800 Asian fans gather at Eric’s concert in Singapore for ‘Beautiful Spy'

• KBS’s new Monday and Tuesday drama “Beautiful Spy" (directed by Hwang In Hyuk, written by Kim Eun Young and Kim Jeong Ah), which will begin airing on July 11, disclosed stills taken on the overseas location in Singapore. 
  

KARA bags triple platinum, Big Bang scores gold in Japan

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines - K-pop groups KARA, Big Bang and Girls Generation continued their rise in the Japanese music market.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) released its latest certifications for May on mobile phone and PC downloads showing KARA achieving two feats.   

SHINee's Jonghyun, Shin Se Kyung end relationship

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines - K-pop boy band SHINee’s lead vocalist Jonghyun and actress Shin Se Kyung have ended their eight-month relationship because of their demanding schedule.
Shin’s agency was quoted as saying that the Jonghyun and Se Kyung’s busy schedule prevented them from seeing each other regularly that led to their breakup although they decided to remain friends, according to Korean media.

Promo Video: SHINee JAPAN DEBUT PREMIUM RECEPTION in LONDON

MESSAGE FROM SHINee: 

We are SHINee :)

We will finally debut in Japan on June 22nd and will get to meet more fans in Japan!
What a good news! right?

Popularity of Actor Kong Yoo’s Japanese Magazine ‘Monster’ Rises

The magazine contains various episodes and information about Kong Yoo (or Gong Yoo) such as his movies, TV commercials, stories happening during his poster shoots, travels, favorite music, books, hobbies, and his friends. A person from the publishing company of “Monster” said, “As the magazine contains various well-written content, the number of readers has been increasing thanks to word-of-mouth among Japanese fans. As readers are very much satisfied with the magazine, it is expected to have increased sales in the future.”

BEAST ends album promotions with a clean sweep of awards

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

K-pop boy band BEAST concluded the promotions of their first studio album “Fiction and Fact” on a high note, topping music charts and sweeping awards on Korean TV music shows.

The album was released online on May 17 and on the same week, the group began performing the title track “Fiction” on TV shows Mnet “M! Countdown”, KBS “Music Bank”, MBC “Music Core” and SBS “Inkigayo”.

K-pop overtakes dramas as main purveyor of the Korean wave

JONATHAN M. HICAP
Manila Bulletin 

MANILA, Philippines -- A decade ago, Korean dramas were the main driver of hallyu, or the Korean wave, with such hits “Winter Sonata,” “Jewel in the Palace,” “My Name is Kim Sam Soon” and “Coffee Prince."

But with the explosion of the internet and social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter in the past few years, Korean pop music, or K-pop, has overtaken Korean dramas to become the  top purveyor of the Korean wave worldwide.

'Korea’s Got Talent' contestant becomes toast of media, YouTube sensation

JONATHAN M. HICAP
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – The 22-year-old male contestant on reality TV show “Korea’s Got Talent,” who was laughed at by the audience for being a manual laborer, has been hailed by world media as the next Susan Boyle with his audition video on YouTube getting 6.2 million views.

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines offers Culture Classes

Good news for Filipinos who want to learn Korean culture. The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines is offering KCC Culture Classes. Registration will be until July 5 and classes will start on July 9. 

MCA Music makes June 25 “GG REVOLUTION” Day in the Philippines

Known for having such massive following from the K-Pop community, boasting-off back-to-back hit singles and top-selling albums, MCA Music’s Girls Generation will unleash two of its highly sought-after albums: “Hoot” mini album and “Mr. Taxi-Run Devil Run” single album during the much-awaited grand launch event titled “GG Revolution!” 

SM Town World Tour in Paris, France

June 10, 2011

Popular French Newspaper ‘Le Monde’ and ‘Le Figaro’ Reports on SMTOWN Concert in Paris!

SMTOWN LIVE WORLD TOUR in PARIS which is the first single brand concert in Europe by Korean entertainment company has been attracting an intense attention from local medias in France.  

Three Korean stars convicted for their marijuana use and gambling

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Three Korean stars were convicted by courts in South Korea, Thursday, of marijuana charges, gambling and fraud.

Korean-American rapper Crown J (real name Kei Hoon Kim) was sentenced by the Seoul Central District Court to eight months in prison and two years probation. He was also fined and ordered to do 80 hours of community service.

Singer Kim Hyun Joong admits getting nose job

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – It’s very rare for K-pop stars to admit that their looks were enhanced by plastic surgery.

But hallyu star Kim Hyun Joong, leader of SS501, surprised his fans and viewers when he announced on a Korean talk show program that he underwent nose surgery or rhinoplasty.

(Manila Bulletin) Jo Seung Woo, Junsu win in 5th Annual Musical Awards

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 

MANILA, Philippines -- Jo Seung Woo and Cha Ji Yeon bagged the best actor and best actress trophies in the 5th Annual Musical Awards held last night at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul.

(Manila Bulletin): JYJ to hold concert in Japan Tuesday amid legal threats

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 

MANILA, Philippines – K-pop trio JYJ, composed of Xiah Junsu, Micky Yoochun and Kim Jaejoong, will push through with their concert Tuesday in Japan despite legal threats over contract with their Japanese agency Avex Entertainment.

2NE1 on their career, favorite Korean male singers, and sisig (Manila Bulletin)

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 

MANILA, Philippines - Hours before they brought the house down during their concert at the Araneta Coliseum on June 4, 2NE1 members Sandara Park, Park Bom, CL and Minzy met with the press at the Hotel InterContinental Manila and talked about their career, their Filipino fans, food and even their favorite Korean idols.

Jay Park's teaser video for upcoming album 'Take A Deeper Look'

Jay Park (aka Jaebum) has uploaded today a teaser to his upcoming album,  which will be released on April 27. 
Here's the teaser: 

Another K-pop singer attacked on stage

MANILA, Philippines -- After the scary onstage incident involving Girls Generation’s leader Taeyeon, a video surfaced on the web showing a man attacking K-pop singer Wheesung.

1.36-M people audition for Korea’s ‘Idol’

MANILA, Philippines -- The lucrative K-pop entertainment industry continues to draw hopefuls who all dream of becoming the next Big Bang, Super Junior, BoA or 2PM.

Which Singer Would Eat Ja-jang-myun Alone On Black Day?

True to Korean-form, a survey was conducted in honor of Black Day--a day when single people go out to eat black bean noodles.

Rapper gets suspended sentence; Super Junior and ex-member score awards

From Manila Bulletin (www.mb.com.ph)
By JONATHAN M. HICAP
MANILA, Philippines – The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Korean rapper MC Mong (real name Shin Dong-Hyun) on Monday to six months imprisonment, suspended for one year, for being found guilty of delaying his enlistment in the Korean military by applying for government exams and going on trips overseas. He was likewise ordered to do 120 hours of community service. 

MC Mong (www.newsen.com)

2NE1 records first English single; Fans rally around Super Junior’s Kyuhyun

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 


MANILA, Philippines – K-pop girl band 2NE1 has officially released the music video of the English version of their hit song “Can’t Nobody.”

2AM Live in Manila (Philippines) on April 28 to 30, 2011

MC Mong Faces Two Year Prison Sentence (2011-03-30)

MC Mong gave his final testimony, saying, “I did not make up any cowardly lie.”
The Seoul District Prosecutor's Office demanded two years’ imprisonment on March 28 for MC Mong (real name Shin Dong Hyun, 31), who has been charged with the suspicion that he purposely removed his own teeth to dodge mandatory military duty.

Jo-kwon, Best Husband On 'We Got Married'

Singer Jo-kwon was chosen as the best husband from the popular reality tv show "We Got Married".

Big Bang, Se7en triumph at Singapore Entertainment Awards

From Manila Bulletin online

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 

SINGAPORE -- Boy band Big Bang and Se7en won at the Singapore Entertainment Awards 2011 held at Singapore Indoor Stadium on April 2.

Video of rooftop helicopter rescue in Japan's tsunami-hit town

Aerial video from town closest to Japan's mega-quake epicentre

2011.03.11 15:48 震災時 千葉県市原市、湾岸の工場火災-4

Japanese Earthquake / Tsunami TV Coverage March 11, 2011

Japan 8.9 earthquake and tsunami (NHK footage) - March 11th 2011

Tremblement de terre en live au Japon - Yokohama / Tokyo le 11 Mars 2011

JAPAN QUAKE FOOTAGE uped to 8.8 JUST NOW! march 11 -11 EARTHQUAKE VIDEO...

Hundreds Killed in Tsunami After 8.9 Japan Quake

Japan Earthquake: Large fire at Odaiba port in Japan

Super Junior enchants Filipino fans anew with Super Show 3

My article published on Manila Bulletin Online: 

By JONATHAN M. HICAP 

MANILA, Philippines - Korean boy band Super Junior lived up to its promise and hype as its members delivered another successful concert for Filipino fans last Feb. 26 at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Super Junior at Araneta Coliseum (Photo by Klarisse Gepilano)

Today's Accident !!! (Feb 25, 2011)

'Jewel in the Palace' star is now a mom of twins

My article from the Manila Bulletin online edition:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 23, 2011) - Top Korean actress Lee Young-ae, who played Jang-Geum in the highly popular Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace," is now a proud mother of fraternal twins: a boy and a girl.

Lee Young-ae as Jang Geum in "Jewel in the Palace" (Photo courtesy of MBC)

Korean Embassy in the Philippines now on Facebook, Twitter

The Korean Embassy in the Philippines is now on Facebook and Twitter, currently the most popular social networking sites.

The Korean Embassy at the Fort in the Philippines (Photo courtesy of the Korean Embassy Facebook page)

From Japan, Super Junior heads to Manila for Super Show 3

Super Junior (Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment)

Movie made on iPhone bags Berlin film award

Park Chan-wook, the film director known for his work on Korean hits like “Oldboy,” proved last month when he released “Night Fishing” - a 30-minute film shot entirely on an iPhone over 10 days - that all you need to make a good movie is a smartphone.

Korean teas, not just green

Light sends soft rays through the floor-length windows of Ga Hwa Dang, a traditional Korean hanok-turned-teahouse located in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.
Behind the counter, manager Kim Yu-ri painstakingly prepares the establishment’s brews.
Surprisingly enough, less than half the 19 teas on the menu are leaf-based. Instead, a majority are made with fruit, roots and seeds.

Ga Hwa Dang’s nutty and rich wild sesame tea comes with a dish of artistically presented Korean sweets. (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald) 

Announcing the 3rd Annual Shorty Awards Finalists!

Korean singers JYJ (Junsu, Micky Yoochun and Jaejoong), Jay Park and Heechul are finalists. Congratulations!
From www.theshortyawards.com
We are delighted to announce the Shorty Awards finalists in the main categories after receiving over 750,000 tweeted nominations.
The Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences will determine the winners from among these finalists. The announcement will be made at the Shorty Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at The TimesCenter in New York City. Tickets are on sale now. Are you a finalist? Register here to let us know if you can attend the ceremony.

Heechul, Jay Park and JYJ are finalists in the 3rd Annual Shorty Awards

(Feature) Berlinale spotlight on Asia as Lee Yoon-Ki's film debuts

Berlin - Korean director Lee Yoon-Ki's Saranghanda, Saranghaji Anneunda (Come Rain, Come Shine) premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday, with the Berlinale directing its spotlight on relationships under pressure.

My Korea at home

From my travels to different countries,  I always get mementos including fridge magnets. Here are the fridge magnets on my cork board in my house in the Philippines  showing the cities and countries that I've visited including South Korea.

[caption id="attachment_173" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="My fridge magnets showing the Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower in South Korea and other places that I've visited. (Photo by sangchusan)"][/caption]

A warm congratulations to Korea.net for the opening of its blog! Cheers!

Incheon International Airport bags Best Airport Worldwide award

I wrote earlier that Incheon International Airport is one of the best airports in the world.
Now here's the additional and most important proof. The Airports Council International (ACI) has announced that Incheon International Airport is the No. 1 Best Airport Worldwide.

Korean recipe: Japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables)

Recipes with noodles are a staple in many Asian countries including South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

I first tasted japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables) at a Korean restaurant in Malate in Manila, Philippines and since then, I always order it. I think the appeal of japchae lies in the taste. It has a sweet flavor. In addition, it has many wonderful ingredients including beef and spinach.

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Japchae (Photo courtesy of www.maangchi.com)"][/caption]

Spreadin' the Korean Wave: JYJ to hold concert in Thailand in April

Thai fans, get ready for JYJ.

Thai company 411 Entertainment has announced that popular K-pop trio JYJ, composed of Xiah Junsu, Micky Yoochun and Youngwoong Jaejoong, will be holding a two-day concert in Bangkok, Thailand in April.

Busan International Music Festival kicks off

If you are going to South Korea this week, you might want to go to the 6th Busan International Music Festival that will run until February 20.

[caption id="attachment_141" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(Photo courtesy of festival organizers)"][/caption]

SNSD, Big Bang, Hyun Bin, Kim Tae Hee top V-Day poll

From Manila Bulletin newspaper:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 14, 2011) — If Koreans were given a choice to pick celebrities they want to be their dates on Valentine’s Day, they would spend the red-letter day with Girls Generation (aka SNSD), Big Bang, actor Hyun Bin and actress Kim Tae Hee.

[caption id="attachment_136" align="alignnone" width="402" caption="(Clockwise from the top) Girls Generation, Kim Tae Hee, Hyun Bin and Big Bang. (Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment, SBS, MBC and YG Entertainment)"][/caption]