G-Dragon's 'blackface' IG photo draws controversy

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Big Bang's leader G-Dragon has courted controversy over his Instagram photo that showed him wearing black face paint and a hoodie that resembled the image of teen Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in Florida last year.

Spin.com said, "But this time G-Dragon might have gone too far. As with Frank Ocean, Diddy, the-Dream, and others after news of Martin's shooting death broke last year, the K-pop idol wears what looks like a hoodie (though may be a T-shirt pulled up over his head), in apparent tribute to Martin. But he's also wearing black face paint."

G-Dragon's controversial photo (left) (Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and www.newsen.com)

Kim Hyun Joong, KARA top Billboard charts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Kim Hyun Joong and girl group KARA claimed the top spots on the latest Billboard charts while other K-pop artists are also enjoying chart success in Japan.  

According to the latest Billboard charts, Kim Hyun Joong's third mini-album "Round 3" debuted at No. 1 on the World Albums chart.

Photos: www.newsen.com

KPOP Republic - SHINEE, EXO-K, DAL SHABET at Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 7

Heartthrob Song Joong Ki to enlist in the army this month

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Legions of fans woke up today to news that actor Song Joong Ki will be enlisting in the army later this month to fulfill his duty as a Korean citizen.

It was announced by Blossom Entertainment, the actor's agency, that Song Joong Ki will be entering the army on Aug. 27 and will serve for two years.

Song Joong Ki (Photos by www.newsen.com)

EXO to perform at MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop boy band EXO will perform at the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2013.

EXO  has been added to the line-up of performers which currently includes Robin Thicke, Far East Movement and Joe Flizzow, according to MTV Asia.

(Clockwise from top left) Robin Thicke, EXO, Joe Flizzow and Far East Movement
(Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment and MTV Asia)

Ailee tops Billboard, Korean charts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop star and Philippine tourism ambassadress Ailee is on a roll with her second mini-album "A's Doll House," topping Billboard and other Korean charts.

Billboard announced that Ailee topped the K-pop Hot 100 chart with her title track "U&I."

Ailee (left) with legendary music producer Quincy Jones (Photo from Ailee's Twitter account)

2NE1 to release new song 'Do You Love Me'

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop girl group 2NE1 will be releasing their new single "Do You Love Me" on Aug. 7 as follow-up to their first comeback track, "Falling in Love," which was released this month.

YG Entertainment announced today the news on the company's official blog.

2NE1 (Photo by www.newsen.com)

Kfest message from Alexander

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

Ex-U-KISS member Xander Lee Eusebio flies high as solo artist

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It's been two years since Alexander "Xander" Lee Eusebio launched his career as a solo artist after his stint as an original member of K-pop boy band U-KISS ended in March 2011.

He found himself at a crossroad at the time, thinking very hard even if he would continue his career or not.

Former U-KISS member and now solo artist Alexander ‘Xander’ Lee Eusebio answers questions
at his Manila press conference hosted by Kring Elenzano (Photo by Jonathan Hicap)

Se7en, Sangchu punished with imprisonment

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Singers Se7en and Sangchu of Mighty Mouth and five other celebrity soldiers were ordered to spend time in a military jail as punishment for the massage parlor scandal last month.

Korea's Ministry of National Defense has announced the punishment for the celebrity soldiers after completing its investigation of the incident, which led to the abolition of the entertainment soldiers system of the military.

Celebrity soldiers (clockwise from top left) Se7en, Sangchu, Leeteuk and KCM (Photos by www.newsen.com)