KBS Drama 'School 2013' Earns Appreciation Plaque

The KBS drama, “School 2013,” received an appreciation plaque from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education for raising awareness on violence in classrooms and exposing the school system’s overemphasis on academic achievements. 

Exemplary 2012 Global Seoul Mate

Last March 13, I received an email from the Seoul Metropolitan Government informing me that I have been chosen as one of the Exemplary Global Seoul Mates of 2012.

[My one-on-one interview with Park Shin Hye]: Park Shin Hye Celebrates 10-year Career With Asia Tour

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines--Popular Korean actress Park Shin Hye looked beautiful, radiant and elegant as she entered the Ruby Room inside the Manila Diamond Hotel at the presscon for her Asia Tour "Kiss of Angel in Manila" fan meeting scheduled on March 16 at the Aliw Theater.

Award-winning Korean actress Park Shin Hye answers questions at her presscon. 
Kring Elizano emceed the event. (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)

Will.i.am & 2NE1's 'Take The World On' English Collab Revealed | Billboard

Will.i.am & 2NE1's 'Take The World On' English Collab Revealed | Billboard

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:Email me at sangchusan(at)gmail.com

What time is it? It’s 2PM!

Young Pinoy fans throw a rousing welcome in the K-pop boy band’s first Manila concert

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

When Korean agency JYP Entertainment announced last January that boy band 2PM would be holding its first-ever concert in Manila, Filipino fans were thrilled that their dream to finally see the boys in person would soon come true.

My 2PM article in the Manila Bulletin, March 13, 2013

Spring Festivals In Korea from March to May 2013

The cold winds and freezing temperatures of winter have passed and spring is drawing near. In Korea, spring temperatures range from 5? to 20?, and the return of warm weather brings wild flowers to bloom all over the country. As the weather improves, so do people's spirits, and springtime festivals are held throughout the country. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the good weather by participating in Korea's flower, food, and culture festivals. 

Psy To Unveil Follow-up To 'Gangnam Style' On April 12

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Can Psy produce another global hit like "Gangnam Style?"

The Korean rapper will release his follow-up song to "Gangnam Style" on April 12, a day before he holds a concert in Seoul, South Korea.

Psy performing at the Future Music Festival in Australia
(Photos courtesy of Future Music Festival's Facebook page)

MBLAQ To Hold Showcase In The Philippines

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band MBLAQ will visit the Philippines and hold a show this month.

MBLAQ will headline the event "MBLAQ: First Contact: The Invasion Continues" that will be held on March 31 at the Aliw Theater.

MBLAQ (Photo by www.newsen.com)

Remembering the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami

On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 9 hit Japan that spawned a massive tsunami. 
Almost 16,000 persons were killed in the earthquake and tsunami. 

Culture Ministry sets guideline for Romanizing Korean names

There’s good news for people who struggle to spell Korean names correctly in English: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Friday decided to standardize the Romanization of Korean names into “family name + given name” instead of the widely used “given name + family name” as written in Western countries.

In an attempt to respect the Korean tradition of placing more value on family names, the government said the new guideline would affect all Korean names on government documents, websites and name cards of public officials.