Filipino fans unite for JYJ

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans of Korean boy band JYJ has come together for their first-ever gathering in the country to show their love and support to their idol group.

Called “JYJ Haven: The Beginning: The JYJ Philippines 1st Fan Gathering,” the event was held on April 21 at Discovery Suites in Pasig.

Filipino JYJ fans at the gathering. (Photos courtesy of JYJ Philippines)

Fountains in Seoul Start Operation

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate 365 fountains installed in parks and streets across the city from April or May to September. In order to save energy, the City Government has decided to reduce the operating period of the fountains by two months compared with previous years. 

Jay Park’s Manila album showcase set on May 4-6

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – K-pop rapper and b-boy Jay Park’s mall tour in Manila will be held on May 4 to 6 in different venues.

Jay Park will be in the country to promote his new album “New Breed,” which contains 15 tracks including the carrier single, “Know Your Name.”

(Photo courtesy of MCA Music Facebook page)

‘My Sassy Girl’ star marries

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Jun Ji Hyun, who rose to fame through the hit Korean film “My Sassy Girl,” got married on April 13 to her boyfriend Choi Jun Hyuk, the grandson of famous hanbok (traditional Korean dress) designer Lee Young-hee.

Photos by www.newsen.com

Winners in Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 
MANILA, Philippines — Boy band BEAST and solo artist IU are the top winners in the Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 organized by Nickelodeon Korea.

BEAST, Kim Soo Hyun, IU and Yoo Jae Suk (Photos from www.newsen.com)

Poster for Jay Park's New Breed Philippine tour on May 4-6, 2012

Here's the poster for Jay Park's New Breed promo tour in the Philippines slated on May 4 to 6 in different venues. 

Filipino Jasmine Lee makes history, wins in South Korea election | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Filipino Jasmine Lee makes history, wins in South Korea election | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Charice angry over airing of 'Star King' segment

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina singer Charice made her fourth appearance last April 7 on Korean TV talent show “Star King,” the show that helped launch her international singing career back in 2007.

However, Charice was “appalled and angry” when the show aired.

Charice on "Star King" (Screen captures by www.newsen.com)

Rooftop Prince overtakes The King 2 Hearts in the ratings

SBS' drama "Rooftop Prince" starring JYJ's Yoochun and Han Ji Min has overtaken MBC's "The King 2 Hearts," starring Lee Seung-gi and Ha Ji Won, in the ratings. 
The two Korean dramas premiered last March 21 and on the sixth episode, "Rooftop Prince" won the ratings game. 

Survey: French prefer Big Bang, 2NE1, Rain, IU

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Big Bang, 2NE1, Rain and IU are the No. 1 favorite singers in France, according to a survey.

A total of 3,755 people participated in the online survey on tourism and Korean wave conducted by the Paris branch of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) from December 23, 2011 to January 20 this year.

Big Bang, Rain, 2NE1 and IU (Photos by www.newsen.com)