(YG Entertainment)

Amid K-pop group 2NE1’s Sandara Park's forthcoming return to the Philippines to be a judge on an audition program there, she said she thanked Filipino fans for the hospitality, according to YG Entertainment on Monday.

“The Philippines is where I grew up, where I envisioned myself as a musician," Park said. “It is such a special opportunity to come back to the place that showed me love, even though I’m not Filipino national.”

The 31-year-old was in the country for ABS-CBN’s audition program “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” which airs in September. Along with Park, TV presenter Vice Ganda and singer Yeng Constantino are also part of the panel of judges.

Park debut as a 2NE1 member in 2009, five years after emerging as a runner-up in the Filipino audition program “Star Circle Quest.”

By Son Ji-hyoung (json@heraldcorp.com)