Ban on Smoking on the Street (in Gangnam)

(KBS World) Smoking in Gangnam Daero, an area with the heaviest foot traffic in Seoul, has been banned starting on June 1st. Public places like parks have often been designated as no-smoking zones, but this is the first time that a ban on smoking has been placed on the entire length of a street.

K-pop stars from 1996 to present

For those who are interested in the history of K-pop groups from 1996 to present, here's a Wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_South_Korean_idol_groups#1996

The entry lists their debut year and member information.

50 Cent should work with 2NE1, XXL mag says

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - A collaboration between rapper 50 cent and K-pop group 2NE1?

Hip hop magazine XXL thinks so, saying that the Grammy-winning rapper should work with the girl group along with 24 other artists including Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber.

XXL listed the "25 Collaborations 50 Cent Should Consider" and named 2NE1 as one of them.

50 Cent and 2NE1 (Photos courtesy of the Facebook pages of
50 Cent and 2NE1, and www.newsen.com)

SS501's Kim Kyu Jong to enter the army in July + fan meeting video

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Kim Kyu Jong, member of boy band SS501, has surprised his fans by announcing that he would be enlisting in the Korean army in July.

He posted a handwritten letter addressed to his fans on his official website on June 1 to break the news.

Photos by www.newsen.com

SPIN's Spin: 21 'Greatest' K-Pop Songs Of All Time

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/361299/spins-spin-21-greatest-kpop-songs-of-all-time

Big Bang to use new Mall of Asia Arena for concert in Manila on Oct. 24

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines - Mark the date: October 24.

K-pop boy band Big Bang announced on May 31 that they will hold their Alive Concert Tour in the Philippines on October 24.

Big Bang (Photo by Big Bang Facebook page)

SEOUL EVENT: Seoul Grand Park enchants visitors with the beauty of roses

Seoul Grand Park is holding its festival of festivals, the Rose Festival, from Friday May 25 to Sunday July 1, 2012 at its Theme Garden, which is located right beside the Seoul Zoo. Korea’s largest rose festival kicks off at the same time the park begins to open until 10PM every night.

Wonder Girls releases "Like This" music video

Wonder Girls released the music video for their song "Like This," a cut from their new album "Wonder Party."
Here's the music video:

Big Bang releases "Monster" music video

Korean boy band Big Bang released the music video for their song "Monster." 
Watch and enjoy: 

New York cable channel spotlights on Jay Park

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - New York cable channel NY1 recently interviewed K-pop star Jay Park and noted his presence in the US market.

Jay Park recently wrapped up his Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2012 concert tour in Washington, DC; New York City; Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Jay Park in his APAHM Tour (Photos courtesy of www.verizonapahmtour.com/backstage)