Korea Observer

Filipino Jasmine Lee makes history, wins in South Korea election | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Filipina singer Charice made her fourth appearance last April 7 on Korean TV talent show “Star King,” the show that helped launch her international singing career back in 2007. However, Charice was “appalled and angry” when the show aired. Charice on "Star King" (Screen captures by www.newsen.com)

SBS' drama "Rooftop Prince" starring JYJ's Yoochun and Han Ji Min has overtaken MBC's "The King 2 Hearts," starring Lee Seung-gi and Ha Ji Won, in the ratings.  The two Korean dramas premiered last March 21 and on the sixth episode, "Rooftop Prince" won the ratings game. 

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – Big Bang, 2NE1, Rain and IU are the No. 1 favorite singers in France, according to a survey. A total of 3,755 people participated in the online survey on tourism and Korean wave conducted by the Paris branch of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) from December 23, 2011 to January 20 this year. Big Bang, Rain, 2NE1 and IU (Photos by www.newsen.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – With eight days to go before the National Assembly election in South Korea, a Filipino-Korean candidate for the proportional representative seat is getting flak for allegedly lying about her education in the Philippines. Jasmine Lee, 35, an actress, TV host, public servant and an advocate of multiculturalism and migrant women in Korea, has been the talk of media and internet communities in South Korea over the past week for allegedly claiming in interviews in the past several years that she was a medical student in Davao when she met her Korean husband, according to an article on the Korea Times. (Photos: Screen capture by Bulletin Entertainment and Jasmine Lee's Facebook page)

Nichkhun, member of Korean boy band 2PM, has been recognized as the most influential person at the 1st Annual Kerd Awards in Thailand. The Kerd Awards selected the most influential people in the Thai entertainment industry. The awarding ceremony was held on March 30 at the Grand Ballroom of the Crystal Design Center in Bangkok. Photos courtesy of www.pingbook.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – K-pop rapper, b-boy and actor Jay Park will be visiting the Philippines again in May.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines – On the last day of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit in South Korea on March 27, the wives of world leaders who were attending the event were treated to traditional dance and K-pop music. (Top) First Lady Kim Yoon-ok greets JYJ (Bottom) The First Lady and the wives of world leaders pose for a photo with JYJ (Photos courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae and Newsis.com)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin MANILA, Philippines — Five-member K-pop boy band SHINee’s comeback album, “Sherlock,” has entered the Billboard charts. It was released online last March 19, followed by the physical album on March 21.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin After four years of hiatus, where members took turns in fulfilling their two-year mandatory Korean military service, Shinhwa is back with a new album and concert tour.