Rain should serve the army anew, lawmaker says

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It's almost a month after his discharge from the army and yet pop star Rain is still being hounded by controversy regarding his appointment as an entertainment soldier.

A Korean lawmaker accused that these entertainment soldiers, who were tasked to promote the image of the army, were given preferential treatment.

Rain (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Korean stars Lee Jong-suk, Seo In-guk arrive in Davao for film shoot

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean actors Lee Jong-suk and Seo In-guk arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday for the filming of the movie "No Breathing."

The two arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and boarded their flight to Davao, where the film will be shot.

Lee Jong-suk and Seo In-guk at Incheon International Airport (left) on their way to Manila and upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (right). (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and @maraiph on Twitter)

Korean movie 'No Breathing' to be filmed in Davao

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The stars and crew of the Korean film "No Breathing" will be shooting the last scenes of the movie in Davao, according to an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

"Yes, we can hold our breaths as the hottest stars in South Korea today are coming to shoot the last 7 days of their film in our region. The producers are vetting final locations for the shoot that will involve 15 actors and a crew four times bigger," posted DOT Regional Director Art Boncato on his Facebook account.

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)