Will.i.am (center) with 2NE1 at the YG Entertainment studio in Seoul (Photo courtesy of YG Entertainment)

MANILA, Philippines - The Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am has openly expressed his confidence in the talent of K-pop group 2NE1, saying that they will be popular everywhere and not just in Korea.

Will.i.am was interviewed on Korean TV program “People Inside” hosted by Baek Ji Yeon where he revealed his thoughts on 2NE1.

“2NE1’s gonna be big everywhere. Not just in Korea (but also) in Brazil, America, London, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia,” he said.

Will.i.am went to Korea this month and met with executives of YG Entertainment and  2NE1 members Sandara Park, CL, Park Bom and Minzy. He will be helping 2NE1 break into the US market.

With 2NE1’s talent, Will.i.am said the group has the chance to make it big globally but this hinges on the type of music the K-pop girl group will sing.

“I think they have a really big shot. They just have to make the right type of music that makes people want to enjoy life,” he told “People Inside”.

He compared 2NE1 to Black Eyed Peas, which became successful even in non-English speaking countries.

“Black Eyed Peas were successful in countries that don’t speak English. I think 2NE1 will be successful outside of Korea. If we do that, that’s gonna be a challenge for me. I wanna be known for that. Those girls are special,” Will.i.am added.

Last May 12, 2NE1 released their new song “Lonely” which dominated various Korean music charts. 2NE1 will be returning to the K-pop scene with a new mini-album.

On the other hand, Filipino fans will finally get to see 2NE1 perform as the group holds their first ever concert in the Philippines dubbed as “The Party” on June 4 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I'm so excited," fan Danica Villanueva wrote on Facebook.

The concert will not only showcase 2NE1 but also Filipino singers Christian Bautista, The Bloomfields, Philippine All Stars, Techie Romantics and Callalily.