Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop girl group 2NE1, composed of CL, Park Bom, Sandara Park and Minzy, will be launching their second world tour next year and the Philippines is one of the stops. YG Entertainment, 2NE1′s agency, announced that the girls will start their 2014 World Tour in March.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Boy band EXO and SHINee’s Choi Minho became the most searched K-pop group and Korean personality in the Philippines in 2013, respectively. Google Philippines released its annual year-end Zeitgeist, a collection of the top search queries by Filipinos on google.com.ph. (Clockwise from top left) SHINee's Minho, EXO, Jang Geun Suk, Girls' Generation, Yoo In Na and SHINee. (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and EXO's Facebook page)

Billboard magazine announced its 2013 Year-End Charts list, which includes the year’s top artists and songs. For the K-pop Hot 100 chart, Billboard chose SISTAR19′s “Gone Not Around Any Longer” as the No. 1 K-pop song of 2013.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The Gwiyomi song, “Harlem Shake,” breaking news including the explosions at Boston Marathon, natural disasters including typhoon “Yolanda” and silly memes defined the viewing experience on YouTube in the Philippines for 2013. The viewing experience on YouTube for 2013 in the Philippines was defined by (clockwise from top left) Gwiyomi craze, ‘Harlem Shake,’ Psy’s ‘Gentleman,’ Lee Grane on ‘The Voice of the Philippines,’ Ylvis’ ‘The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)’ and typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Screen capture by Bulletin Entertainment)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 2NE1′s Sandara Park and her brother, MBLAQ’s Thunder (also known as Cheondung), have launched an online campaign to raise money for people affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. Sandara Park and brother Thunder (Photo courtesy of Sandara’s Twitter account)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The G-Dragon-Missy Elliott collaboration song has been chosen as one of the 50 Best Songs of 2013. Complex magazine has released its list and it includes songs by Jay-Z, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne and Eminem.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean pop group 2NE1 will be appearing as guests in the new season of the American dating show “The Bachelor.” The reality TV show will premiere on Jan. 6 next year on ABC with 32-year-old Juan Pablo Galavis, a former professional football player, as the bachelor. “The Bachelor” Juan Pablo Galavis (top) and 2NE1. (Photos courtesy of “The Bachelor”/ABC and www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean star Kim Hyun Joong won at the Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards for the fifth year in a row. The actor and singer won the top idol award at the ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong. Kim Hyun Joong at his drama showcase (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Three Korean celebrities were found guilty by a court of betting on illegal online gambling. The Seoul Central District Court ordered entertainer Boom, singer Andy of boy band Shinhwa and comedian Yang Se-hyung to pay fines based on the amount of money they gambled. (From left) Boom, Andy and Yang Se-hyung. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Hallyu actor and singer Jang Geun Suk has donated 100 million won (P4.12 million) to help survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. Jang Geun Suk, who currently stars in the Korean drama “Beautiful Man,” gave his donation to UNICEF. Korean star Jang Geun Suk (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop boy band A-Prince, Eddie Chun band and the Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO) have raised a total of 5.67 million won, or about P232,000 won, in a charity concert in Seoul for the victims of Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. Boy band A-Prince with Filipino scholars after the concert (top) and while holding donation boxes at the event. (Photos by Jonjon Samson)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin When boy band 2PM member Nichkhun arrived in the Philippines last Nov. 7, Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name “Haiyan”) was already threatening the Visayas region with storm signal warning raised to No. 4, the highest level. 2PM’s Nichkhun and his fans at the BENCHSETTER Fun Meet. (Photos courtesy of BENCH’s Instagram and Philippine K-pop Committee’s Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The government of South Korea will be donating $5 million (about P219 million) worth of humanitarian assistance to the victims and families affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. K-pop fan clubs, on the other hand, are helping in the relief efforts through donation drives and volunteering. Fans of (from the top) Girls’ Generation, CNBLUE, 2PM, DBSK and others are helping in providing assistance to the victims of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in the Philippines (Photos from Facebook pages of Girls’ Generation, CNBLUE and 2PM, and www.newsen.com)

From the Philippine Red Cross Go to  http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow   to make your donation

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The Asian Games Centennial Festival (AGCEF) scheduled to be held in Boracay in Aklan from Nov. 27 to 29 has been postponed following the onslaught of super typhoon “Yolanda” (internatioonal name “Haiyan”) in the country. Part of the AGCEF was the Asian Games Centennial Music Gala that was supposed to feature K-pop boy band JYJ, composed of Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu, and other Asian artists. Boy band JYJ (Photo courtesy of 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee)

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea extends its deepest sympathies and support to the victims and bereaved families affected by Typhoon Haiyan (“Yolanda”), which struck the Philippines last November 8, 2013.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Six Korean celebrities are being investigated by authorities for illegal online gambling. Comedians Lee Soo-geun and Yang Se-hyung, actor Tak Jae-hoon and, singer Tony Ahn, entertainer Boom and Andy of boy band Shinhwa were summoned by the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of betting on illegal online gambling. Clockwise from top left) Lee Soo-geun, Andy, Boom, Tak Jae-hoon, Tony Ahn and Yang Se-hyung. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Asian stars have expressed their sympathy and prayers for the Philippines and for the families affected by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name “Haiyan”), which caused widespread devastation and killed hundreds in the country. Clockwise from top left) 2PM’s Nichkhun, Aziatix, Lee Min Ho, Sandara Park and Ricky Kim (Photos by Jonathan Hicap and Twitter accounts of Aziatix, Lee Min Ho, Sandara Park and Ricky Kim)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin A much-awaited K-pop concert in Singapore that would have featured acts like EXO, SHINee and KARA was cancelled by the organizer due to “contractual obligations” to a Korean broadcasting company. Fans are angry and scrambling to get ticket refunds after Fatfish Entertainment announced that the “MBC Korean Wave In Singapore 2013″ concert would not push through. Teen Top, B1A4 and miss A at the press conference in Singapore for the concert last August (Photos from the MBC Korean Music Wave in Singapore 2013 Facebook page)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop star Nichkhun, a member of boy band 2PM, praised Filipinos for being warm and friendly, and said that he was really looking forward to see his fans up close at his fun meet.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Nichkhun, member of K-pop boy band 2PM, arrived in Manila last night for his “fun meet” for a Philippine clothing brand that will be held tomorrow. Nichkhun at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last night (Photos courtesy of @Careyblue21 and @aveeporn on Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop boy band Super Junior has been invited to speak at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Super Junior in costumes to celebrate their eight anniversary (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin “No Breathing,” the Korean film that was shot partly in the Philippines, has earned $2 million at the box office since its release last Oct. 30. The movie has garnered 318,766 in attendance and has earned 2.15 billion won (about $2 million and P87.6 million) in South Korea as of Nov. 5, according to data from the Korea Film Council’s website. Clockwise from top) Lee Jong Suk, Yuri and Seo In Guk in ‘No Breathing’ (Photos from ‘No Breathing’)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Pop stars Rain and Hangeng were feted at the People of the Year Award 2013 by BAZAAR Men’s Style held in Beijing, China. Rain received the Asia All-Around Entertainer Award at the ceremony as part of the Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week Celebration Party. Rain with his award (left) and Hangeng with Harper’s BAZAAR Executive Publisher Su Mang on the red carpet. (Photos courtesy of BAZAAR Men and Hangeng’s accounts on Weibo)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop group Girls’ Generation bagged the Video of the Year in the inaugural YouTube Music Awards held Sunday night in New York City (Monday morning in Manila). Girls’ Generation’s “I Got A Boy” was voted Video of the Year, beating out Psy’s “Gentleman” Demi Lovato’s “Heart Attack,” Epic Rap Battles of History’s “Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney,” Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop,” Justin Bieber feat. Nicki Minaj’s “Beauty and a Beat,” Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” One Direction’s “Best Song Ever,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert’s “Same Love,” and Selena Gomez’s “Come & Get It.”

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean boy band Infinite fulfilled their pledge of making lasting memories with their Filipino fans upon their arrival on Nov. 2 when they held their concert “2013 Infinite 1st World Tour: One Great Step” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. Sungkyu, Hoya, Dongwoo, L, Woohyun, Sungyeol and Sungjong headline the concert that ran for almost three hours, showcasing their vocal talents and impressive dance routines. “I missed you so much,” Hoya told the fans at the concert. Infinite opened the concert with “Destiny,” the group’s latest single that won them awards on music TV shows in Korea. They followed this with “Tic Toc” and “Paradise” from their first studio album and its repackaged version released in 2011. Other songs performed were “Wings,” “Inception,” “She’s Back,” “Man in Love,” “The Chaser,” “Nothing’s Over,” “Cover Girl” and “BTD.” Infinite H’s Hoya and Dongwoo performed “Special Girl” while Sungyeol and Sungjong s...

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin When Korean boy band Infinite visited and performed in the Philippines for the first time last January, they said they were deeply moved by the response of Filipino fans.  

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   The top 10 artists and other nominees in the 2013 Melon Music Awards have been revealed. These 10 artists are G-Dragon, EXO, BEAST, SISTAR, Davichi, Dynamic Duo, Busker Busker, SHINee, IU and Ailee. Nominees (clockwise from top left) G-Dragon, SHINee, IU and SISTAR (Photos courtesy of Melon website)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The title track from Kim Jaejoong’s first studio album has topped 10 countries including the Philippines. Jaejoong, member of boy band JYJ, released his album “WWW (Who When Why)” on Oct. 29 which included the title song “Just Another Girl.” JYJ speaking at the event in Vietnam (Photo courtesy of Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The dream of many SS501 fans finally came true when the members of the boy band reunited at a concert. Heo Young-saeng (center) with fellow SS501 members (from left) Park Jung-min, Kim Kyu-jong, Kim Hyung-jun and Kim Hyun Joong. (Courtesy of http://blog.naver.com/qhalclsrn12)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Twelve-member K-pop band EXO won the Best Korea Act in the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMA), besting fellow Hallyu acts U-KISS, B.A.P, Boyfriend and girl group SISTAR.

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.comDon't miss any updates. Subscribe to this blog, add me to your Google+ circle or click the Google Friend Connect on the sidebar

More photos to follow

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean boy band Super Junior did not disappoint thousands of fans who went to see them at their concert at the Mall of Asia Arena last Oct. 24.

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.comDon't miss any updates. Subscribe to this blog, add me to your Google+ circle or click the Google Friend Connect on the sidebar

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Heechul and Kangin, members of Super Junior who were discharged from the military this year and in 2012, respectively, will join the boy band’s Manila concert tonight.” Heechul and Kangin (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and Kangin’s Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop acts Girls’ Generation and Psy bagged nominations in the first-ever YouTube Music Awards. “These video and artist nominations are based on YOUR views, likes, comments and subscriptions over the last 12 months from September 2012,” according to YouTube’s official blog. Girls’ Generation and Psy (Photos courtesy of SMTOWN Facebook page and YG Entertainment)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The main actor in the American version of the Asian dramas “Boys Over Flowers” and “Meteor Garden” said he is secure and he does not feel any pressure playing the lead role. Joseph Almani (Photos courtesy of Mr. Almani)

Hallyu stars Bae Yong Joon and Yoon Eun Hye won the top acting awards at the Korean Entertainment 10th Anniversary Awards in Japan held on Oct. 19 at Makuhari International Exhibition Center in Chiba City.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop stars Sandara Park of 2NE1 and Ailee attended the State Dinner hosted by South Korean President Park Geun-hye for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Oct. 17 at the State Guest House of Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House. Sandara Park and Ailee at the State Dinner (Video grab by Bulletin Entertainment from SBS and RTVM footages)

Wilbros company has announced today that Nichkhun's BENCHSETTER Fun Meet in Manila for BENCH clothing will be held on Nov. 9. Details to follow.  Here's my Manila Bulletin article on Nichkhun's Manila fan meet: http://www.mb.com.ph/2pms-nichkhun-to-visit-manila-in-november/

Dancer-choreographer Aimee Lee Lucas praises EXO and talks about G-Dragon, Taeyang, Park Bom and Uhm Jung Hwa in an interview with Manila Bulletin 

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Pop star Justin Bieber gave K-pop fans a surprise when he kissed 2NE1′s Sandara Park at a party after his concert in Seoul last Oct. 10. Korean American jeweler Ben Baller uploaded on his Chinese microblogging account Weibo a photo of Bieber kissing Sandara. Justin Bieber (left) kissing Sandara Park. On the right is Ben Baller. (Photo courtesy of Ben Baller’s Weibo)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Pop star Justin Bieber held his Believe Tour concert in Seoul last night and surprised the audience when he called Big Bang’s G-Dragon on stage as his guest. Justin Bieber, Psy and G-Dragon in Seoul (Photo courtesy of Scooter Braun’s Instagram)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Cameras will start rolling soon for the American adaptation of the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango” and one of the cast members says she is looking forward to be part of the series. Fil-Am actress Jackie Averia (Photo courtesy of “Boys Before Friends” and Averia’s Facebook pages)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.comDon't miss any updates. Subscribe to this blog, add me to your Google+ circle or click the Google Friend Connect on the sidebar

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin “The Heirs,” the comeback drama of Korean stars Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, premiered last night with mixed results in the ratings. According to TNmS Korea, the SBS drama posted a 9.9 percent rating nationwide in Korea on Oct. 10 to place 13th overall. In Seoul, it garnered a 12 percent rating to rank fifth. Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho at “The Heirs” press conference (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin After her agency announced that she is not renewing her contract, KARA’s Nicole Jung issued a statement that she wants to stay as member of the girl group. Last Friday, DSP Media, KARA’s agency, announced that Nicole had decided not to renew her contract, which will expire in January 2014, and that she would no longer be a part of KARA. Nicole (Photo: www.newsen.com)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.comDon't miss any updates. Subscribe to this blog, add me to your Google+ circle or click the Google Friend Connect on the sidebar

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin One of the most popular K-pop bands is in crisis now that a member has decided to leave the group. Nicole and Jiyoung (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Actress Lee Bo Young, who starred in the successful dramas “I Hear Your Voice” and “My Daughter Seo-young,” bagged the daesang, or grand prize, at the 2013 Korea Drama Awards held on Oct. 2 in Jinju City in Gyeongsang, South Korea. Winners (from left) Lee Jung-jin, Lee Jong Suk, Lee Bo Young and Jo Yoon-hee (Photos by www.newsen.com)