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Big Bang and 2NE1, the most popular K-pop acts in France

In a recent survey conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization, Big Bang was the most-preferred boy band while 2NE1 was the favorite girl group among Hallyu fans in France.

The French branch of the organization’s Web site, visitkorea.or.kr, surveyed more than 3,775 K-pop fans in France in January.

Big Bang, preferred by male fans in their twenties, chalked up 49.9 percent of votes in the male group category.

Following Big Bang’s lead were the bands Super Junior (45 percent), SHINee (35.5 percent) and Beast (33.8 percent).

Meanwhile, 2NE1 had around the same amount of male and female fans, garnering 64.8 percent of votes in the female group category.

Following behind a 19 percent gap was Girls’ Generation (45.4 percent), and further behind was Miss A (31.5 percent).

Big Bang, 2NE1 enter Oricon top 5 on the same day of album releases

Big Bang and 2NE1 took the second and fourth spots on Japan’s Oricon regular album chart on Wednesday.

The feat was made more remarkable as the albums, “Alive” by Big Bang and the “best of” album by 2NE1, were released the same day they entered the chart.

“Alive” is Big Bang’s fifth EP and was produced with the intention of marketing the band to the world, as opposed to focusing on the Asian market as it has until now. It was released here on Feb. 29. The Japanese edition of the album contains the same songs, but they are sung in Japanese.

Currently, the boy band is busy promoting its album in both countries, after which it will travel to Thailand.

Meanwhile, 2NE1’s “best of” album features the girl group’s biggest hits, including its Korean debut “Fire” as well as the all-time favorite “I Don’t Care.”

The two groups will join forces to participate in a Japanese R&B and hip-hop festival on Saturday. Lmfao and David Guetta are also slated to perform.