What's next for the Korean Wave?

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

In the last few years, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has spread in many countries.

From Asia, Hallyu has found its way to other regions like in Latin America, North America and Middle East.

Hallyu stars (clockwise from top left) Super Junior, Choi Ji-woo and Bae Yong-joon in 'Winter Sonata,' Big Bang and Lee Young Ae in 'Jewel in the Palace' (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Actor-theater director dies in drowning accident

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

An actor and theater director best known for appearing in the 2011 drama "Dream High" was found dead in what police said was a case of drowning.

The body of Baek Won Gil, 42, was found at about 9 a.m. on Aug. 16 in the waters of Namdaecheon in Gangwon, South Korea.

www.newsen.com

Big Bang's T.O.P to visit Manila for meet-and-greet event

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Big Bang member T.O.P will be visiting the Philippines next week for a meet-and-greet event for a mobile messenger application.

The "#KakaoTalkPH Lucky Fans Night" will be held on Aug. 22, according to an announcement by Kakao Talk Philippines on Twitter.

T.O.P (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Crayon Pop's 'engine dance' goes viral

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A year after their debut in the K-pop scene, girl group Crayon Pop's career has finally taken off, thanks to their new single "Bar Bar Bar."

The music video for "Bar Bar Bar" has spawned parodies since it was uploaded on YouTube in late June.

Crayon Pop performing "Bar Bar Bar." (Photos by www.newsen.com)

9 Korean films vie for Oscar entry

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Nine Korean films have been selected to compete for the country's entry to the Oscars next year, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).

One entry will be chosen among the nine as South Korea's entry to the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

A scene from the 'Berlin Film' (left) and Song Joong-ki in 'The Werewolf Boy' (Photos by www.newsen.com)

[Kpop] Eng Sub Crayon Pop Bar Bar Bar Yoo's Sketch Book KBS 071313

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

The Great Transformation of Korean Wave | 한류대전환 - Part 1: Hallyu Now

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

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.