Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin When boy band 2PM member Nichkhun arrived in the Philippines last Nov. 7, Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name “Haiyan”) was already threatening the Visayas region with storm signal warning raised to No. 4, the highest level. 2PM’s Nichkhun and his fans at the BENCHSETTER Fun Meet. (Photos courtesy of BENCH’s Instagram and Philippine K-pop Committee’s Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Asian stars have expressed their sympathy and prayers for the Philippines and for the families affected by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name “Haiyan”), which caused widespread devastation and killed hundreds in the country. Clockwise from top left) 2PM’s Nichkhun, Aziatix, Lee Min Ho, Sandara Park and Ricky Kim (Photos by Jonathan Hicap and Twitter accounts of Aziatix, Lee Min Ho, Sandara Park and Ricky Kim)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop star Nichkhun, a member of boy band 2PM, praised Filipinos for being warm and friendly, and said that he was really looking forward to see his fans up close at his fun meet.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Nichkhun, member of K-pop boy band 2PM, arrived in Manila last night for his “fun meet” for a Philippine clothing brand that will be held tomorrow. Nichkhun at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last night (Photos courtesy of @Careyblue21 and @aveeporn on Twitter)

Wilbros company has announced today that Nichkhun's BENCHSETTER Fun Meet in Manila for BENCH clothing will be held on Nov. 9. Details to follow.  Here's my Manila Bulletin article on Nichkhun's Manila fan meet: http://www.mb.com.ph/2pms-nichkhun-to-visit-manila-in-november/

By JONATHAN. HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Nichkhun, member of K-pop boy band 2PM, is the newest endorser of Philippine clothing brand BENCH. BENCH made the announcement this morning on its Twitter and Facebook page. 2PM's Nichkhun on BENCH billboard in Magallanes, Makati (Photo courtesy of @anjell_27 on Twitter)

Nichkhun, member of Korean boy band 2PM, has been recognized as the most influential person at the 1st Annual Kerd Awards in Thailand. The Kerd Awards selected the most influential people in the Thai entertainment industry. The awarding ceremony was held on March 30 at the Grand Ballroom of the Crystal Design Center in Bangkok. Photos courtesy of www.pingbook.com

Korean boy band 2PM member Nichkhun is getting the heat from Korean citizens because of a controversial Thai TV commercial that depicts the Rising Sun Flag, the military flag of Japan used during World War II.  Nichkhun (center) performing on stage while the Rising Sun Flag is depicted on the LED screen at the back

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Rookie boy band Block B learned a painful lesson about sensitivity following a public outrage against their behavior in a TV interview where they were accused of making fun of flood victims in Thailand and showing immature behavior. Block B issued an apology on their official website for their behavior during the interview, with leader Zico shaving his head to show remorse. Block B (Photo courtesy of www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN M. HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Korean stars have not only helped in boosting the popularity of Korean music and dramas but have driven up the sales of Korean cosmetics. SHINee for Etude House, Kim Hyun Joong for The Face Shop and Song Joong Ki for Tony Moly (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)