the plan were taken into consideration. People were starting to get interested, and that’s when Tiffie heard about the project and contacted me to help. Tiffie is my angel; she seemed more enthusiastic than I was at times, and practically went door-knocking around her neighborhood to collect donations. I’d already donated 10% of the funds, and Tiffie had raised a whopping $1500 on her own. When we started getting donations so much bigger than a dollar, we laughed [together] for underestimating the generosity of Hottests around the world.

What was your GOAL/INTENTION? Why did you choose the words "J. What time is it now?" to write on the banner?

Briar: Ah, the important question. I’d always stated right from [the] get go that this was to support Jaebeom no matter what his decision was. If that was to stay in Seattle and start again there, no matter how heartbreaking it was, we would still respect that decision. [The project] was to show our love, nothing more. I wanted [the project] to be a neutral event that everyone could contribute to no matter what they believed – something that was positive, not placing any blame on anyone, but just making Jaebeom and the fans smile. We wanted it to be something like ‘Jaebeom, fighting’, but it quickly became obvious that this sort of message would only bring unnecessary attention and hurt his family. I came up with “What Time Is It Now?”, and later followers requested the “J.” at the beginning. We were strongly against the American media being involved; it was too close to Jaebeom. So we warned our followers that the American media was not to be contacted at any point in time.

What can you say about the POSITIVE support you've received?

Briar: There’s been so much of it. From people tweeting to us and thanking us for completing the project, to some saying [that] they cried when they saw the photos, to others actually going to the trouble of thanking Tiffie and I on every forum we’ve ever advertised on so that we [would] see their messages. It’s been overwhelming, and has really helped enforce our belief that it was right to continue on despite everything.

This is only a simplified version of the interview. Check out the full interview here.
Source: allkpop

JYP meets with Jaebeom!

Rumors have been circling for the past few days that JYP himself, would be flying to Seattle to meet and speak with former 2PM leader Jay Park (Jaebeom).

According to Newsen, we now have confirmation that the producer had met and shared a meal with Jay and his family on the 29th of September in Seattle.

A representative from JYPE confirmed by saying:

"On his way to New York, Park Jin Young made a quick stop in Seattle and met with Jaebeom and his family. They had a meal together, but what was discussed during their time together is unknown."

When asked about the 6 member 2PM and their future activities, the representative responded by saying that nothing has been decided yet.

So what does this meeting mean? Will Jaebeom return to Korea to resume his leadership or was it just a friendly visit? No one knows for sure, except JYP, Jay, and his family, but it's sure to stir up his fans and the Kpop community.
Source: allkpop

Church to take down Jaebeom’s fan forum

Ever since Jay Park (Jaebeom) left Korea and returned to his hometown in Seattle, his church, Seattle Glory Presbyterian church has been playing a key role in his life in more ways than one.

His pastor has talked to him, provided advice, and comforted him in his time of need but that's not all. Some time ago, his church told all his fans to send any fan letters or packages to the church so they can pass it along to him. This has been quite successful with many packages and thousands of letters flooding the church. The church also set up a forum specifically for fans on the official online church website for them to leave positive message for Jay to read and to help him through this hard time in his life.



But the church has just announced that they will now be closing down the forums; why? . . . you guessed it! One word: netizens.

It seems that many fans have been leaving encouraging messages on the church's forums for Jay, but the netizens got a hold of it and left discouraging and negative messages that were just inappropriate for a church website to have. The church has made their official decision and will be closing down the forums.
Source: allkpop

It’s Time For Jay To Look Up At The Sky

Today many Hottests and passerbys in the Seattle area were able to see a skybanner reading "J. What time is it now?" flying around in the air. Although it's a simple question, it has a deep meaning to it for the many hottests who are longing for Jaebeom to return to 2PM. I'm sure Jaebeom was happy to see that his fans supported him enough to reach such a limit.



We congratulate all the Hottests who participated in this successful and meaningful event.
Source: allkpop

Jaebeom’s fans take it to the sky!

It's almost nearing a month since Jay Park/Jaebeom, stepped down from the throne as the leader of 2PM. With the group's new style and powerful comeback, it seemed like there was nowhere else to go but up. However, when one crazy netizen pulled an old skeleton out of Jay's closet, the leader resigned, packed up his bags, and booked the next flight to Seattle.

Since then, Hottests and many other fans have expressed that they want their old leader back. There have been boycotts, product returns, flash mobs, defacement of property and even the cancellation of an overseas trip. And just when you thought the fans couldn't top themselves, they take their love and loyalty to new heights - literally.

It's been known that Jay has been very down since the scandal hit and the fans want to pick him back up. And since 2PM was headed up, that's where the fans are headed as well with their next project in operation: "Convince Jaebeom to Return to Korea and Resume His Role as 2PM's Leader (Thus Bringing Peace to the World and the Online Community)".

On Monday, September 28, 2009 at 2PM, the Hottests will have an air message fly over Seattle, Jaebeom's home town and current location, to show him their love. This is no easy feat - the founders & participants of this project have been hard at work to hit the $2000 mark to cover costs.

Now, some of you may be wondering what would happen if Jaebeom totally missed the banner - after all, the likelihood of suddenly staring up at the sky at this specific moment in time is quite unlikely. However, the organizers of this project have allegedly contacted Jaebeom through contacting his brother (Jaehan) and a friend who has contact with a member of Jaebeom's dance crew. Other than these two events, numerous emails have been sent to bring awareness of this project to the idol himself.



Earlier, someone from Jaebeom's church sent out a message to the fans to send all gifts to his church and provided everyone with the address. Since then the church has been flooded with thousands of letters and gifts; on the church's homepage, a message reads, “There are many people who were curious about it. Very thankful. This had given strength and bravery. Jaebeom has revealed that he will live in the love and sincerity that everyone has showered on him.”

For more information about this project, check out the project's Twitter & information thread on 2ONEDAY, 2AM/2PM's international fan forum!
Source. allkpop

Hottest male idol according to girl groups

Ever wondered which male idol makes our favourite girl groups drool?

Here is your answer. Yesterday's episode of KBS2TV's "Champagne" was titled girl group special. During the show, co-hosts Shin Dong Yup and Shin Bong Sun asked guests - Kara, Brown Eyed Girls, After School and 4Minute - to pick the hottest male idol out there. They started out with 16 candidates divided into 8 pairs - whoever got the higher vote out of the pair proceeded to the next round.

What made this tournament more exciting than it already was is the fact that ex-2PM leader Jaebeom was one of 16 candidates - and he went on to rock everyone. He knocked out his team mate Nichkhun in the first round, left G-Dragon heartbroken in the second round, then showed SHINee's Min Ho that a boy cannot beat a beast to move onto the finals. He lost to Rain's ninja skills in the finals, but the tournament really showed his popularity among his female collegues.

HyunAh of 4Minute said "Nichkhun is a bit too tall, I prefer something closer to Jaebeom's size", and her team mate So Hyun added "His body is amazing, got to love those 'chocolate abs'".

Here is the full recap of the tournament: In final 16, G-Dragon came on top of TOP, Jaebeom beat Nichkhun, Min Ho beat Tae Min, Shi Won dominated Hee Chul, Yun Ho won over Chang Min, Hyun Joong topped Min Ho, Rain beat Lee Seung Ki and Alex beat Boom. Min Ho, Yun Ho, Rain, and Jaebeom became final 4 - and Rain came out to be the number one.

The episode was filmed on September 1st, when Jae Bum was still a part of 2PM. Lets hope that Jaebeom gets motivated to come back to Korea after watching this show.

Source: allkpop

Hottest dance to Again & Again flash mob style

Some supporters of Jaebeom and fans of 2PM (Hottest) recently got together in Korea to do a flash mob dance of "Again & Again." A flash mob is an act where a group of people suddenly get together, perform an unusual act, and then quickly disperse as if nothing happened. Along with the video of the dance, they added this message:

"The fans in Korea did flash mob for Jay, dancing to Again & Again.

First of all.... laugh, Jay, laugh at us!! Hahahah!

We support 2PM with all its 7 members: Jaebeom, Nichkhun, Junsu, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung. 7 = 1.

If the page views of this one is good, we might do Part 2 of flash mob =)"

It's good to see all these fans supporting him again & again, hopefully one day in the near future we can see him back on stage again. Thanks to mango and okayhaii for the tip, also check out the 2ONEDAY Forums.


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Source. allkpop

Jaebeom Leaves Message for Hottests?

After all that has happened, there was some temporary joy for Hottests after Jaebeom apparently left a message on 21st September at 6.07pm (KST), on 2PM's Official Daum Cafe. But that joy soon turned to doubt when some Hottests tracked down the ip address and it was discovered that it originated from a computer in Korea, not Seattle.

The majority of Hottests are speculating that someone from within JYP Entertainment might be trying to pull a fast one on the fans, by impersonating Jaebeom, to allay fans' worries and stop the ongoing boycott of 2PM. Others felt that, this might be really a message by Jaebeom and JYPE was just posting it on his behalf.

At this juncture, it's really hard to believe anyone, unless Jaebeom speaks personally.

Jaebeom's (?) message

Everybody.....
I had a reason to leave......
JYP hyung and 2PM members are like family to me.....
They stayed by my side in a tough situation like this.....
I'm already having a hard time.....
Don't make this even harder for me please.....
I'm very sorry to make you guys worry so much....

Source: allkpop

2PM Underground Continues Boycott of 2PM

Despite the release of an official statement from JYP Entertainment saying that 2PM will continue with 6 members, Hottests aren't letting this just go away with Jaebom's future still up in the air.

On the afternoon of 20th September, 2PM's fan club, Underground announced that the full boycott of 2PM's activities will continue until the decision to withdraw Jaebeom from 2PM is ended. Their statement wrote that JYPE should release Jaebeom's contract terms and hopes that JYP can depict clearly exactly how he is going to help Jaebeom return to 2PM.

The fan club also wanted JYPE to apologize, especially for not doing enough for Jaebeom (shielding him), and also hope that the other 2PM members can tell fans personally about their feelings about this matter and not through JYP.

Finally, they stamped home the point that, they are not asking for Jaebeom's immediate return, but to withdraw their (JYPE) decision to take him out of 2PM. They are sorry for misunderstanding the way JYP has handled the situation and the problems that have surfaced for the other 2PM members.

But until their demands are met, the boycott of 2PM will continue.

Source. allkpop

2PM begins performing as a 6 member group

Sadly, it turns out 7-1 does in fact equal 6.

JYP announced that after leader Park Jaebeom's split from 2PM that the group would be continuing with 6 members and is holding true to his promise thus far.

According to their schedule, 2PM's first concert as a 6-member group, dubbed 1:59 PM by some fans, will be at at the 2009 Supermodel Contest, held in Gyeongnam.

Other performers at the event include G-dragon, 2NE1, SNSD / Girls' Generation, Baek Ji Young, Hyunbin, and Wink.

The 2PM boys were scheduled to perform at this event before the Jaebeom situation arose, and there hasn't been an official cancellation from JYPE or anyone else.

If not this event, it is possible that the group will perform at the Dream Concert on October 10th. In response to whether 2PM would still perform at the Dream Concert, it was said that, "Our wanting of 2PM on stage hasn't changed."

Either way, if 2PM shows up at these events or not, the Hottests' call for a holdout on all 2PM activities will be enforced, and netizens have already expressed outrage at the news.

After it was announced that 2PM would continue with 6 members, comments such as "I can't believe it," "Without Jaebeom, attending 2PM activities is impossible," and "JYP's attitude towards the situation is pissing me off," sprung up.

Stay tuned for full coverage of 1:59 PM activities.
Source: allkpop

Baek Ji Young tells Jaebeom & 2PM to Stay Strong

Though her stage collaboration with 2PM's Taecyeon for "My Ear's Candy" may be over, Baek Ji Young is far from abandoning the popular idol group that has been making headlines these past few weeks.

The singer recently gave a supportive word of encouragement to Jaebeom and the rest of 2PM which has caught the idea of many netizens and fans. Though many icons both in the entertainment industry and beyond have been giving support in recent weeks, Baek's message stood apart from many because she was directly connected to Taecyeon during the time of Jaebeom's withdrawal and stayed by 2PM's side through the hardest times. Furthermore, she directly addresses the group & its leader instead of talking about the issue & breach of privacy in vague terms.

“Jaebum is accepting the mistake and is thoroughly regretting it. It’s upsetting to see people criticizing him from a view point of their hearts about one mistake caused through a historical misunderstanding when he was young,” Baek expressed.

“Looking at sincere and kind Taecyeon who I’m promoting with, it’s a worry if the spirited, professional and good image of the sincere leader Jaebum that lead them will be forgotten because of this case caused by a mistake.

“It hurts my heart and it is unfortunate to see the passions and efforts of a Hoobae (junior) singer that were accumulated for a long time collapse in one moment through a mistake,” Baek revealed. “As a singer he has taken the decision whether he’ll continue his promotions so I would like it if those around him did not breaks his free will and his wings.”

The singer even left an encouraging message for the withdrawn leader in Seattle:

Jaebum-ah.. I hope that you win over this hardship for your jump to the second episode and I would like it if you make this chance as a turning point and an opportunity for you to add another wing. I would like it you aren’t faltered by the world’s words and that you have strength.

It's heartwarming to see a maternal figure like Baek Ji Young offering support to 2PM right now when they need it most. Like her, we hope to see Jaebeom recover soon!

Source: Newsen
Translation: G-race @ 2ONEDAY

Fan tribute for Jaebeom

Hottest has really taken many strides these past few weeks since the Jaebeom scandal by boycotting all 2PM activities, defacing the JYP building with notes, returning over 3000 2PM CDs, and even stopping a trip to Thailand.

But yesterday, a video was uploaded onto the net to show the former 2PM leader how much he really means to all his fans. Several Hottest members banded together and created this soothing and fairly impressive track titled "Waiting For You". Hopefully Jaebeom will see and hear this and realize how much his fans really support him.



Check out our friends at 2OneDay Forums for more updates.
Source: allkpop

2PM to continue without Jaebeom!

After much drama surrounding leader Jaebeom leaving 2PM, JYP has finally released an official statement regarding 2PM's future activities.

Unfortunately, 2PM will continue activities as 6-members, as JYP is stating that Jaebeom does not want to return as of now.

Whether Jaebeom not wanting to return is the truth or not, we have yet to hear. But as of now, 2PM will be 6 members.

Official statement:

Hello, this is JYP.

For the past five days we have listened to what many people had to say regarding the Jaebeom incident. We have listened to the rebukes towards Jaebeom, the rebukes toward our company, and many of you telling us to give him another chance has been carefully heard.

We have carefully and thoroughly discussed what the next moves are regarding our company, the 2PM members, and Jaebeom. Jaebeom has been receiving many encouraging comments from many fans, but his feelings about his wrong doings has still not changed. He still feels sorry and embarrassed for what he did and is not able to perform on stage. Jaebeom has pleaded to not cancel 2PM's activities which was the result of the sweat, blood and tears of the other six members, just because of what he has done. He has said this is the reason why he must leave 2PM.

I also agree with Jaebeom. The reason why i have not held on to Jaebeom is because if we look towards the life ahead of him, this will not be a big matter that will effect his whole life. Many of you are worried that he has wasted four years of training towards his dream, but i believe that training has not gone to waste, because if he grabs this chance to mature as a person, Jaebeom will be able to fly better than ever.

I believe that as harmful the words that came from Jaebeom were, telling him to immediately leave the country was no better. I am going to respect his decision / wish of wanting to spend some time alone, off the stage and if and when the time comes that he tells me he is ready to come back on stage and perform, it is my duty / role to do everything in my power to help him with this wish. When that day comes, I believe that's when your encouragements and cheering will truly help him. I am once again truly sorry and apologize for not being able to thoroughly take care of my artists. I will do my best in making sure things like this never happen again.

I once again would like to thank all of you.

2PM will continue as a 6 member group.

-JYP

Source: allkpop

2PM Wooyoung’s cryptic message?

Shortly after JYP's official statement about Jaebeom and 2PM moving forward with just 6 members, 2PM member Wooyoung posted a cryptic message on his cyworld page. He changed his main text to "死卽必生SaJeukpilseng," which according to ♥2pm♥ of 2ONEDAY means "If you wish to live, you will die. If you wish to die, you will live." It's a famous saying by the famous Korean general Yi Sun Shin / Lee Soon Shin, as the leader in command said to his soldiers before they went to war.

Out of all the members of 2PM it seems Wooyoung supported Jaebeom the most. As for the reason why he put this cryptic message on his cyworld, Newsen thinks Wooyoung might have said it because he's angry that 2PM is continuing on without it's leader, but I'm not too sure about that. I'm not exactly sure what he's trying to express, what are you guys thoughts? Also remember to visit the 2ONEDAY Forums.


Source: allkpop

International Hottests Will Not Budge!

Hottests from around the world have joined hands to take a stand against JYP Entertainment! On the 17th at around 8AM, the many international fan sites of boy group 2PM sent in a "International 2PM Fan Union Statement" claiming that they will not budge until they receive a quick and definite response regarding the situation, clearly emphasizing their huge disappointment with the blithe way the company had treated Park Jaebeom's withdrawal. The sites have also declared that they will boycott all 2PM activities until their leader comes back to Korea, safe and sound. Check out that crazy dedication below!



Hopefully, this madness will soon be over, and we will soon be able to see the boys, including the Leadja who had always walked around proudly with "2PM" shaved into his hair, shining on stage once again.

Check out 2ONEDAY for ways to help support 2PM and Jay.
Source: allkpop