Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The numbers are in and local films dominated the box office in South Korea in 2013. Korean films captured nine of the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year, based on figures from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). Park Shin Hye, Ryu Seung-ryong and Kal So-won in the top top-grossing film ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7′ (Photos by the film’s official Facebook page)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Actress Lee Bo Young bagged the Daesang, or Grand Prize, at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards for her role in the hit drama “I Hear Your Voice.” The awards recognized stars who appeared on SBS projects for the year. Besides winning the Daesang, Lee Bo Young also took home the Producers’ Award and Top 10 Stars Award. 2013 SBS Drama Awards winners (from top left) Lee Bo Young, Jo In-sung, Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Lee Jong Suk and Kang Min-hyuk (Photos by www.newsen.com and SBS)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin “The Heirs,” the comeback drama of Korean stars Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, premiered last night with mixed results in the ratings. According to TNmS Korea, the SBS drama posted a 9.9 percent rating nationwide in Korea on Oct. 10 to place 13th overall. In Seoul, it garnered a 12 percent rating to rank fifth. Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho at “The Heirs” press conference (Photo by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin The nominees for this year's 49th Baeksang Arts Awards for film and TV have been named. In the film category, heartthrob Song Joong-ki of "Werewelf Boy" has been nominated for best actor along with Ryu Seung Ryong of the hit movie "Miracle in Cell No. 7," Lee Byung-hun for "Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King," Ha Jung-woo for "Berlin" and Hwang Jung-min for "New World." Photos by www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The movie "Miracle In Cell No. 7," which stars Ryoo Seung-ryong, Park Shin Hye and child actress Gal So-won, sold 12,320,000 tickets to become the third most viewed Korean film of all time. According to the Korean Film Council, "Miracle In Cell No. 7" achieved the feat last March 15 and surpassed the movie "Masquerade," which has 12,319,542 in admissions.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA,  Philippines - Korean star Park Shin Hye held her first fan meeting in Manila last March 16 and surprised everyone when she sang the Filipino song "Kailan" by MYMP. The popular actress sang, danced and played games with fans as she kicked off her six-country Kiss of Angel Asia Tour in the Philippines.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines--Popular Korean actress Park Shin Hye looked beautiful, radiant and elegant as she entered the Ruby Room inside the Manila Diamond Hotel at the presscon for her Asia Tour "Kiss of Angel in Manila" fan meeting scheduled on March 16 at the Aliw Theater. Award-winning Korean actress Park Shin Hye answers questions at her presscon.  Kring Elizano emceed the event. (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Award-winning Korean actress Park Shin Hye will be holding a fan meeting in Manila in March, marking her first time to visit the Philippines. The "Park Shin Hye: Manila Fanmeeting 2013" will be held on March 16 at the Star Theater at CCP Complex in Pasay City. Park Shin Hye (Photo courtesy of 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 – The 2010 hit series “Secret Garden” was voted as the most favorite Korean drama by international fans, according to a survey.