Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - In 2012, Korean boy band F.CUZ embarked on a new direction in their career. "We traveled to different countries so it's really memorable. We went to Japan, Taiwan and now we're here in the Philippines," said F.CUZ leader Jinon, in addition to releasing a new album. F.CUZ striking a pose after the interview with Bulletin Entertainment (Photo by Jonathan Hicap)

MANILA, Philippines - 2012 became an exciting year for hallyu or the Korean Wave, especially for K-pop. A horse-riding dance became an Internet sensation and swept the world. A number of Korean stars visited the Philippines and a three-year old legal dispute ended through a settlement. Here's Bulletin Entertainment's Top 10 Korean entertainment stories in 2012: 1. Psy - In just six months, Korean rapper Psy crossed over to the US music market with his viral song "Gangnam Style" that became a hit, achieved a billion views on YouTube and set three Guinness World Records. Psy became a staple on entertainment TV shows in the US, flew to different countries to perform and won a New Media award at the American Music Awards (AMA). Our wish in 2013: We hope that his next song will become a hit as well. (Clockwise from top left) Big Bang, Psy, Girls Generation, Wonder Girls' Sunye, JYJ and Jasmine Lee (Photos courtesy of YG Entertainment, www.newsen.com and Jas...

JYJ's Xia Junsu is included in the latest issue of KOREA magazine. The article, "K-pop Evolves," lists Korean singers who are ready to ride the new wave of K-pop after Psy. 

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Japan is the second largest music market in the world yet it seems there is lack of concerted efforts to promote Japanese artists and their music in other countries. It has a long roster of talented singers from solo artists Namie Amuro, Ayumi Namasaki and Kumi Koda to bands likes AKB48, Arashi, EXILE and SMAP.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Psy's viral hit "Gangnam Style" has been chosen as one of the best songs of 2012 by Rolling Stone magazine, SPIN magazine, and MTV. Rolling Stone released its 50 Best Songs of 2012 and "Gangnam Style" is at No. 25. (Clockwise from top left) Psy, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. (Photos courtesy of American Music Awards/www.amas365.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - MTV has released its Best Band Style of 2012 list and it includes K-pop bands 2NE1 and Big Bang of YG Entertainment. Europeans also voted for their favorite K-pop artists and 2NE1 and Big Bang emerged as the best bands this year. 2NE1 and Big Bang (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - TIME.com has released its Top 10 Everything of 2012 lists and it picked Korean rapper Psy's "Gangnam Style" as one of the Top 10 Songs and Top 10 Viral Videos of the year. Psy was also chosen by TIME as the No. 1 Fleeting Celebrity. Clockwise from top left) Usher, Psy, Carly Rae Jepsen and Taylor Swift. (Photos courtesy of www.amas365.com, American Music Awards, Dick Clark Productions)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   MANILA, Philippines - Actor Sean Richard grew up yearning to find and learn about his family heritage. Richard was born to a British father and a Korean mother and grew up in the United States.

By JONATHAN M. HICAP MANILA, Philippines - K-pop's Super Junior and f(x) were honored at the 19th Republic of Korea Entertainment Art Awards. The two were chosen as Best Groups. Donghae and Yesung accepted the award on behalf  of Super Junior while Victoria, Krystal and Amber received the award for f(x). (Clockwise from top left) f(x), Super Junior, Juniel and EXO-K (Photos by SMGlobal on Twitter and www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Big Bang, Psy and Super Junior bagged the major awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) held in Hong Kong on Nov. 30. Big Bang won as Artist of the Year while Psy received the Song of the Year award for his global hit "Gangnam Style." (Clockwise from top left) Big Bang, Psy, Super Junior and Adam Lambert

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean sensation Psy may finally have the chance to teach US President Barack Obama how to do the famous "Gangnam Style" horse-riding dance when he performs on the "Christmas In Washington" TV special. US TV channel TNT announced the list of performers for the annual event that will air Dec. 21. Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - After three long years, the legal battle between members of boy band JYJ and agency SM Entertainment (SME) came to an end with the two parties forging a settlement through arbitration.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - From Burma's Nobel Peace Prize winner, young North Korean leader to a South Korean rapper who started a global horse-riding dance craze, this year's TIME Person of the Year nominees range from celebrities, politicians and undocumented immigrants. TIME magazine announced its 38 finalists for its Person of the Year 2012 and several of them came from Asia. South Korea's Psy and North Korea's Kim Jong Un (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and Korean Central News Agency)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The leader of K-pop quintet Wonder Girls is going to tie the knot in January next year. Sunye is getting married to her Korean-Canadian boyfriend who she met in Haiti last year during a missionary work. Wonder Girls' Sunye and her boyfriend (Internet photo/www.wonderfulgeneration.net)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Move over, Justin. Psy is the new King of YouTube. Psy celebrated another milestone in his career when his "Gangnam Style" viral song surpassed label mate Justin Bieber's "Baby" as the most viewed video of all time on YouTube.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Is the "Gangnam Style" craze waning in the US? The latest Billboard charts showed Psy's viral hit further slipping down to No. 7 on the Hot 100 from No. 5 last week and No. 2 for the past seven consecutive weeks.

Posters have been unveiled for the new KBS Wednesday-Thursday drama “Jeon Woochi” ahead of its debut on Nov. 21. The two poster designs portray the charming features of the main cast members Cha Tae-hyun, Uee, Lee Hee-joon, Baik Jin-hee, Song Dong-il and Hong Jong-hyeon.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Filipino and Korean ska bands will come together for the Philippine Ska Festival, which will be held in Makati and Cebu this December. The festival, dubbed as the "first gathering of Philippine and Korea ska," will be headlined by Kingston Rudieska, Korea's top ska band.

Actress Lee Young-ae has decided to open a Hallyu store in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, an area popular with tourists. Lee Young-ae (Photo by Korea JoongAng Daily)

By JONATHAN M. HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Nine-member Girls' Generation is touted to follow in the footsteps of rapper Psy in becoming the next world music sensation, according to a British newspaper. The Guardian said the girl group is set to release its first English album early next year through Interscope Records.

Everyone's excited for the forthcoming Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert that will be held on Jan. 19, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds in the Philippines.  The concert will feature Girls Generation, INFINITE, UKISS, EXO, Tasty and Tahiti. Here are their messages for Filipino fans about the concert: 

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean superstar Lee Min-ho kept Filipino fans occupied in the last four days as he held his fan meeting and mall tours for Philippine clothing brand BENCH. From his arrival last Nov. 15 up to his departure from the Philippines on Nov. 18, thousands of fans followed his every move.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy has been nominated in the 2013 People's Choice Awards. His hit single "Gangnam Style" will be vying for the Favorite Music Video award along with Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend," Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe," Katy Perry's "Part of Me," and Maroon 5's "Payphone."

Incheon International Airport  is operating a program on a trial basis from October 29th, 2012 through January 29th, 2013 that will allow non-Korean nationals with a transferring flight and a layover of 12 hours or less to tour Korea without a standard issued entry visa.  Photo courtesy of KTO

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Queen of Pop Madonna and the new King of K-pop Psy heat up New York City as the latter became a surprise guest at Madonna's MDNA tour concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City last Nov. 13. Madonna and Psy (Photos courtesy of  @evaum33  and @psy_oppa on Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Korean actor Lee Min-ho arrived in the Philippines today for his scheduled fan meeting and mall tour this week. The superstar was met by his fans at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1  as he arrived past noon. Lee Min-ho at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Photo courtesy of cualawrence on Instagram and BENCH)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Following his recent breakup with Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber is, of course, nursing a broken heart. But if he decides to have another girlfriend in the future, can K-pop star Hyuna be the one? Billboard magazine thinks it is possible. Justin Bieber and Hyuna (Photos courtesy of Bieber's Facebook page and www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words and for singers IU and Super Junior's Eunhyuk, their photo on Twitter has raised questions, disbelief and shock. The deleted photo from IU's Twitter account

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Two Asian artists triumphed at the MTV Europe Music Awards held in Frankfurt, Germany, on Sunday night (Monday in Manila).

By JONATHAN M. HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) denied that it has awarded Korean rapper Psy's hit single "Gangnam Style" with a double-platinum or multi-platinum certification. A report by a Korean news agency quoted YG Entertainment, Psy's Korean agency, as saying that RIAA has certified Psy's hit single with a double-platinum award. Photos courtesy of Psy's Facebook page and YG Entertainment

Statement from the Korean Embassy in the Philippines regarding the 6 Nong Shim noodles that were recalled by the Philippine government:  The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) requested Nong Shim Co. Ltd. to recall the six noodle brands immediately after the former learned of the news that benzopyrene was detected recently. But the KFDA conducted the test and issued a certificate dated November 7, 2012 that the level of benzopyrene found in the noodle powder, which ranges from 0.4 to 1.6 ppb, was extremely low and has no harmful effect on the human body.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Hallyu stars Kim Hyun Joong and Song Seung-heon will be immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Busan, South Korea. The wax figures of the two Korean stars will be unveiled in December, according to an announcement by Madame Tussauds Busan. Kim Hyun Joong and Song Seung-hon (Photos courtesy of Madame Tussauds Busan)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Rapper Psy will be awarded the Order of Cultural Merit award by South Korea for his contribution to spreading hallyu, or Korean wave, through his hit song "Gangnam Style." The announcement was made by Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which will bestow the award on Psy and nine other personalities. US President Barack Obama (top photo) and Psy (bottom) in Paris. (Photos courtesy of  President Barack Obama and  Cauet sur NRJ  Facebook pages)  

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Boy band JYJ member Jaejoong didn't disappoint his 4,000 supporters by showing up at his first fan meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. Before he went to Indonesia, the singer and actor was suffering a bad case of sore throat. Despite this, he decided to go on with the fan meeting held at the Mata Elang International Stadium.

Several K-pop singers have been nominated in the Billboard Japan Music Awards 2012. Nominated for the Top Pop Artist 2012 category are Girls' Generation, KARA, Super Junior, CNBlue,  TVXQ and Jang Geun Suk along with EXILE, AKB48, SKE48, SMAP, Hey! Say! JUMP, Carly Rae Jepsen, NYC, NMB48, Rihanna,  Kis-My-Ft2  and Mr. Children among others. Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com

BY JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Super Junior's leader Leeteuk seems to be adjusting well to his new endeavor in the Korean military. A photo of Leeteuk smiling brightly together with other trainees was posted on the 306th Army Reserve online cafe. Leeteuk (center) together with Mighty Mouth's Sangchu and other trainees. (Photo courtesy of 306th Army Reserve online cafe)

BY JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The cast of the hit musical TV series "Glee" has been bitten by the "Gangnam Style" bug and they will cover the song in an upcoming episode. "Glee" has released a teaser of the "Gangnam Style" number that will be featured in the show.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior will have to go on with their activities without their leader Leeteuk in the next two years. Leeteuk will be enlisting in the Korean military today as part of the mandatory service of all male Korean citizens. Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Members of Korean boy band Big Bang have left a big mark on the hearts of Pinoy fans after their successful concert at the Mall of Asia Arena last Oct. 24. Despite that a typhoon was threatening to ruin the big day, the arena was full and the deafening screams filled the concert venue from start to encore.

Where would you go to find a pair of the latest Nike running shoes, a sequined purse for under 20 dollars, and a spiral potato all in one street? There is only one place in Seoul.  Seoul has already received ten million tourists this year, which compares markedly with 9.8 million visitors for all of last year. Hallyu and increased global recognition have made Korea an increasingly appealing destination for more and more tourists around the world.  Myeongdong (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy will be gracing the cover of the Nov. 3 issue of Billboard magazine, thanks to his viral hit "Gangnam Style" raking in 531 million views since July. Billboard's main story titled “500,000,000 PSY FANS CAN'T BE WRONG” spotlights on "How the K-Pop breakout star harnessed the power of YouTube, Ellen, SNL, The Today Show, and more to become music’s new global brand." Psy on the cover of the Nov. 3 issue of Billboard magazine. (Photo courtesy of Billboard)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Hallyu actor Jang Dong-gun was declared as Style Icon of the Year at the 2012 Style Icon Awards (SIA) held on Oct. 25 in Seoul, South Korea. The awards ceremony honored Korea's "Most Stylish Icons that Brightened 2012." (Clockwise from left) Style Icon of the Year awardee Jang Dong-gun and Style Icon winners miss A's Suzy and Seo In Guk and Jung Eunji (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and www.enewsworld.mnet.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino teens left for South Korea on Oct. 24 to compete in the reality TV talent show "K-pop Star Hunt 2," sponsored by the Seoul City government and organized by cable channel tvN, CJ E&M and Cube Entertainment. Sheila Mae Eunice Ona, 21, from Quezon City and Liahona Flores,15, from Cagayan de Oro City are the Philippines' representatives to the TV contest. They're in Seoul to compete with other 14 hopefuls from seven other countries. K-pop Star Hunt 2' Philippine leg winners Sheila Mae Eunice Ona and Liahona Flores with judges Park Jae Hyun, Kim Jong Min, Eddy Tan and Happee Sy (Photo courtesy of tvN and Liahona Flores' Facebook account)  

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - 2NE1's Sandara Park is in the Philippines and she's busy acting as tour guide to fellow YG Entertainment artist Big Bang. Sandara reportedly arrived in the country last Oct. 22. She and the and Big Bang members reportedly went to Tagaytay yesterday, a source said. It's more fun in the Philippines. (Left) Big Bang's G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung enjoy a swim at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel while Sandara Park (right) makes a pose at Greenhills Shopping Center. (Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and Sandara's Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - As members of boy band Big Bang make the most of their stay in the Philippines in the next few days, 2NE1's Sandara Park tells them to have "good memories" and offers to help them if they need anything. Sandara, of course, knows more about the Philippines, having lived here for many years before going back to Korea to become a member of 2NE1. Big Bang members G-Dragon, Daesung and TOP arriving at their hotel in Mandaluyong from the airport where fans (bottom) waited to welcome them. (Screen grab by Bulletin Entertainment and photo courtesy of Big Bang VIP Philippines)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Members of Korean boy band Big Bang arrived in Manila this afternoon for their concert slated on Oct. 24. The band arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at around 3:30 PM and Filipino VIPs (the collective name of Big Bang fans) were there at the airport since morning to wait for the arrival of the group. Guards were deployed to secure the arrival area.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy has set another milestone when "Gangnam Style" achieved 500 million views on YouTube. With this, "Gangnam Style" has become the third most viewed video on the website's history.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Fans can expect a lot more when the Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert is held in the Philippines in January next year, especially that meet-and-greet events will be held. This will be the first time that a K-pop concert in the Philippines will feature six K-pop idol groups. Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and SM Entertainment

Super Junior will release a photo book to celebrate its seventh year in the spotlight. SM Entertainment announced Tuesday that the limited-edition book will go on sale across Asia starting Nov. 6. Photo courtesy of Korea JoongAng Daily

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The "Gangnam Style" dance craze has hit Australia and former Spice Girls member Mel B did it with Psy himself. Psy flew to Australia on Oct. 15 for a promo tour. His first appearance was on "X Factor" Australia on Oct. 16 where he showed judge Mel B how to do the signature horse-riding dance.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Who will be crowned Korea's style icon this year? From K-pop stars to sports figures, the nominees for the Style Icon Awards 2012 are a mix of the most popular celebrities in Korea. Billed as a search for the "Most Stylish Icons that Brightened 2012," the Style Icon Awards will culminate in an awarding ceremony on Oct. 25. Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and YG Entertainment

By JONATHAN M. HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - K-pop quintet the Wonder Girls has participated along with global stars in a Christmas album that will benefit the Special Olympics. The "A Very Special Christmas" music series will be issued in the US on Oct. 16 in two albums: The "A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" and "A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth." Photos by www.newsen.com and Wonder Girls Facebook page

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Korean superstar Lee Min-ho is bound for the Philippines next month to meet fans as the new endorser of a local clothing brand.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Fans are angry that one of Korea's most popular hallyu stars has suffered another humiliation in his own country when he was left out in the TV broadcast of the opening ceremony of the 32nd National Para Games in Korea.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy's viral hit "Gangnam Style" has achieved another milestone, getting 1 million downloads and 1 million on-demand streams in the US, according to Billboard. Billboard.com says based on this week's Digital Songs chart, "Gangnam Style" has attained the feat. Psy (www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The sequel to the 2004 hit Korean romantic comedy "Full House" will premiere in Korea on Oct. 22 on cable channel SBS Plus. "Full House Take 2" stars actress Hwang Jung Eum and actors No Min Woo and Park Ki Woong.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Two of Korea's biggest K-pop agencies have expanded their empires into managing actors and TV hosts, and TV production, a move that will keep their stronghold in the business. SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, which handle K-pop's hottest singers including Girls Generation, Wonder Girls, Super Junior and 2AM, have ventured out of their core business. Jang Dong-gun and Kang Ho Dong (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Psy is appealing to fans to help him get to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 as his "Gangnam Style" reaches 400 million views on YouTube By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy will not settle for second place as far as his ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is concerned.