Girls’ Generation’s new album tops Korean charts, iTunes

Girls’ Generation made another successful comeback with the release of their new mini-album “Mr.Mr.” last Feb. 24.
The album, which contains six songs, including, “Mr.Mr.,” “Goodbye,” “Europa,” “Wait A Minute,” “Back Hug” and “Soul,” quickly rose to the top of several Korean music charts on its way to achieving “all-kill” status.

Kids' Choice Awards 2014 nominees are in

Here's the complete list of nominees in the 2014 Kids' Choice Awards (KCA) including the Favorite Asian Act:

Favorite TV Show

The Big Bang Theory

Good Luck Charlie

Jessie

Sam & Cat

Favorite Reality Show

America's Got Talent

American Idol

The Voice

Wipeout

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ to be filmed in Seoul

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Marvel Studios has announced that key elements in the superhero sequel “Avengers: Age of Ultron” will be filmed in Seoul, South Korea.

It said the filming of the “Avengers” sequel will create jobs for local extras, crews and vendors that is expected to benefit the Korean film industry.

‘Avengers’ poster (Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios)

B.A.P - 1004(Angel) [K-Pop Hot Clip]

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Learn Korean language in the Philippines and online

Korean Learning Institutes and Websites

<On-site Korean Learning Institutes>

I.      Metro Manila

1.     Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

-          Location: 2F Mancor Corporate Center, 32^nd St. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634

-          Tel: (02) 555-1711

-          E-mail: info@koreanculture.ph.

2.     UP Department of Linguistics, UP Diliman

-     Location: Faculty center RM. 2110, UP Diliman, Quezon City 1101

-     Tel: (02) 926-9887

-     E-mail: lingg@kssp.upd.edu.ph

-     Website: http://linguistics.upd.edu.ph

Source: http://www.korean.go.kr/

2NE1′s new album release postponed

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

YG Entertainment has postponed the release of 2NE1′s second studio album “Crush” to coincide with the birthday of group member CL on Feb. 26.

“We have urgently postponed 2NE1′s 2nd album release date from the original schedule of 12am on February 24th to 12am on February 26th. The offline album will be released on March 7th as planned,” YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun Suk said.

Muntinlupa gives P100K to Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin/TEMPO 

Manila, Philippines – The Muntinlupa City Council passed a resolution yesterday honoring and giving P100,000 incentive to Olympian Michael Christian Martinez.

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.

(Clockwise from top left) SISTAR, EXO, Cho Yong Pil, 4Minute, IU and Girls’ Generation. (www.newsen.com)

how to climb on second tallest building in the world: Shanghai Tower, China

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Girls’ Generation set for comeback with new album

Top K-pop act Girls’ Generation will be making their much-awaited comeback this month with a new mini-album.

Winners at the 20th Republic of Korea Entertainment Arts Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop groups f(x) and EXO were honored at the 20th Republic of Korea Entertainment Arts Awards held at the Seongnam Arts Center Opera House.

The two bagged the Best Group awards. F(x)’s Krystal accepted the award while all EXO members were in attendance.

(Clockwise from top left) F(x)’s Krystal, EXO, Jung Won and Boys Republic (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Amazing performance of "Prayer of St. Francis"

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Let's Go! Dream Team II | 출발드림팀 II : Idol Iron Man Special - Part 2 (201...

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Korean animation exhibit in PH

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The recent release of the animated feature film “The Nut Job” in North America highlights the growing South Korean film industry.

S.M.THE BALLAD Vol.2 (에스엠 더 발라드)_BREATH_Teaser Video (CHN ver.) (+playlist)

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S.M.THE BALLAD Vol.2 (에스엠 더 발라드)_BREATH_Teaser Video (CHN ver.) (+playlist)

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K-pop boy bands send Pinoy fans into a frenzy

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Six K-pop boy bands in one concert proved to be an overwhelming experience for Filipino fans.

The Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert 2 held last February 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum showcased some of the best K-pop acts.

A-Jax with KARA Seungyeon (All photos by Jonathan Hicap)

Korean Music Awards 2014 nominees released

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Organizers of the 11th Korean Music Awards released the list of nominees for this year and non-mainstream artists dominated the different categories.

The Korean Music Awards recognizes talent than popularity or album sales, paving way for independent singers to be acknowledged.

(Clockwise from top) SHINee, EXO, f(x) and G-Dragon
(Photos from official Facebook pages of SHINee, EXO, f(x) and G-Dragon)

(020214) Super Junior M's 'Break Down' at DKFC 2 Manila (+playlist)

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(020214) Super Junior M at Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert 2 Manila

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(020214) Block B at Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert Manila

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Block B: Pinoy fans are ‘loving’

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean boy band Block B visited Manila for the second time last Feb. 1, and they were profuse in thanking Filipino fans for the support they have afforded them.

In a press conference held the same day at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, band member Jaehyo shared, “We saw a lot of fans waiting at the airport. Filipino fans are very passionate and loving.”

Block B at the ‘DKFC 2′ press conference (Photo by Jonathan M. Hicap)

K-pop band A-Jax wants to visit Boracay, Laguna

First time Manila visitors K-pop boy band A-Jax said that if they were given a chance to take a vacation, they would want to come back to the Philippines.

In a one-on-one interview with Bulletin Entertainment, A-Jax said, “We heard that Boracay is a good tourist spot. We are looking forward to see the beach. We also want to visit Laguna and enjoy the hot springs.”

A-Jax (Photo by Jonathan Hicap)

GOT7 tops Billboard chart

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

New hip-hop boy band GOT7′s debut album has topped Billboard’s World Albums chart, less than two weeks after it was released.

Seungyeon to support A-Jax in Manila concert

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

KARA’S Seungyeon will be in Manila this weekend as a special guest at the MBC Music’s “Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert 2″ to be held on Feb. 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“She will be here to support A-Jax,” a representative of the organizers told Bulletin Entertainment.

KARA’s Seungyeon (left) will be a special guest at the Dream K-pop Fantasy Concert 2 in Manila on Feb. 2 (www.newsen.com and All Access Productions)

Report: Korean actress cast in ‘Avengers’ sequel

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean actress Kim Soo Hyun (also known as Yoo Ri El and Claudia Kim) has been cast in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” according to Korean media.

Reports were abuzz in South Korea that the actress has been chosen to be in the sequel to the 2012 blockbuster “Avengers,” which raked in $1.5 billion at the box office.

Kim Soo Hyun and the “Avengers: Age of Ultron” poster
(Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and Marvel Studios website)

Top 100 City Destinations Ranking

Euromonitor International is pleased to release the Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world’s leading cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. Continued economic growth helped these cities collectively experience a gain of 6.6% in 2012, outpacing the 4.2% growth of overall international arrivals. 

Within the top 10, six cities are located in Asia, demonstrating the importance of the region to international travel. Overall, 32 of the top 100 city destinations are in Asia Pacific, 12 more than in second-placed Western Europe. 

Game! Young tourists doused with ice-cold water in chilly Baguio City

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‘The Bachelor’ features 2NE1

The American reality show “The Bachelor,” recently shot an episode in South Korea featuring the K-pop group 2NE1, as part of the show’s fourth episode that aired Monday night in the US (Tuesday morning in Manila).

Juan Pablo and the girls performing on stage with 2NE1 in an episode
of “The Bachelor” (Photos courtesy of ABC)

[Real 2PM] Comeback Teaser

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Snoop Dogg to appear in Psy’s music video

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

American rapper Snoop Dogg is set to appear in the new music video of rapper Psy.

This was relayed by YG Entertainment via its official blog site, YG Life, noting Snoop’s recent visit to South Korea.

Psy with Snoop Dogg and G-Dragon (courtesy of YG Life, Psy’s Twitter
and Internet community site)

Top 100 Korean films named

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The Korean Film Archive (KOFA) has released its list of top 100 Korean films in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

The list was chosen by 62 film scholars, film critics, industry professionals and officials through a survey.

The top 100 Korean films were chosen by critics and industry professionals )Photo courtesy of Korean Film Archive)

Winners at the 28th Golden Disk Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean rapper Psy and boy band EXO bagged the most-prized trophies at the 28th Golden Disk Awards held on Jan. 16 at the Kyunghee University’s Grand Peace Palace.

Psy took home the Digital Daesang, or Song of the Year, for “Gentleman,” his follow-up track to his viral hit “Gangnam Style.”

(Clockwise from top left) Psy with SHINee’s Minho, EXO, BEAST, SHINee and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Tiffany. (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com, isplus.joins.com and No Cut News)

Nicole, Jiyoung leave KARA

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean girl group KARA will be left with only three members with the departure of Nicole and Jiyoung.

Nicole officially left KARA today with the expiration of her exclusive contract under DSP Media, the group’s agency.

Nicole (left) and Jiyoung (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com)

Billboard names EXO as artist to watch this year

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Billboard has released its “14 Artists to Watch in 2014″ list and it includes Korean boy band EXO.

“They’re not household names… yet, but these 14 music makers – including pop stars in the making, soulful UK upstarts, an up and coming rapper, and a few hot groups – are primed to do big things this year,” according to Billboard.com.

EXO (Photos courtesy of EXO’s official Facebook page)

Philippines to host 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards?

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

If plans push through, the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) will be held in the Philippines this year.

According to the Global Hallyu Data 2013 report released by the Korea Foundation, there are plans to hold the awards show in the country on Nov. 26.

The 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) drew celebrities including (clockwise from top left) Paris Hilton and G-Dragon, Girls’ Generation, Rain and EXO (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Lions - The New Endangered Species?

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Korean Wave fans reach 9.28 million worldwide

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, continued to spread in many countries with the number of fans reaching 9.28 million in 2013.

The number of hallyu fan clubs and groups worldwide reached 987 last year, according to the Global Hallyu Data 2013 report released by the Korea Foundation.

Dinner at Bulgogi Brothers

My friend and I met last night to have dinner and watch a movie at Alabang Town Center. 

Bulgogi Brothers 

(NEWS) Leeteuk’s dad, grandparents laid to rest

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Super Junior leader Leeteuk was in tears and in deep sorrow at the funeral for his father and grandparents that was held this morning in Seoul.

His sister, Park In Young, relatives and friends were at the Korea University Guro Hospital mortuary to bid their final farewell to Park Yongin, 57, Leeteuk’s father; and grandparents Park Hyeon Suk, 84, and Cheon Kyung Tae, 79.

Leeteuk at the funeral (Photos by www.newsen.com)

[VIDEO] 140108 Leeteuk's Father & Grandparents' Funeral

Aspiring K-pop artists, actors to get protection under new law

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The Korean government will implement a new law that will protect aspiring K-pop artists and actors against abuse by unscrupulous entertainment agencies.

Under the new law by Korea’s National Assembly, those who will establish an entertainment agency in South Korea will have to get approval from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Actress Jang Ja-yeon, who appeared on ‘Boys over Flowers,’ committed suicide in March 2009 (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Top 10 highest-grossing films in Korea in 2013

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The numbers are in and local films dominated the box office in South Korea in 2013.

Korean films captured nine of the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year, based on figures from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).

Park Shin Hye, Ryu Seung-ryong and Kal So-won in the top top-grossing film ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7′ (Photos by the film’s official Facebook page)

"Boys Before Friends" - 30 Mins Behind the Scenes

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SNSD's Sooyoung and actor Jung Kyung Ho dating

Winners at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Actress Lee Bo Young bagged the Daesang, or Grand Prize, at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards for her role in the hit drama “I Hear Your Voice.”

The awards recognized stars who appeared on SBS projects for the year.

Besides winning the Daesang, Lee Bo Young also took home the Producers’ Award and Top 10 Stars Award.

2013 SBS Drama Awards winners (from top left) Lee Bo Young, Jo In-sung, Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Lee Jong Suk and Kang Min-hyuk (Photos by www.newsen.com and SBS)