Girls Generation's subgroup Taetiseo charts on Billboard

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Girls Generation’s new subgroup Taetiseo, composed of Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, made a splash with their debut by entering the Billboard and iTunes charts and real-time Korean music charts.

Photos by M! Countdown

Jessica Alba in Seoul: I want to do a movie in Korea

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

Hollywood star Jessica Alba said she wants to do a movie in South Korea and is looking forward to meeting famed Korean director Park Chan-wook.

Jessica Alba tweeted this picture while they were in Seoul

(6 PHOTOS) Jay Park's arrival at Manila airport on May 2, 2012

By JONATHAN HICAP
K-pop star Jay Park arrived in the Philippines on May 2. Upon his arrival, he was interviewed by the media. Here are photos of Jay at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

Jay Park (Thanks to Mark Bonifacio of MCA Music for the photos)

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.