Korea Observer

Where would you go to find a pair of the latest Nike running shoes, a sequined purse for under 20 dollars, and a spiral potato all in one street? There is only one place in Seoul.  Seoul has already received ten million tourists this year, which compares markedly with 9.8 million visitors for all of last year. Hallyu and increased global recognition have made Korea an increasingly appealing destination for more and more tourists around the world.  Myeongdong (Photos by Jonathan Hicap)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Korean rapper Psy will be gracing the cover of the Nov. 3 issue of Billboard magazine, thanks to his viral hit "Gangnam Style" raking in 531 million views since July. Billboard's main story titled “500,000,000 PSY FANS CAN'T BE WRONG” spotlights on "How the K-Pop breakout star harnessed the power of YouTube, Ellen, SNL, The Today Show, and more to become music’s new global brand." Psy on the cover of the Nov. 3 issue of Billboard magazine. (Photo courtesy of Billboard)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - Hallyu actor Jang Dong-gun was declared as Style Icon of the Year at the 2012 Style Icon Awards (SIA) held on Oct. 25 in Seoul, South Korea. The awards ceremony honored Korea's "Most Stylish Icons that Brightened 2012." (Clockwise from left) Style Icon of the Year awardee Jang Dong-gun and Style Icon winners miss A's Suzy and Seo In Guk and Jung Eunji (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and www.enewsworld.mnet.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino teens left for South Korea on Oct. 24 to compete in the reality TV talent show "K-pop Star Hunt 2," sponsored by the Seoul City government and organized by cable channel tvN, CJ E&M and Cube Entertainment. Sheila Mae Eunice Ona, 21, from Quezon City and Liahona Flores,15, from Cagayan de Oro City are the Philippines' representatives to the TV contest. They're in Seoul to compete with other 14 hopefuls from seven other countries. K-pop Star Hunt 2' Philippine leg winners Sheila Mae Eunice Ona and Liahona Flores with judges Park Jae Hyun, Kim Jong Min, Eddy Tan and Happee Sy (Photo courtesy of tvN and Liahona Flores' Facebook account)  

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines - 2NE1's Sandara Park is in the Philippines and she's busy acting as tour guide to fellow YG Entertainment artist Big Bang. Sandara reportedly arrived in the country last Oct. 22. She and the and Big Bang members reportedly went to Tagaytay yesterday, a source said. It's more fun in the Philippines. (Left) Big Bang's G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung enjoy a swim at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel while Sandara Park (right) makes a pose at Greenhills Shopping Center. (Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and Sandara's Twitter)