2NE1, BTOB to appear in ‘America’s Next Top Model’

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model” hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks is filming in South Korea for the program’s upcoming season and among those tapped to appear as guests are K-pop groups 2NE1 and BTOB.

2NE1 in Hong Kong and BTOB with ‘America’s Next Top Model’ judge J.
Alexander in Seoul (Facebook page and www.newsen.com)

Jackie Chan’s K-pop boy band debuts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Film star Jackie Chan is now also managing artists, including a K-pop boy band known as JJCC, or Double JC.

The boy band just released their first single “At First,” making their debut performance on Korean TV music show “M Countdown.”

JJCC and Jackie Chan (www.newsen.com and Jackie Chan’s website)

Lee Min Ho mania sweeps Manila

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean superstar Lee Min Ho’s return to the country – a visit that lasted three days, from March 21 to 23 – drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 fans to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a meet and greet organized by clothing brand Bench.

Photos: BENCH

Cafe set of Korean drama still draws fans

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The popularity of Korean dramas has turned the locations where they are shot as tourist attractions. One such place is the cafe where the hit Korean drama “1st Shop of Coffee Prince” was filmed.

“1st Shop of Coffee Prince,” which aired in Korea from July to August 2007, starred actress Yoon Eun-hye and actor Gong Yoo.

Super Junior-M_SWING_Music Video (CHN ver.)

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online:To contact the author, send email to sangchusan(at)gmail.com

Sunye to live in Haiti

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Sunye, leader of the Wonder Girls, took to the group’s online fan cafe to announce her plans to move to Haiti with her husband, James Park, in their effort to spread the Gospel to that Caribbean nation.

Sunye (right) and her husband James Park (www.newsen.com)

Lee Min Ho is back

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean superstar Lee Min Ho arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around noon today.

DJ Gennie Kim eases Pinoys’ loneliness, problems in South Korea

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Seoul, South Korea – Since March last year, Filipino-Korean DJ Maria  Genevie “Gennie” Kim has been giving valuable advice, news and  information to Filipinos in South Korea through her radio program,  ”Philippine Language Multicultural Family Music Radio,” also known as  the “Multicultural Family Broadcast for Filipinos,” which streams via  the internet.

DJ Gennie Kim at the radio station (Photos: Gennie Kim and Jonathan Hicap)

Super Junior M ‘Swing’ in new album

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Super Junior M, the subunit of Korean boy band Super Junior that consists of Siwon, Donghae, Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Eunhyuk, Sungmin, Henry and Zhoumi, is making a comeback with a new mini-album dubbed ”Swing” to be released March 21.

Super Junior M at Araneta Coliseum last February (Jonathan Hicap)

2NE1 is still on fire

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It’s been five years since K-pop group 2NE1 debuted with “Fire” in 2009.

This year, 2NE1, composed of CL, Bom, Sandara Park and Minzy, is on the comeback trail with their new album “Crush.”

2NE1 (www.newsen.com)