Choi Ji Woo signs with YG Entertainment

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Top Korean actress Choi Ji Woo, credited for popularizing hallyu (Korean Wave) in Japan, the Philippines and other parts of Asia through her dramas, “Winter Sonata (2002)” and “Stairway To Heaven (2003),” has signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment. She joins the agency’s huge stable of talents that includes actors Cha Seung Won, Im Ye Jin, Jang Hyun Sung, Jeong Hye Young, Ku Hye Sun and Yoo In Na.

Korean actress Choi Ji Woo (www.newsen.com)

What's next for the Korean Wave?

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

In the last few years, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has spread in many countries.

From Asia, Hallyu has found its way to other regions like in Latin America, North America and Middle East.

Hallyu stars (clockwise from top left) Super Junior, Choi Ji-woo and Bae Yong-joon in 'Winter Sonata,' Big Bang and Lee Young Ae in 'Jewel in the Palace' (Photos by www.newsen.com)