Korea Observer

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop stars descended on the famous Gangnam area in Seoul for the opening ceremony of K-Star Road, home to various entertainment agencies, shops, restaurants and attractions. The K-Star Road is a kilometer stretch in Cheongdam and Apgujeong in Gangnam that features giant toys that carry the names of K-pop groups such as Girls’ Generation, 2PM, FT Island, CNBLUE, SHINee and Super Junior.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  Super Junior-D&E composed of Donghae and Eunhyuk, have released their first studio album titled “The Beat Goes On.” Digital copies of the album were released online last March 6. The physical copy was released on March 9.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop idol groups Super Junior, Girls’ Generation and Red Velvet will be coming to Manila in April for a concert. Dubbed “Best of Best in Manila,” the concert will be held on April 12 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Super Junior member Sungmin, 28, has confirmed reports about his impending marriage to musical actress Kim Sa Eun in December. In his letter to fans posted on the official Super Junior website, Sungmin confirmed that the wedding will take place on Dec.13. Super Junior’s Sungmin and Kim Sa Eun (Photos: SBS FunE)

K-pop concerts have spread from East Asia and Southeast Asia including the Philippines to other regions in the world in the last four years. Read more at  http://www.mb.com.ph/k-pop-concerts-spread-around-the-world/

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Another Super Junior member will be enlisting in the Korean military this year. Shindong, 28, has been notified by Korea’s Military Manpower Administration (MMA) to enlist on March 31. Shindong (www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Super Junior leader Leeteuk was in tears and in deep sorrow at the funeral for his father and grandparents that was held this morning in Seoul. His sister, Park In Young, relatives and friends were at the Korea University Guro Hospital mortuary to bid their final farewell to Park Yongin, 57, Leeteuk’s father; and grandparents Park Hyeon Suk, 84, and Cheon Kyung Tae, 79. Leeteuk at the funeral (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Boy band EXO and SHINee’s Choi Minho became the most searched K-pop group and Korean personality in the Philippines in 2013, respectively. Google Philippines released its annual year-end Zeitgeist, a collection of the top search queries by Filipinos on google.com.ph. (Clockwise from top left) SHINee's Minho, EXO, Jang Geun Suk, Girls' Generation, Yoo In Na and SHINee. (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and EXO's Facebook page)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop boy band Super Junior has been invited to speak at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Super Junior in costumes to celebrate their eight anniversary (Photo by www.newsen.com)

More photos to follow

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Korean boy band Super Junior did not disappoint thousands of fans who went to see them at their concert at the Mall of Asia Arena last Oct. 24.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Heechul and Kangin, members of Super Junior who were discharged from the military this year and in 2012, respectively, will join the boy band’s Manila concert tonight.” Heechul and Kangin (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and Kangin’s Twitter)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Chinese superstar Hangeng, former member of boy band Super Junior, is using his celebrity status to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking. The singer and actor recently launched “Human Traffic: China,” a new documentary on human trafficking in China.

Ryeowook and Eunhyuk

For fans who have questions regarding Super Junior's Super Show 5 in Manila slated on Oct. 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Happee Sy of Pulp Live has posted answers to common queries regarding the concert. 

Happee Sy of Pulp Live has released the seat plan and ticket prices for Super Junior's Super Show 5 concert in Manila. 

Immediately after he was discharged from the military, Super Junior's Heechul posted photos and videos on his Instagram account "Kimheenim."

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Super Junior member Heechul was discharged from the army this morning and received a commendation for his exemplary service in the last two years. Heechul, who served as public service worker, was discharged at about 9 a.m. in Seongdong, Seoul. Photos: www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin In the last few years, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has spread in many countries. From Asia, Hallyu has found its way to other regions like in Latin America, North America and Middle East. Hallyu stars (clockwise from top left) Super Junior, Choi Ji-woo and Bae Yong-joon in 'Winter Sonata,' Big Bang and Lee Young Ae in 'Jewel in the Palace' (Photos by www.newsen.com)