Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Cebu is still the favorite destination of Korean celebrities in the Philippines. Two K-pop stars went to Cebu in southern Philippines recently to shoot a special episode of a Korean TV show. Son Dambi, former After School leader Kahi and stylist Chae Han Suk were in Cebu to tape an episode of MBC's "Son Dambi's Beautiful Days" lifestyle TV show. Son Dambi and Kahi in Cebu (Photos courtesy of Kahi's blog and MBC)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Rolling Stone website has picked 10 K-pop groups including 2NE1, Big Bang and Girls Generation that have the potential to break into the US music scene. The website noted that while K-pop artists BoA and Se7en failed in their American debuts in the past, "K-pop has garnered a strong following without the help of any major American backing." (Clockwise from top left) SHINee, BEAST, 2NE1 and SISTAR. (Photos by www. newsen . com )

By JONATHAN M. HICAP Manila Bulletin (www.mb.com.ph)  MANILA, Philippines - More K-pop groups are venturing into the Japanese music market, following the moves made by other idol singers.