Korea Observer

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By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Four-sister Filipino singing group MICA got eliminated on the Korean TV talent search “Superstar K6,” ending their journey as top 8 finalist. In the Oct. 24 episode of “Superstar K6,” MICA, composed of sisters Mylene, Irene, Celina and Almira, performed Seo Taiji and Boys’ debut single “I Know.”

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  Jiyoung and Nicole, who both left the group KARA early this year, have started solo careers in Japan and Korea, respectively. Jiyoung signed with Sweet Power agency in Japan last August to launch a career as actress. She has already appeared in the live action TV program “Hell Teacher Nube,” which is based on the manga series of the same title. Nicole (left) and Jiyoung (Photos: newsen.com and oricon.co.jp)

Hollywood actress Jessica Alba visited South Korea to attend the 2015 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week. Alba arrived at Incheon International Airport in the early morning of October 21 and attended the Metro City Fashion Show held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a new landmark in Seoul which opened last March. Photos: www.newsen.com

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin  Lee Byung Hun, the Korean actor who gained international recognition via the films “G.I. Joe” and “Terminator,” publicly apologized to his wife, actress Lee Ming-jung, after his name was dragged into a scandal involving a model and a member of a K-pop group. www.newsen.com

The Korean police raided the offices of the sponsor and organizer of the 1st Pangyo Techno Valley Festival on October 19 as investigation was launched to know their culpability following the concert tragedy. Sixteen people died and 11 were injured when a ventilation grate they were standing on collapsed during the K-pop concert in Gyeonggi Province in South Korea last October 17.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin When Yim Siwan debuted as a member of K-pop boy band ZE:A in 2010, he also jump-started his acting career with some supporting roles in several Korean dramas. He has made a great leap since, scoring his first-ever solo lead role in “Misaeng,” a drama series that started airing on CJ E&M’s tvN on Oct. 17.

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin At least 14 people are feared dead when a ventilation grate collapsed during a K-pop concert in Gyeonggi Province, according to Korean media. The Pangyo Techno Valley Festival featuring 4Minute, T-ara, Junggigo, 2BiC, TransFixion and Cherry Filter was ongoing on Friday, Oct. 17, in Bundang, Seongnam City when the accident happened. (Top) 4Minute and (bottom) the ventillation grate that collapsed. (Photos: newse.com and news.tf.co.kr)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin Super Junior member Sungmin, 28, has confirmed reports about his impending marriage to musical actress Kim Sa Eun in December. In his letter to fans posted on the official Super Junior website, Sungmin confirmed that the wedding will take place on Dec.13. Super Junior’s Sungmin and Kim Sa Eun (Photos: SBS FunE)

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin K-pop boy band BTS, or Bangtan Boys, will be heading to Manila for a concert in December. The seven-member K-pop group will be holding their first solo concert “2014 BTS Live Trilogy in Manila Episode II: The Red Bullet” on December 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena, according to Happee Sy of Pulp Live World Productions.