CN Blue Tops Billboard Chart

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band CN Blue debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's World Albums chart with their new album "Re:BLUE."

"Re:BLUE" is the band's fourth mini-album and contains six tracks including the title song "I'm Sorry," "Coffee Shop" and "Where You Are."

This is the first time that CN Blue has topped the chart. Infinite H, a subunit of boy band Infinite, also debuted on the chart, placing at No. 8 with their first album "Fly High" while Girls' Generation's "I Got A Boy" is at No. 10.

Korean Actresses Probed for Illegal Propofol Use

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Two Korean actresses are being investigated for the illegal use of the drug propofol, a sedative and anesthetic, which was suspected to be cause of Michael Jackson’s death.

According to Korean media, Jang Mi In Ae and Lee Seung Yeon were identified by Korean prosecutors as the ones who used the drug for non-medical purposes.

“Lee and Jang are among the female celebrities on the lists that the prosecution confiscated in December from seven hospitals in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, one of the most affluent districts in Seoul where a number of cosmetic surgery and dermatology clinics are located,” Korea Times reported.

JANG MI IN AE and Lee Seung Yeon (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Jaejoong’s First Mini-album, TVXQ’s New Single Top Charts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – JYJ member Kim Jaejoong’s first mini-album has become a success, selling briskly and topping music charts in Korea, Japan and other countries.

Jaejoong released “I” last Jan. 17, which quickly rose to the top of Korean chart Hanteo.

Jaejoong (Photo by C-JeS Entertainment)

'Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert' Delights Pinoy Fans

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Jane was early at the Mall of Asia concert grounds last Jan. 19. She was excited that she would finally see her favorite K-pop group, Girls' Generation.

(Clockwise from left) Infinite's Hoya, Girls' Generation, EXO and U-Kiss
(Photos courtesy of StarN http://star.fnnews.com)

Boy Band 2PM To Hold Manila Concert In March

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band 2PM will be holding their first ever concert in the Philippines in March.

JYP Entertainment announced that the 2PM Live Tour 2013: "What Time Is It?" will be held on March 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Boy band 2PM (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Fuse TV Selects 44 Most Anticipated Albums This Year

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Music TV network Fuse has come up with its list of the most anticipated albums of 2013 and, of the 44 in the roster, two Korean acts earned the nod.

"Our new years' resolution: Listen to more awesome music. Thankfully, that's already looking like one we can stick to (hitting the gym to work off that holiday weight, not so much) because there are so many huge albums coming out this year," wrote Fuse about its selection of the must-have albums of 2013.

Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and Girls' Generation (Photos courtesy of Justin Timberlake's Facebook page,
Lady Gaga's Twitter and www.newsen.com)

‘Gangnam Style’ Wins Song Of The Year

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Psy’s “Gangnam Style” won the Digital Daesang, or Song of the Year, on the second day of the 27th Golden Disk Awards held on Jan. 16 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Psy with former US President Bill Clinton (Photo courtesy of Psy’s Twitter account)

Super Junior Bags Grand Prize Anew At 27th Golden Disk Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior won the Disk Daesang, or album of the year, on the first day of the 27th Golden Disk Awards held on Jan. 15 at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Super Junior won the grand prize for their sixth album "Sexy, Free & Single." The award was based on album sales and ratings from judges.

Super Junior (top) and FNC Entertainment artists FT Island, CN Blue and Juniel
(Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and CNBlue_4 on Twitter)

Park Shin Hye To Hold Fan Meeting In Manila

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Award-winning Korean actress Park Shin Hye will be holding a fan meeting in Manila in March, marking her first time to visit the Philippines.

The "Park Shin Hye: Manila Fanmeeting 2013" will be held on March 16 at the Star Theater at CCP Complex in Pasay City.

Park Shin Hye (Photo courtesy of www.newsen.com)

Big Bang, 2PM's Japan Concerts Chosen As Best

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - The Japan concerts of Korean boy bands Big Bang and 2PM were selected as one of the best of 2012 by the Oricon music chart.

Oricon's editor-in-chief recently published a list of the best 11 concerts in Japan which included the boy band's performances.

2PM (top) and Big Bang performing at their concerts in Fukuoka
(Photos courtesy of JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment)