Korea Observer

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

JYJ, Japanese label AVEX end legal dispute

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

JYJ and their former Japanese label AVEX have reached an agreement effectively ending their legal battle concerning the Korean boy band’s music activities in Japan.

In an announcement posted on its website, C-Jes Entertainment, JYJ’s agency in South Korea, said the two sides have reached the settlement through mediation.

(From left) JYJ’s Junsu Jaejoong and Yoochun (www.newsen.com)

New Korean Cultural Center PH director named

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A new director has been appointed as head of Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines following the end of the tour of duty of Director Hwang Seong-un.

Oh Choong Suk arrived in Manila last week to assume his new post as Counsellor for Culture and Public Relations at the Korean Embassy in Manila and head of KCC Philippines.

Counsellor Oh Choong Suk is the new head of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

Lee Min Ho to visit in Philippines anew in March

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Fans of Korean superstar Lee Min Ho would do well to get ready come March when their idol visits the country for the third time.

Filipino clothing brand, Bench, announced the singer-actor’s visit via Twitter on Feb. 14, posting, “IT’S OFFICIAL! @ActorLeeMinHo is coming back to Manila on March!”

Lee Min Ho (www.newsen.com)

2NE1, CNBLUE, Girls’ Generation to release albums on same date

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

2NE1, CNBLUE and Girls’ Generation are going head to head this month, with each group releasing separate albums on Feb. 24.

SM Entertainment was the first to lay claim on the date, when it announced the release the new album of Girls’ Generation titled “Mr.Mr.”

(From the top) 2NE1, CNBLUE and Girls’ Generation (YG Entertainment, FNC, SM Entertainment)

3rd Gaon K-pop Awards winners

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Twelve artists who topped Korea’s premier music chart in 2013 were recognized at the 3rd Gaon Chart K-pop Awards held on Feb. 12 at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul, with each getting a Song of the Year award for their respective hits.