Super Junior dominates Taiwan chart

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior made history anew by topping a music chart in Taiwan for 100 consecutive weeks, a spot they’ve been holding on to since 2010.

The boys' two albums, "Mr. Simple" and "Bonamana," have topped the chart on Taiwan's KKBOX, which bills itself as the "world's largest Chinese online music service."

Super Junior (Photos by www.newsen.com and SMTown Facebook page)

Filipino actress Maui Taylor in Cannes-bound Korean film

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Filipina actress Maui Taylor's foray into her first Korean film project proved to be a blessing.

The movie, "The Taste of Money" (Korean title "Don-eui Mat"), has been officially invited to compete in the 65th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held on May 16 to 27.

Winners at 48th Baeksang Arts Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Korean dramas “Tree with Deep Roots” and “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” won top honors along with films “Nameless Gangster” and “Unbowed” at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards held April 26.

The awards ceremony, held at the Seoul Olympic Hall, honored excellence in films and TV in Korea.

Winners in the Baeksang Arts Awards. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

'G.I. Joe' star Lee Byung Hun to be honored in Hollywood

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines - Popular Korean actors Lee Byung Hun and Ahn Sung Ki will be honored in Hollywood by way of casting their hand and foot prints on the famous courtyard of the Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Lee Byung Hun at his press conference and as Storm Shadow.
(Photos by www.newsen.com and Paramount Pictures)

Lady Gaga ready for Seoul concert amid protests, 18+ rating

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Lady Gaga is getting ready to kick off her “The Born This Way Ball” world tour in Seoul on April 27 amid protests by local conservative Christian groups that the singer promotes homosexuality and pornography.

The flamboyant singer arrived in Seoul on April 20 wearing a mask and a gown, a week before her concert to do rehearsals.

Lady Gaga upon her arrival in Seoul and at the rehearsals.
(Photos by www.newsen.com)

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)