Seoul event: Free Speech Corner - ‘Let me talk!’

Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold a Free Speech Corner every Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00. Using the ‘Let me talk!’ stage in Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul citizens or foreigners visiting Seoul will be able to speak publicly about events, their impressions of Seoul, or any other topic.

(Photo courtesy of http://english.seoul.go.kr)

Music Core performances (May 12, 2012, Saturday)

MBC Music Core today featured performances of Taetiseo, SISTAR, BTOB, BAP, EXO-K, Ivy, Mighty Mouth and more. 

Japan, US Top Global Recorded Music Sales

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Japan is now the biggest music market in the world in terms of value of singles, CDs and DVDs sold.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) issued its yearbook "Statistics Trends: The Recording Industry in Japan 2012," which showed that Japan has overtaken the United States in music sales in 2010.

KARA and Girls Generation (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Will Smith, Wonder Girls Attend 'MIB3' World Premiere in Seoul

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - The stars of "Men in Black 3" are in Seoul, South Korea for the world premiere of the movie.

Will Smith, with wife Jada Pinkett, co-star Josh Brolin and director Barry Sonnenfeld walked down the red carpet for the "Men in Black 3" premiere held on May 7 in Seoul. They were also joined by Wonder Girls' Sunye and Hyerim.

The stars and director of "Men in Black 3" with the Wonder Girls at
the premiere in Seoul (www.newsen.com)

[INTERVIEW] Jay Park: getting better as an artist with 'New Breed' album

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - K-pop star Jay Park feels that through his new album "New Breed," he has now improved as a singer and songwriter.

Jay Park wrapped up his "Jay Park Live" album signing and showcase events in Manila on May 6 with a performance at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo. He kicked off the event, presented by by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and MCA Music, last May 4 at Eastwood Mall Open Park, followed by a show at Venice Piazza in Fort Bonifacio on May 5.

(Left) Jay Park holds a copy of the Manila Bulletin containing my news story
about his arrival in the Philippines. (Bottom right) His new tattoo. The interview was conducted at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

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.