Aspiring K-pop artists, actors to get protection under new law

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The Korean government will implement a new law that will protect aspiring K-pop artists and actors against abuse by unscrupulous entertainment agencies.

Under the new law by Korea’s National Assembly, those who will establish an entertainment agency in South Korea will have to get approval from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Actress Jang Ja-yeon, who appeared on ‘Boys over Flowers,’ committed suicide in March 2009 (Photos by www.newsen.com)

EXCLUSIVE: Joseph Almani confident in playing lead role

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)

EXCLUSIVE: Fil-Am Jackie Averia excited to be in US version of ‘Boys over Flowers’

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)

EXCLUSIVE: Fil-Am cast in ‘Boys over Flowers’ US remake

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A Filipino-American has been cast to play one of the lead roles in the upcoming American adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series "Hana Yori Dango," which was turned into the TV drama serials "Meteor Garden" in Taiwan, "Hana Yori Dango" in Japan and "Boys over Flowers" in South Korea.

The F4 of “Between Boys and Friends” and their counterparts in the Korean version. (From top left) Joseph Almani, Trenton Culkin, Napoleon Tavale, Jason Mordeno, Kim Joon, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun Joong and Lee Min Ho (Photos courtesy of “Between Boys and Friends” and KBS websites)

'Secret Garden' voted most favorite Korean drama

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – The 2010 hit series “Secret Garden” was voted as the most favorite Korean drama by international fans, according to a survey.