Legendary Boy Band Shinhwa Returns

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

After four years of hiatus, where members took turns in fulfilling their two-year mandatory Korean military service, Shinhwa is back with a new album and concert tour.

Wonder Girls' Hyerim praises Charice: 'She's amazing'

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - International singing sensation Charice held her Infinity Tour-Live in Seoul concert on March 21, the last leg of her tour.

It was her first concert in South Korea and Charice enthralled the audience with her powerful voice, belting out songs such as “One Day,” “New World,” “Before It Explodes,” “Pyramid,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Billy Jean,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Charice (Photos by Romeo Samson and Katt S)

Girls Generation, Super Junior top 2011 earners for SM Entertainment

By JONATHAN HICAP 

K-pop groups Girls Generation and Super Junior are the top earning artists under SM Entertainment.

In a financial disclosure filed with Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service, SM Entertainment revealed that Girls Generation earned 21.73 billion won (P829 million) for the first three quarters of 2011.

K-pop groups nominated in MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines – The list of nominees for the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012 is out and six K-pop groups are included.

2NE1, KARA, Girls Generation, 2PM, CNBlue and SHINee got nominated along with music heavyweights like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Bruno Mars.

(Clockwise from top left) KARA, Girls Generation, SHINee &2NE1
(www.newsen.com

Lee Da Hae’s plastic surgery

An online Chinese news site recently published an article on female celebrities with failed plastic surgeries.

Pictures of Lee Da Hae through the years. 

(Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com, chinanews.com and dramabeans.com) 

Funeral for Yoochun's father held

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – It was an emotion-filled morning Friday for JYJ member Park Yoochun as he and his brother Park Yoohwan held the funeral for their father, Park Hyun-geun,  who died of a chronic illness last Mar. 14 at age 51.

Brothers Yoohwan and Yoochun at the funeral. (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com) 

Hit drama 'The Moon Embracing the Sun' ends with record ratings

The popular MBC drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun” ended its run on March 15 with its highest viewer ratings.

JYJ Yoochun's dad passes away

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines – It was a tearful homecoming for JYJ member Park Yoochun from the band’s successful concert in South America when he learned that his father passed away on Mar. 14.

Yoochun at Incheon International Airport on March 14 (www.newsen.com)

Koreans celebrate White Day, pick favorite celebrities

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines – Today, March 14, Koreans celebrate White Day, a traditional event observed a month after Valentine’s Day.

White Day is when Korean men are expected to give women candies and other gifts.

Kim Soo Hyun (www.newsen.com)

'Secret Garden' voted most favorite Korean drama

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.