Korea Observer

The MBC drama The Sun and the Moon is now all the rage throughout the country. The drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same title. It tells a love story set during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) of a fictional king, played by Kim Suhyeon, and the heroine, played by Han Ga-in. The drama immediately won over viewers and critics with its first airing in January for its tantalizing plot, lively characters, and well structured story.  The Sun and the Moon cast (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News via www.korea.net)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin   MANILA, Philippines – Korean boy band JYJ broke their silence on the issue regarding their sasaeng, or stalker fans, confirming they were victims of invasion of privacy and stalking. JYJ

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Boy band Big Bang’s new album “Alive” debuted on Billboard 200 chart, the first time for a Korean pop group. Big Bang (YG Entertainment)

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By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – It’s official: Philippine clothing brand BENCH has signed up Siwon and Donghae, members of popular K-pop boy band Super Junior, as its latest endorsers, seen as a move to capture the growing K-pop fan base in the country. Donghaae during the BENCH photoshoot in Seoul and Siwon. (Photos by SM Town Facebook and www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines – Just days before they were to do a concert in Peru and Chile, members of boy band JYJ were swept into an issue involving the so-called “sasaeng,” stalker fans who follow Korean stars 24/7, harass them and invade their privacy. JYJ: victims of sasaeng fans (www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - The power of social media, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, is propelling Korean Wave, or hallyu, to new heights and helping the spread of its popularity to North America and other regions. Super Junior (www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Japanese girl group AKB48 swept the Billboard Japan Music Awards, bagging four awards including the Artist of the Year. AKB48 (Billboard Japan) T-ara (Billboard Japan)

Jeon Ji-hyun will marry the grandson of renowned hanbok designer Lee Young-hee at a hotel in Seoul on June 2, the actress' agency said on Friday.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Indie band Jang Kiha and the Faces swept the 9th Korean Music Awards, winning four awards including Album of the Year. Held on Feb. 29, the Korean Music Awards recognized the musical talent of Korean singers rather than their popularity or album sales. IU, 2NE1 and Infinite (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com)