Korea Observer

BY JONATHAN HICAP Prime Video launched its own Weekly Top 10 lists, giving audiences details of what the world is watching on the streaming platform.  Every week, Prime Video will now publish four top 10 charts: Top 10 Prime Original Films (English & Non-English) - Worldwide, Top 10 Prime Original Series (English & Non-English) - Worldwide, Top 10 Non-English Prime Original Films - Worldwide, and Top 10 Non-English Prime Original Series - Worldwide.  Charts are updated weekly and reflect viewership from the prior Monday–Sunday period. "Prime Originals" refers to content exclusively available on Prime Video while "International Originals" refers to non-English-language Prime Originals produced outside the US. The charts reflect actual viewership data from Prime Video's global audience, offering a real-time pulse on the films and series.  Prime Video will publish the charts every Thursday (3 a.m. in the Philippines), corresponding to every Wednesday at 12 ...

South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of "Squid Game" (오징어 게임) actor O Yeong-su, bringing to a close a years-long legal battle over sexual harassment allegations stemming from a 2017 incident. In a ruling issued on June 25, the Supreme Court's Third Division affirmed the Nov. 11, 2025 decision of the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division, which overturned the actor's earlier conviction and acquitted him of the charges. O Yeong-su in "Squid Game" season 1 (Netflix) Read more at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/26/court-upholds-squid-game-actors-acquittal-in-sexual-harassment-case  

A Philippine community library initiative was named one of just 10 youth-led projects worldwide selected for expansion under UNESCO and K-pop group Seventeen's Global Youth Grant Scheme, as member Joshua attended a celebration at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 25.  Read more at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/26/ph-project-among-10-chosen-in-unesco-seventeen-youth-initiative

Evan, formerly known as Heeseung of the K-pop group ENHYPEN, has officially launched his solo career with the release of his digital single “Ride or Die,” marking his first project under his new stage name. Read more at Manila Bulletin online at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/23/ex-enhypen-heeseung-debuts-as-evan-with-ride-or-die

An all-female dance crew will carry the Philippine flag to South Korea after emerging as grand champion of the Philippine leg of the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF). Read more at: https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/24/meraki-to-represent-ph-in-k-pop-cover-dance-festival-finals-in-seoul

The BL (boys’ love) drama “The Next Prince” bagged the Series of the Year award at the KAZZ Awards 2026 held in Thailand on May 14.  The KAZZ Awards ceremony, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, honored outstanding stars and works in Thailand and was hosted by KAZZ Magazine, which marked its 20th anniversary.  “The Next Prince” starred Thai actors Nunew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong and Zee Pruk Panich and aired from May to August last year.  Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong won Couple of the Year while Freen also won Best Actress of the Year. Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat bagged the Best Actor of the Year Award.  KAZZ Awards 2026 (Photos from KAZZ Awards on Facebook) The Drama Award of the Year went to “Searching for the Love She Forgot.” Here are the winners at the KAZZ Awards 2026:  Series of the Year Award - The Next Prince Trending Artist Award - DEXX Spotlight Icon of the Year Award - GMMTV Fandom Character Rising Male of the Year Awar...

K-pop supergroup  BTS  received a warm welcome in Mexico, where President Claudia Sheinbaum personally greeted the group at the National Palace ahead of their sold-out concert series in Mexico City. The group visited the country’s federal government seat, where they met Sheinbaum before appearing on the balcony to wave at an estimated 50,000 fans gathered at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square. The massive crowd turned the city center into a sea of supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the global stars. Read more at  Manila Bulletin online:  https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/07/bts-warmly-welcomed-in-mexico-as-president-meets-k-pop-group-ahead-of-concert-series  

Korean actor Lee Jun-hyuk of the Netflix drama “Love Scout” returned to the Philippines to meet his fans. Lee Jun-hyuk held his “Let Me In” Fan Meeting in Manila on June 29 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Newport World Resorts. This was his second time visiting the Philippines for an event. Read more at Manila Bulletin .

Bella Campen, Bright Vachirawit show chemistry in Prime Video film ‘Congrats My Ex!’  ’ https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/7/bella-campen-bright-vachirawit-show-chemistry-in-prime-video-film-congrats-my-ex #manilabulletin via @manilabulletin #CongratsMyEx #Bright #bellacampen #PrimeVideoPH #PrimeVideo #ลุ้นรักป่วนก๊วนแฟนเก่า #bbrightvc

#Seventeen becomes first K-pop artist to sell 5 million copies of an album in first week of release https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/31/seventeen-becomes-first-k-pop-artist-to-sell-5-million-copies-of-an-album-in-first-week-of-release

Ticket prices, seat plan for 2023 Asia Artist Awards at Philippine Arena revealed https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/31/ticket-prices-seat-plan-for-2023-asia-artist-awards-at-philippine-arena-revealed

BTS’ Jungkook makes history by placing 2 singles in top 5 in UK https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/7/bts-jungkook-makes-history-for-placing-2-singles-in-top-5-in-uk #manilabulletin via @manilabulletin

BLACKPINK’s Jennie to release special single ‘You & Me’ https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/blackpink-s-jennie-to-release-special-single-you-and-me

K-pop star Chanyeol, Ever Bilena’s first male brand ambassador, says ‘beauty is for everyone’ https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/k-pop-star-chanyeol-ever-bilena-s-first-male-brand-ambassador-says-beauty-is-for-everyone

2023 MTV EMA nominees announced https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/2023-mtv-ema-nominees-announced

Netflix reveals new, returning cast of global hit Korean series ‘Squid Game’ season 2  https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/18/netflix-reveals-new-returning-cast-of-global-hit-korean-series-squid-game-season-2  

Korean star Lee Seung-gi sings his heart out in first PH concert: ‘Manila is the best’  https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/29/korean-star-lee-seung-gi-sings-his-heart-out-in-first-ph-concert-manila-is-the-best