New York cable channel spotlights on Jay Park

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - New York cable channel NY1 recently interviewed K-pop star Jay Park and noted his presence in the US market.

Jay Park recently wrapped up his Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2012 concert tour in Washington, DC; New York City; Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Jay Park in his APAHM Tour (Photos courtesy of www.verizonapahmtour.com/backstage)

Wonder Girls' Comeback Set (with MV teaser)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines --- K-pop quintet the Wonder Girls will be making their comeback in Korea with the release of a new mini-album on June 3.

 Titled "Wonder Party," the new mini-album contains six songs including five new tracks. These are the title track "Like This," "R.E.A.L," "Hey Boy," "Girlfriend," "Sorry," and "The DJ is Mine."

Wonder Girls (Photos by JYP Entertainment)

EXPO 2012 Yeosu Newsletter (May 2012)

EXPO 2012 Yeosu Newsletter (May 2012)

Korean Wave Concert at EXPO 2012 Yeosu

EXPO 2012 Yeosu will feature the Korean Wave Concert on June 9 in Yeosu, South Korea. 

Performers at the concert are BEAST, Jay Park, BTOB and A-Pink. 

Super Junior, FT Island, SHINee Hold Concerts In Korea, Taiwan, Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Boy bands Super Junior, SHINee and FT Island held their various concerts over the weekend in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

After touring seven countries, Super Junior ended their Super Show 4 world tour on May 26 and 27 with encore concerts at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul.

FT Island, Super Junior and SHINee. (Photos courtesy of their Facebook pages)

Seoul is . . .

For me, Seoul is VIBRANT. 

It is a city that is rapidly changing with technological advancement. This modernization is complemented with the preservation of Seoul's rich cultural and historical heritage and warmth from the people of Seoul. (Jonathan Hicap) 

You can also view this photo at http://twitter.com/Jonah_writer/status/207126504507838467/photo/1/large

Justin Bieber, Jay Park, KARA, Mizz Nina In MTV Concert In Malaysia

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines - Pop superstar Justin Bieber, K-pop stars Jay Park and KARA, and Malaysian singer Mizz Nina will headline the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2012, which will be held on July 14.

Big Bang to release special edition album

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Big Bang will release a special edition album while holding their world concert tour.

The album will be called "Still Alive," and will be released in six versions online on June 3. The physical album will be released on June 6.

Rolling Stone picks 10 K-pop groups 'most likely to break in America'

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Rolling Stone website has picked 10 K-pop groups including 2NE1, Big Bang and Girls Generation that have the potential to break into the US music scene.

The website noted that while K-pop artists BoA and Se7en failed in their American debuts in the past, "K-pop has garnered a strong following without the help of any major American backing."

(Clockwise from top left) SHINee, BEAST, 2NE1 and SISTAR.
(Photos by www.newsen.com)

Girl's Generation Reaches Double Platinum Status In Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila, Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Nine-member K-pop group Girls Generation achieved another milestone in Japan with their single "Mr. Taxi" reached double platinum status in Japan. 

(Clockwise from top left) Girls Generation, Kim Hyun Joong, T-ara and Bae Yong Joon. (Photos by SM Entertainment, Oricon, www.newsen.com and Keyeast)

JYJ Junsu's First Solo Album Hot In Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese fans have not forgotten boy band JYJ, based on their response to the first solo album of Xiah Junsu.

Junsu released the album "Tarantallegra" last May 14, which topped real-time charts in Korea and Japan.

[WATCH] YouTube presents MBC K-pop concert

Watch the entire MBC K-pop Concert held in Mountainview, California. 

Jay Park Gifts Fans With Free Mixtape [w/ download links]

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Keeping his promise to his fans, K-pop star Jay Park released his free English mixtape containing six songs, all of which he wrote in collaboration with other artists.

Traveling in Seoul is a breeze

By JONATHAN HICAP

Traveling to another country for the first time is always worrisome. You don't know the people, coupled with having a hard time to get around.

But it was different when I went to Seoul--South Korea's capital and a modern and bustling city that is home to about 10 million people.

Seoul is a fascinating city: Itaewon (top) and Myeongdong (bottom).
Photos by Jonathan Hicap

Big Bang To Hold 'Alive' Concert Tour In The Philippines

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines - It's confirmed! Korean boy band Big Bang will hold their "Big Bang Alive Tour" concert in the Philippines this year.

A post on Big Bang's official Facebook account and on YG Entertainment's Twitter account proclaimed,  "BIG BANG ALIVE WORLD TOUR 2012 in MALAYSIA and PHILIPPINES confirmed!"

Raffle: Seoul to give away 20 tickets to Xiah Junsu's concert in Thailand

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is giving away 20 tickets to JYJ's Xiah Junsu's concert in Thailand scheduled on May 27. 

Super Junior finds success in Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior has successfully penetrated Japan's music market with massive attendance at their two-day concert and with the release of a new Japanese single.

Super Junior in Japan (Photos by www.newsen.com and SM Town Facebook page) 

2NE1, Filipina Sarah Geronimo, Girls Generation in 25 sexiest international singers list

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean pop groups 2NE1 and Girls Generation, as well as Filipino singer Sarah Geronimo made it to the 25 Sexiest International Singers You've Never Heard Of list by US-based music and trend site Complex.com.

Filipino singer Sarah Geronimo, 2NE1 and Girls Generation.
(Photos by www.sarahgeronimo.ph and newsen.com

Wonder Girls To Finally Debut In Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - K-pop quintet the Wonder Girls will make their debut in Japan in July, following in the footsteps of many Korean singers like KARA and Girls Generation.

For their foray into Japan, Wonder Girls will release the Japanese version of their hit song "Nobody," which was originally released in Korea in 2008.

The Wonder Girls (Photos by www.newsen.com)

{VIDEO} INFINITELY YOURS, SEOUL featuring boy band MBLAQ

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has released its latest "Infinitely Yours, Seoul" series, this time featuring Korean boy band MBLAQ. 

[VIDEO] JUNSU (준수) XIA (시아) TARANTALLEGRA (타란탈레그라) MV

JYJ member Xiah Junsu has released on May 14 his much-awaited music video for "Tarantallegra," his first solo album. 

The song is awesome, which also features Flowsik. The cool choreography for the music video was made by Jeri Slaughter and his team. 

Screen grab by @cassph

Seoul event: Free Speech Corner - ‘Let me talk!’

Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold a Free Speech Corner every Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00. Using the ‘Let me talk!’ stage in Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul citizens or foreigners visiting Seoul will be able to speak publicly about events, their impressions of Seoul, or any other topic.

(Photo courtesy of http://english.seoul.go.kr)

Music Core performances (May 12, 2012, Saturday)

MBC Music Core today featured performances of Taetiseo, SISTAR, BTOB, BAP, EXO-K, Ivy, Mighty Mouth and more. 

Japan, US Top Global Recorded Music Sales

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Japan is now the biggest music market in the world in terms of value of singles, CDs and DVDs sold.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) issued its yearbook "Statistics Trends: The Recording Industry in Japan 2012," which showed that Japan has overtaken the United States in music sales in 2010.

KARA and Girls Generation (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Will Smith, Wonder Girls Attend 'MIB3' World Premiere in Seoul

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - The stars of "Men in Black 3" are in Seoul, South Korea for the world premiere of the movie.

Will Smith, with wife Jada Pinkett, co-star Josh Brolin and director Barry Sonnenfeld walked down the red carpet for the "Men in Black 3" premiere held on May 7 in Seoul. They were also joined by Wonder Girls' Sunye and Hyerim.

The stars and director of "Men in Black 3" with the Wonder Girls at
the premiere in Seoul (www.newsen.com)

[INTERVIEW] Jay Park: getting better as an artist with 'New Breed' album

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - K-pop star Jay Park feels that through his new album "New Breed," he has now improved as a singer and songwriter.

Jay Park wrapped up his "Jay Park Live" album signing and showcase events in Manila on May 6 with a performance at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo. He kicked off the event, presented by by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and MCA Music, last May 4 at Eastwood Mall Open Park, followed by a show at Venice Piazza in Fort Bonifacio on May 5.

(Left) Jay Park holds a copy of the Manila Bulletin containing my news story
about his arrival in the Philippines. (Bottom right) His new tattoo. The interview was conducted at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Girls Generation's subgroup Taetiseo charts on Billboard

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Girls Generation’s new subgroup Taetiseo, composed of Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, made a splash with their debut by entering the Billboard and iTunes charts and real-time Korean music charts.

Photos by M! Countdown

Jessica Alba in Seoul: I want to do a movie in Korea

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

Hollywood star Jessica Alba said she wants to do a movie in South Korea and is looking forward to meeting famed Korean director Park Chan-wook.

Jessica Alba tweeted this picture while they were in Seoul

(6 PHOTOS) Jay Park's arrival at Manila airport on May 2, 2012

By JONATHAN HICAP
K-pop star Jay Park arrived in the Philippines on May 2. Upon his arrival, he was interviewed by the media. Here are photos of Jay at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

Jay Park (Thanks to Mark Bonifacio of MCA Music for the photos)

Super Junior dominates Taiwan chart

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior made history anew by topping a music chart in Taiwan for 100 consecutive weeks, a spot they’ve been holding on to since 2010.

The boys' two albums, "Mr. Simple" and "Bonamana," have topped the chart on Taiwan's KKBOX, which bills itself as the "world's largest Chinese online music service."

Super Junior (Photos by www.newsen.com and SMTown Facebook page)

Filipino actress Maui Taylor in Cannes-bound Korean film

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Filipina actress Maui Taylor's foray into her first Korean film project proved to be a blessing.

The movie, "The Taste of Money" (Korean title "Don-eui Mat"), has been officially invited to compete in the 65th Cannes Film Festival, which will be held on May 16 to 27.

Winners at 48th Baeksang Arts Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Korean dramas “Tree with Deep Roots” and “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” won top honors along with films “Nameless Gangster” and “Unbowed” at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards held April 26.

The awards ceremony, held at the Seoul Olympic Hall, honored excellence in films and TV in Korea.

Winners in the Baeksang Arts Awards. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

'G.I. Joe' star Lee Byung Hun to be honored in Hollywood

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines - Popular Korean actors Lee Byung Hun and Ahn Sung Ki will be honored in Hollywood by way of casting their hand and foot prints on the famous courtyard of the Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Lee Byung Hun at his press conference and as Storm Shadow.
(Photos by www.newsen.com and Paramount Pictures)

Lady Gaga ready for Seoul concert amid protests, 18+ rating

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Lady Gaga is getting ready to kick off her “The Born This Way Ball” world tour in Seoul on April 27 amid protests by local conservative Christian groups that the singer promotes homosexuality and pornography.

The flamboyant singer arrived in Seoul on April 20 wearing a mask and a gown, a week before her concert to do rehearsals.

Lady Gaga upon her arrival in Seoul and at the rehearsals.
(Photos by www.newsen.com)

Filipino fans unite for JYJ

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans of Korean boy band JYJ has come together for their first-ever gathering in the country to show their love and support to their idol group.

Called “JYJ Haven: The Beginning: The JYJ Philippines 1st Fan Gathering,” the event was held on April 21 at Discovery Suites in Pasig.

Filipino JYJ fans at the gathering. (Photos courtesy of JYJ Philippines)

Fountains in Seoul Start Operation

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate 365 fountains installed in parks and streets across the city from April or May to September. In order to save energy, the City Government has decided to reduce the operating period of the fountains by two months compared with previous years. 

Jay Park’s Manila album showcase set on May 4-6

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – K-pop rapper and b-boy Jay Park’s mall tour in Manila will be held on May 4 to 6 in different venues.

Jay Park will be in the country to promote his new album “New Breed,” which contains 15 tracks including the carrier single, “Know Your Name.”

(Photo courtesy of MCA Music Facebook page)

‘My Sassy Girl’ star marries

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Jun Ji Hyun, who rose to fame through the hit Korean film “My Sassy Girl,” got married on April 13 to her boyfriend Choi Jun Hyuk, the grandson of famous hanbok (traditional Korean dress) designer Lee Young-hee.

Photos by www.newsen.com

Winners in Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin 
MANILA, Philippines — Boy band BEAST and solo artist IU are the top winners in the Korea Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 organized by Nickelodeon Korea.

BEAST, Kim Soo Hyun, IU and Yoo Jae Suk (Photos from www.newsen.com)

Poster for Jay Park's New Breed Philippine tour on May 4-6, 2012

Here's the poster for Jay Park's New Breed promo tour in the Philippines slated on May 4 to 6 in different venues. 

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

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

Charice angry over airing of 'Star King' segment

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)

Rooftop Prince overtakes The King 2 Hearts in the ratings

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. 

Survey: French prefer Big Bang, 2NE1, Rain, IU

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)

Filipina Candidate in Korea Criticized

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 awarded ‘most influential’ in Thailand

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

Jay Park to visit the Philippines anew

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

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

Spouses of world leaders get a taste of K-pop

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)

SHINee's new album debuts on Billboard charts

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.

Legendary Boy Band Shinhwa Returns

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.