Korea Observer

By Jonathan M. Hicap, Manila Bulletin  Young actor Park Bogum, who starred in the hit series “Reply 1988” and “Love in the Moonlight,” has been chosen in a poll as the number one TV drama actor for 2016. Korean stars Park Bogum (left) and Song Joong Ki. (Photos courtesy of Blossom Entertainment) | Manila Bulletin

By JONATHAN HICAP  Korean actor Song Joong-ki was discharged from the army on May 26 after serving 21 months on active duty. The 29-year-old star, who rose to fame via the Korean drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” in 2010, stepped out of a military camp in Gangwon Province in South Korea at about 8 a.m. and was greeted by fans and media. Photos by www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Nine Korean films have been selected to compete for the country's entry to the Oscars next year, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). One entry will be chosen among the nine as South Korea's entry to the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. A scene from the 'Berlin Film' (left) and Song Joong-ki in 'The Werewolf Boy' (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Legions of fans woke up today to news that actor Song Joong Ki will be enlisting in the army later this month to fulfill his duty as a Korean citizen. It was announced by Blossom Entertainment, the actor's agency, that Song Joong Ki will be entering the army on Aug. 27 and will serve for two years. Song Joong Ki (Photos 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 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 - Popular Korean star, Song Joong Ki, 27, one of the busiest and most popular actors and product endorsers in Korea today, recently visited Cebu for a working vacation.