Big Bang, 2NE1, CNBLUE, & Block B big winners in Europe’s 3rd Annual ‘So-Loved Awards’

On December 8th, ‘K-Colors of Korea‘ a German magazine devoted to K-pop and Korean culture, revealed the winners of its third annual ‘So-Loved Awards‘. The ‘So-Loved Awards’ were created as Europe’s first K-pop awards, to reflect the tastes of European K-pop fans.

Although voting was open to everyone, only votes from European voters were tallied to determine the winner of each category. With over 307,086 total votes (110,984 European votes), this year’s awards were bigger than ever.

2012 saw Big Bang win the most awards taking home one solo, G-Dragon won for ‘Best Male Solo‘, and four group awards; ‘Best Male Band‘, ‘Best Mini Album‘ and ‘Best Song‘ . Block B won four awards, ‘Best Album‘, ‘Best OST‘, ‘Best Music Video‘, and ‘Best Hip Hop Group‘,  showing their popularity in Europe.

2NE1 was one of the few female winners this year.  The quartet won the ‘Best Female Band‘ and ‘Best Japanese Release‘ categories. Other female winners included G.NA for ‘Best Female Solo‘ andAilee for ‘Best Female Newcomer‘.

Rookie group, B.A.P won not only ‘Best Newcomer‘, but also ‘Best Choreography‘ further cementing their super rookie status.  In addition, CNBLUE absolutely dominated the ‘Best Rock/Alternative Group‘ category winning with nearly 70% of the votes.

There were three special awards that were not included in the voting. Dalmatian won the ‘K Special Award‘, MYNAME won the ‘so-loved Special Award‘ and non-idol Judy Suh won the K Culture Award.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Check out the complete winners list below:

Best Band (female)
1. 2NE1 (45.2%)
2. f(x) (12.5%)
3. Secret (7.7%)

Best Band (male)
1. Big Bang (30.4%)
2. Super Junior (22.6%)
3. SHINee (10.9%)

Solo Artist (female)
1. G.NA (30.8%)
2. Ga In (29.4%)
3. Ali (16.7%)

Solo Artist (male)
1. G-Dragon (52.9%)
2. Xia (22.2%)
3. Tablo (10.7%)

Newcomer (female)
1. Ailee (42.2%)
2. EvoL (15.2%)
3. AoA (9.8%)

Newcomer (male)
1. B.A.P (42.5%)
2. EXO (22.6%)
3. NU’EST (15.3%)

Album
1. Block B – Blockbuster (41.0%)
2. Xia – Tarantallegra (15.6%)
3. Epik High – 99 (13.6%)

EP (Mini Album)
1. Big Bang – Still Alive (23.8%)
2. B.A.P – Crash (17.2%)
3. Infinite – Infinitize (15.4%)

Song
1. Big Bang – Fantastic Baby (26.7%)
2. B.A.P – No Mercy (18.6%)
3. Block B – Nanlina (17.2%)

Japan Release
1. 2NE1 – Scream (40.7%)
2. CN Blue – Come On (28.3%)
3. Park Jungmin/Romeo – Give Me Your Heart (12.9%)

Music Video
1. Block B – Nillili Mambo (30.0%)
2. Big Bang – Monster (29.5%)
3. B.A.P – Power (19.9%)

Choreography
1. B.A.P – Warrior (47.2%)
2. Infinite – The Chaser (30.0%)
3. Teen Top – To You (13.9%)

Drama
1. Rooftop Prince (28.1%)
2. Shut Up! Flower Boy Band (27.9%)
3. Reply 1997 (21.5%)

OST Song
1. Block B – Burn Out (Ghost OST) (28.1%)
2. Daesung – Lunatic (What’s Up OST) (27.7%)
3. J-Min – Stand Up (To The Beautiful You OST) (26.6%)

Rock/Alternative
1. CNBLUE (68.1%)
2. LED Apple (18.5%)
3. Busker Busker (7.6%)

Hip Hop
1. Block B (59.1%)
2. Epik High (28.2%)
3. Phantom (5.7%)

Special Awards:

K Culture Award: Judy Suh – ExamiNation
so-loved Special Award: MyName
K Special Award: Dalmatian

Read more at Omona They Didnt:http://omonatheydidnt.livejournal.com/10238815.html#ixzz2EWzATXQj

Block B’s “Freeze!” gets banned for the second time without an explanation

The questionable standards of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family have been highlighted once again with the second ban of Block B’s debut track, “Freeze!”

As reported earlier, the song was banned by the MOGEF earlier this year for containing lyrics describing unwholesome dating methods. Two lines in particular were judged to be unacceptable: “Send all of your friends home”, and “I’m waiting for you right here.”

Fans questioned the ban, especially since the lyrics didn’t mention any alcohol or sexual activity.

Nevertheless, Brand New Stardom decided to re-edit the lines to “My eyes are already watching you”, and “This night is waiting for you”. They resubmitted the song for re-evaluation in order to put it in their “New Kids on the Block” release, and the MOGEF passed the edit, allowing Block B to re-release “Freeze” through their mini-album.

However, on August 27th, MOGEF had banned the song once again without giving any notice to the company or its artists, and they did not provide an explanation detailing why.

Block B fans hoping to attend fan signings have begun to protest, especially since the album is no longer available for sale to minors.

Member U-Kwon commented on his Twitter, “Kids can’t listen to idol music anymore.”

In other related news, Block B will be going on a four-city nationwide Japanese showcase tour next month, all of which sold out within three minutes of going on sale.

Source + Photos: Naver Music