Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Gallup Korea has released the result of a survey that determines the most liked personalities by Koreans in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The survey asked 1,700 respondents aged 13 years old and above who their favorite celebrities, film stars, singers, athletes, comedians and presidents are. (Clockwise from top left) Actor Kim Soo Hyun, singer Cho Yong Pil, comedian Yoo Jae Suk, athlete Kim Yuna and film actor Choi Min Sik (Photos: www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean superstar Lee Min Ho was voted by fans as the No. 1 “Asian male god” in a poll conducted by Chinese news site www.ddyule.com. The actor garnered a total of 10,013,151 votes to top the poll, in which he was also the sole nominee to breach the 10 million votes.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Actor Kim Soo Hyun proved his star power when his new film "Secretly, Greatly" drew 1 million audience in just two days to break box office records in South Korea. "Secretly, Greatly" opened in theaters in South Korea on June 5 and drew 498,284 people on the first day to set the record of having the highest first-day attendance for a Korean film. Kim Soo Hyun (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Korean dramas “Tree with Deep Roots” and “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” won top honors along with films “Nameless Gangster” and “Unbowed” at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards held April 26. The awards ceremony, held at the Seoul Olympic Hall, honored excellence in films and TV in Korea. Winners in the Baeksang Arts Awards. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   MANILA, Philippines — Boy band BEAST and solo artist IU are the top winners in the Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 organized by Nickelodeon Korea. BEAST, Kim Soo Hyun, IU and Yoo Jae Suk (Photos from www.newsen.com)

The popular MBC drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun” ended its run on March 15 with its highest viewer ratings.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   MANILA, Philippines – Today, March 14, Koreans celebrate White Day, a traditional event observed a month after Valentine’s Day. White Day is when Korean men are expected to give women candies and other gifts. Kim Soo Hyun (www.newsen.com)

The MBC drama The Sun and the Moon is now all the rage throughout the country. The drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same title. It tells a love story set during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) of a fictional king, played by Kim Suhyeon, and the heroine, played by Han Ga-in. The drama immediately won over viewers and critics with its first airing in January for its tantalizing plot, lively characters, and well structured story.  The Sun and the Moon cast (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News via www.korea.net)