Heechul posts photos on Instagram after his discharge from the military

Immediately after he was discharged from the military, Super Junior's Heechul posted photos and videos on his Instagram account "Kimheenim."

130830 Today's Winner Crayon Pop @ Music Bank

Super Junior's Heechul commended upon discharge from the army + video

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Super Junior member Heechul was discharged from the army this morning and received a commendation for his exemplary service in the last two years.

Heechul, who served as public service worker, was discharged at about 9 a.m. in Seongdong, Seoul.

Photos: www.newsen.com

Han Chae Young Gives Birth to a Boy

Han Chae Young gave birth to a baby boy.

A rep from BH Entertainment, Han Chae Young′s agency, told enews on August 30 that "at 1 p.m. on August 29, Han Chae Young gave birth with the support of her family at a hospital."

"She had to give birth through an operation, but she and her baby are all in healthy condition," the rep added.

Actor attacks cheating rumor

Leading actor Kwon Sang-woo, who most recently starred in the SBS drama “King of Ambitions,” is strongly denying sudden rumors that he is dating actress-model Kang Ye-bin.

The actor has been married for nearly five years to actress Son Tae-young of the KBS drama “You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin.” Kwon posted a message on his fan cafe yesterday stating that the rumors, which started from local financial firms, are not true.

130829 G-Dragon ft. Missy Elliott - NILIRIA (Nuiliriya) on 'M! Countdown What's Up, LA?'

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Block B to resume career under new agency

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop boy band Block B will be resuming their career under a new company following their legal dispute with their agency.

The group will transferring from Stardom Entertainment to Seven Seasons agency. Block B and Stardom Entertainment have settled their issue pertaining to the former's exclusive contracts.

Block B (Photo: www.newsen.com)

JYJ's Jaejoong wins Best Hallyu OST award at Seoul Drama Awards

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop group JYJ member Kim Jaejoong has won the Best Hallyu Drama OST award at the 2013 Seoul International Drama Awards.

Jaejoong will be receiving the award at the ceremony, which will be held on Sept. 5 at the National Theatre of Korea.

G-Dragon, Missy Elliot perform new song at KCON in LA

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop star G-Dragon's dream came true when he performed with Grammy-winning rapper Missy Elliott on stage.

The two heated up KCON, the K-pop convention in Los Angeles, over the weekend when they sang together G-Dragon's new song for his new upcoming album "Coup d'etat."

IU's weekend drama ends on top of ratings

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

"You're The Best, Lee Soon Shin," the KBS2 weekend drama of K-pop princess IU and actor Jo Jung-suk, aired its 50th and last episode in South Korea on Aug. 25 and ended a successful five-month run on top of the ratings.

Photo: KBS

Big Bang's Seungri on producing his new album and maturity

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Big Bang's youngest member Seungri said producing his second mini album "Let's Talk About Love" brought changes in him and he was satisfied with the results.

Seungri released the album last Aug. 19, which was also the date when Big Bang debuted in South Korea in 2006. He is currently promoting the album on music TV shows.

Seungri (Photo from Seungri's official Facebook page)

Big Bang member T.O.P's visit to Manila postponed

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The onslaught of heavy rains in the last few days has resulted in the postponement of the Manila visit of Big Bang member T.O.P and the launch of a mobile messenger application in the country scheduled today, Aug. 22.

Big Bang's T.O.P and Sarah Geronimo (Photos by www.newsen.com and SarahGLiveOfficial on Facebook)

'Hide and Seek,' 'The Flu' top Korean box office

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Thriller "Hide and Seek" and the drama "The Flu" topped the box office in Korea, earning a combined total of 30,817,723,000 won (about P1.2 billion) since the two films opened last Aug. 14.

As of Aug. 19, "Hide and Seek," stars Son Hyeon-joo, Moon Jeong-hee and Jeon Mi-seon, has grossed a total of 16.85 billion won (about P658.35 million) as of Aug. 19 to top the box office.

A scene from "Hide and Seek" (left) and "The Flu" star Jang Hyuk (right) (Photos by www.newsen.com)

What's next for the Korean Wave?

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

In the last few years, the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has spread in many countries.

From Asia, Hallyu has found its way to other regions like in Latin America, North America and Middle East.

Hallyu stars (clockwise from top left) Super Junior, Choi Ji-woo and Bae Yong-joon in 'Winter Sonata,' Big Bang and Lee Young Ae in 'Jewel in the Palace' (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Actor-theater director dies in drowning accident

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

An actor and theater director best known for appearing in the 2011 drama "Dream High" was found dead in what police said was a case of drowning.

The body of Baek Won Gil, 42, was found at about 9 a.m. on Aug. 16 in the waters of Namdaecheon in Gangwon, South Korea.

www.newsen.com

Big Bang's T.O.P to visit Manila for meet-and-greet event

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Big Bang member T.O.P will be visiting the Philippines next week for a meet-and-greet event for a mobile messenger application.

The "#KakaoTalkPH Lucky Fans Night" will be held on Aug. 22, according to an announcement by Kakao Talk Philippines on Twitter.

T.O.P (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Crayon Pop's 'engine dance' goes viral

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A year after their debut in the K-pop scene, girl group Crayon Pop's career has finally taken off, thanks to their new single "Bar Bar Bar."

The music video for "Bar Bar Bar" has spawned parodies since it was uploaded on YouTube in late June.

Crayon Pop performing "Bar Bar Bar." (Photos by www.newsen.com)

9 Korean films vie for Oscar entry

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Nine Korean films have been selected to compete for the country's entry to the Oscars next year, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).

One entry will be chosen among the nine as South Korea's entry to the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

A scene from the 'Berlin Film' (left) and Song Joong-ki in 'The Werewolf Boy' (Photos by www.newsen.com)

[Kpop] Eng Sub Crayon Pop Bar Bar Bar Yoo's Sketch Book KBS 071313

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The Great Transformation of Korean Wave | 한류대전환 - Part 1: Hallyu Now

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Rain should serve the army anew, lawmaker says

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It's almost a month after his discharge from the army and yet pop star Rain is still being hounded by controversy regarding his appointment as an entertainment soldier.

A Korean lawmaker accused that these entertainment soldiers, who were tasked to promote the image of the army, were given preferential treatment.

Rain (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Korean stars Lee Jong-suk, Seo In-guk arrive in Davao for film shoot

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Korean actors Lee Jong-suk and Seo In-guk arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday for the filming of the movie "No Breathing."

The two arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and boarded their flight to Davao, where the film will be shot.

Lee Jong-suk and Seo In-guk at Incheon International Airport (left) on their way to Manila and upon their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (right). (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com and @maraiph on Twitter)

Korean movie 'No Breathing' to be filmed in Davao

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

The stars and crew of the Korean film "No Breathing" will be shooting the last scenes of the movie in Davao, according to an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

"Yes, we can hold our breaths as the hottest stars in South Korea today are coming to shoot the last 7 days of their film in our region. The producers are vetting final locations for the shoot that will involve 15 actors and a crew four times bigger," posted DOT Regional Director Art Boncato on his Facebook account.

G-Dragon's 'blackface' IG photo draws controversy

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Big Bang's leader G-Dragon has courted controversy over his Instagram photo that showed him wearing black face paint and a hoodie that resembled the image of teen Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in Florida last year.

Spin.com said, "But this time G-Dragon might have gone too far. As with Frank Ocean, Diddy, the-Dream, and others after news of Martin's shooting death broke last year, the K-pop idol wears what looks like a hoodie (though may be a T-shirt pulled up over his head), in apparent tribute to Martin. But he's also wearing black face paint."

G-Dragon's controversial photo (left) (Photos courtesy of G-Dragon's Instagram and www.newsen.com)

Kim Hyun Joong, KARA top Billboard charts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Kim Hyun Joong and girl group KARA claimed the top spots on the latest Billboard charts while other K-pop artists are also enjoying chart success in Japan.  

According to the latest Billboard charts, Kim Hyun Joong's third mini-album "Round 3" debuted at No. 1 on the World Albums chart.

Photos: www.newsen.com

KPOP Republic - SHINEE, EXO-K, DAL SHABET at Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 7

Heartthrob Song Joong Ki to enlist in the army this month

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Legions of fans woke up today to news that actor Song Joong Ki will be enlisting in the army later this month to fulfill his duty as a Korean citizen.

It was announced by Blossom Entertainment, the actor's agency, that Song Joong Ki will be entering the army on Aug. 27 and will serve for two years.

Song Joong Ki (Photos by www.newsen.com)

EXO to perform at MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop boy band EXO will perform at the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2013.

EXO  has been added to the line-up of performers which currently includes Robin Thicke, Far East Movement and Joe Flizzow, according to MTV Asia.

(Clockwise from top left) Robin Thicke, EXO, Joe Flizzow and Far East Movement
(Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment and MTV Asia)

Ailee tops Billboard, Korean charts

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop star and Philippine tourism ambassadress Ailee is on a roll with her second mini-album "A's Doll House," topping Billboard and other Korean charts.

Billboard announced that Ailee topped the K-pop Hot 100 chart with her title track "U&I."

Ailee (left) with legendary music producer Quincy Jones (Photo from Ailee's Twitter account)

2NE1 to release new song 'Do You Love Me'

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop girl group 2NE1 will be releasing their new single "Do You Love Me" on Aug. 7 as follow-up to their first comeback track, "Falling in Love," which was released this month.

YG Entertainment announced today the news on the company's official blog.

2NE1 (Photo by www.newsen.com)

Kfest message from Alexander

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Ex-U-KISS member Xander Lee Eusebio flies high as solo artist

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

It's been two years since Alexander "Xander" Lee Eusebio launched his career as a solo artist after his stint as an original member of K-pop boy band U-KISS ended in March 2011.

He found himself at a crossroad at the time, thinking very hard even if he would continue his career or not.

Former U-KISS member and now solo artist Alexander ‘Xander’ Lee Eusebio answers questions
at his Manila press conference hosted by Kring Elenzano (Photo by Jonathan Hicap)

Se7en, Sangchu punished with imprisonment

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Singers Se7en and Sangchu of Mighty Mouth and five other celebrity soldiers were ordered to spend time in a military jail as punishment for the massage parlor scandal last month.

Korea's Ministry of National Defense has announced the punishment for the celebrity soldiers after completing its investigation of the incident, which led to the abolition of the entertainment soldiers system of the military.

Celebrity soldiers (clockwise from top left) Se7en, Sangchu, Leeteuk and KCM (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Fans rejoice as KFTC rules in favor of JYJ

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Fans of JYJ welcomed the decision of the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) to issue a corrective order against SM Entertainment and the Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry (KFPCAI) for interfering in the boy band's activities.

In a decision, the KFTC said SME and KFPCAI worked to impede JYJ's TV appearances and activities as a singer after the three members of the boy band sued SME in 2009 to annul their exclusive contracts with the entertainment agency.

JYJ (Photo by www.newsen.com)

Top Korean TV drama director-producer found dead

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

One of Korea's well-known TV drama directors and producers was found dead on July 23 in an apparent case of suicide.

Kim Jong-hak, 62, who directed Korean dramas such as "Faith" starring Lee Min-ho and "The Legend" starring Bae Yong Jun, allegedly killed himself in a gositel, or a small rented room, in Gyeonggi province in Korea.

Im Jong-hak (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Kate Middleton Royal Baby FIRST APPEARNECE! Prince Williams and Kate Mid...

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Jay Park to hold first European tour

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop rapper Jay Park will embark on his first European tour in September.

The tour will be held in the last week of September and will kick off in London, United Kingdom. This will be followed by concerts in Amsterdam in The Netherlands and in Germany.

"Yes, I'm going to be in Europe in September," Jay Park confirmed in a video that he posted on his official Facebook page.

Jay Park (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Grammy.com spotlights on JYJ's Junsu

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

JYJ member Junsu said music is his life and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had a major influence in his career.

"Ever since I was a kid, music has always been in my life and it is the only thing that I know and I can do," Junsu told Grammy.com in an exclusive interview.

Junsu at his press conference in Bangkok last July 19. (Photo by www.newsen.com/C-JeS)

Billboard: 2NE1 Talks Long-Awaited Return, U.S. Debut Rumors: Exclusive Video Q&A | Billboard

2NE1 Talks Long-Awaited Return, U.S. Debut Rumors: Exclusive Video Q&A | Billboard

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Xia Junsu GRAMMY Exclusive

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Korean celebrity soldiers face punishment, system abolished

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Eight Korean celebrity soldiers including Se7en and Sangchu of Mighty Mouth who were involved in the massage parlor incident will be punished as the Ministry of National Defense decided to abolish the entertainment soldiers system after it received severe criticism from the public.

Se7en and Sangchu (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Mnet 20's Choice Awards winners revealed

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop diva Lee Hyori, 2NE1's CL and bands SHINee and Infinite were among the winners at Mnet's 2013 20's Choice Awards held July 18 at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Ilsan.

This is the seventh year of the awards and the ceremony was hosted by Shinhwa's Minwoo and Jun Jin and Kim Seul-gie.

(Clockwise from top left) Miss A's Suzy, Shinhwa, Infinite, SHINee and 2NE1's CL. (Photos by www.newsen.com)

Girls' Generation, Psy emerge as bestselling artists in Korea for first half of 2013

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Girls' Generation dominated albums sales in Korea while rappers Psy and Baechigi led in digital rankings for the first half of 2013.

Gaon Chart, Korea's version of Billboard, has released the rankings for January to June 2013 of album sales, digital singles and online downloads.

(Clockwise from the top) Girls' Generation, Psy and Baechigi (Photos by www.newsen.com)

2013 Video Music Award Nominations: Get The Full List!

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1710689/vma-nominations-list-2013.jhtml

2 Filipino film projects get support from Busan Int'l Film Festival's Asian Cinema Fund

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A total of 27 film projects including two from the Philippines have been chosen by the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)'s Asian Cinema Fund (ACF) as funding recipients.

The Asian Cinema Fund aims to help "activate more independent film productions and the creation of a stable production environment for Asian filmmakers by offering funding for projects in different stages of production."

The ACF called for entries from March to May this year for three categories: Script Development Fund, Post-Production Fund and Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund.

Racquel Zaballero-Sanchez (left) and Jewel Maranan
(Photos courtesy of Sanchez's Facebook page and @shinematutina on Twitter

Psy's 'Gangnam Style' celebrates 1st anniversary

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A year ago yesterday, Korean rapper Psy released a quirky and funny music video titled "Gangnam Style" on YouTube that featured a horse-riding dance.

"Gangnam Style" was the title track of Psy's new album "Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1," which was also released on July 15, 2012.

Psy performing in Korea, on the "Ellen Show" and gracing the
Billboard magazine. (Photos courtesy of www.newsen.com, "Ellen" show and Billboard)

Hangeng cast in 'Transformers 4' movie

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

Chinese pop star Hangeng is set to do his first Hollywood film.

The former member of K-pop boy band Super Junior has been cast in the American movie "Transformers 4," sending his fans into a frenzy.

Hangeng (Photo by www.michaelbay.com)

[MV] XIA(준수)_Incredible (feat. Quincy) (인크레더블 Feat. 퀸시)

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Kim Hyun Joong, TVXQ get gold status in Japan

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop acts Kim Hyun Joong and TVXQ's respective singles have been certified gold in Japan.

Kim Hyun Joong's third Japanese single "Tonight" and TVXQ's new single "Ocean" have sold at least 100,000 copies each, according to the latest certifications issued by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).

Kim Hyun Joong and TVXQ (Photos by KeyEast and TVXQ Facebook page)

Another member leaves T-ara

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

A year after Hwayoung left K-pop act T-ara amidst accusations that she was bullied, another member has decided to leave the girl group to launch a solo career.

Ahreum has been announced that she will be leaving T-ara for her solo debut. Apparently, her musical preference is different from that of T-ara’s music.

Ahreum (Photo by www.newsen.com)