Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 2NE1′s Sandara Park and her brother, MBLAQ’s Thunder (also known as Cheondung), have launched an online campaign to raise money for people affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines. Sandara Park and brother Thunder (Photo courtesy of Sandara’s Twitter account)

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 stars Sandara Park of 2NE1 and Ailee attended the State Dinner hosted by South Korean President Park Geun-hye for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Oct. 17 at the State Guest House of Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House. Sandara Park and Ailee at the State Dinner (Video grab by Bulletin Entertainment from SBS and RTVM footages)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Pop star Justin Bieber gave K-pop fans a surprise when he kissed 2NE1′s Sandara Park at a party after his concert in Seoul last Oct. 10. Korean American jeweler Ben Baller uploaded on his Chinese microblogging account Weibo a photo of Bieber kissing Sandara. Justin Bieber (left) kissing Sandara Park. On the right is Ben Baller. (Photo courtesy of Ben Baller’s Weibo)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 2NE1′s Sandara Park got a taste of her favorite Filipino fast food in New York City but she thought she was in the Philippines so she ordered in Tagalog. Sandara Park in front of the Jollibee branch in Queens, New York City (Photo courtesy of Sandara Park’s Twitter account)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - 2NE1's Sandara Park is in the Philippines and she's busy acting as tour guide to fellow YG Entertainment artist Big Bang. Sandara reportedly arrived in the country last Oct. 22. She and the and Big Bang members reportedly went to Tagaytay yesterday, a source said. It's more fun in the Philippines. (Left) Big Bang's G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung enjoy a swim at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel while Sandara Park (right) makes a pose at Greenhills Shopping Center. (Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and Sandara's Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - As members of boy band Big Bang make the most of their stay in the Philippines in the next few days, 2NE1's Sandara Park tells them to have "good memories" and offers to help them if they need anything. Sandara, of course, knows more about the Philippines, having lived here for many years before going back to Korea to become a member of 2NE1. Big Bang members G-Dragon, Daesung and TOP arriving at their hotel in Mandaluyong from the airport where fans (bottom) waited to welcome them. (Screen grab by Bulletin Entertainment and photo courtesy of Big Bang VIP Philippines)

2NE1's Sandara Park has finally joined Twitter under the name @krungy21, putting the description that she is the "Pambansang krungkrung ng Pilipinas" (The Philippines' national weird or unique personality). "Krung krung" was a nickname given to Sandara when she was still active as an actress and singer in the Philippines. It means weird, unique or crazy.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The girls of K-pop group 2NE1 are gearing up for their much-awaited comeback with Sandara Park sporting a new hairstyle. In the last few days, YG Entertainment posted teaser photos of 2NE1 members along with hints on their comeback date. Photos courtesy of YG Entertainment and screen grab

BY JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Before she became a member of K-pop girl group 2NE1, Sandara Park had a thriving acting and singing career in the Philippines. On June 27, fans of Sandara in Korea will be able to watch three of her Filipino movies.

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)

By JONATHAN M. HICAP Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Girl group 2NE1 is creating a buzz in the K-pop music scene not only with their latest   single “I Am the Best” but also with their new fashion style.