Sunmi Goes Colorful For Cosmopolitan

It's officially fall in Korea and the weather is cooling down but former Wonder Girls member, Sunmi is looking bright for the new issue of Cosmopolitan. The pictures show glimpse of her looking sexy and cute at the same time while wearing bright colors like pink, blue, yellow and golden brown. The cold weather didn't stop her from flaunting her body line. You can check her pictures below.

Meanwhile, Sunmi is back with her new solo track, Gashina.

(Photo Credits: Naver.com)

Lee Jong Suk Becomes South Korea's Threat In A New Movie

Lee Jong Suk takes a 180-degree turn as he becomes the main antagonist in the movie, "V.I.P". The story is about a North Korean defector Gwang-Il (played by Jongsuk) that is sent by the US Central Intelligence Agency and South Korea's National Intelligence Service to South Korea for a mission, but is hunt down by the Government as he becomes the prime suspect of different murders. According to Jong Suk, this is his first time acting as a main villain and he felt scared on taking up the challenge. From a school boy figure, Go Nam Soon from the popular series "School 2013", Surgeon, Park Hoon in "Doctor Stranger" to a News Reporter, Choi Dal-Po in "Pinocchio" and Comic Star, Kang-Chul from the series, "W", he has proved how diverse he is when it comes to acting. 

On the other hand, the movie, "V.I.P" made its way on cinemas last August 23. After a day of its release, it already sold 10 million tickets making it number one and surpassing the movie, "A Taxi Driver". The movie caters bright stars like Kim Myung Min, Jang Dong Gun and Park Hee Soon.  

(Photo Credits: Warner Bros. Korea)

Remembering Jürgen Hinzpeter

On August 21, The City of Gwangju held an exhibit for the late German Reporter, Jürgen Hinzpeter at the Gwangju Metropolitan City. This is to commemorate Hinzpeter's remarkable participation on the May 18 Democratic Uprising in Gwangju in 1980. The exhibit entitled, "Gwangju's Truth as told by Jürgen Hinzpeter" show photos and videos taken by him during the Gwangju Democracy Movement and some of his personal items like IDs and his pair of glasses. The exhibit will run up to September 3.

Meanwhile, the exhibit gathered attention after an indie film, "A Taxi Driver" was shown. The movie is based from a true to life story of the historical movement and is dedicated to Hinzpeter and all the people involved.

Jürgen Hinzpeter is a German Reporter from ARD-NDR Broadcasting Company. He did not limit himself as a reporter during that time as he was also part of the movement against the injustice act of the military. He passed away last January 25, 2016 at the age of 79 and some of his remains are buried at Gwangju, next to the remains of the victims. 

(Photo Credits from Korea.net)

Ex Jewelry Member To Get Married Again!

After battling a love scar from her first marriage last 2013, Singer-Actress Lee Ji-Hyun finds herself back on track stronger and happier as she is bound to get married to her second husband by the end of September. Lee Ji-Hyun said that her soon to be husband is an Ophthalmologist and that her family and friends will gather on their private wedding.

"I want to build a new family with my two children and I am asking for your encouragement", the soon to be bride said. 

Lee Ji-Hyun got married last 2013, had two children and got divorced last year. She tries to battle the pain by turning into an actress and she starred in a few dramas like SBS's "Good Day To Love" and MBC's "Tomorrow" while taking care of her children.

Let's wish Lee Ji-Hyun a successful life.

(photo credits from Naver.com)

MNET In The Midst Of Discussing Plans For MAMA 2017

A representative from MNET revealed that they are already in preparation for this year's MNET Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and this time, Japan and Hong Kong might be the host locations. It is also revealed that South Korea was also one of the chosen countries but their plan in Seoul got withdrawn on the latter part. An official said, "We are still discussing the schedule for MAMA, but it is certain that it will not be held in Korea this year."

While reports about it are blossoming, all plans are still subject for approval according to MNET.

MNET is a music program owned by CJ E&M that started airing since 1993. Its continuous success has led to its first Music Award Show (MAMA) in 1999 and since then, well-known artists from South Korea have gathered yearly even flying out of the country for it. On the other hand, Hong Kong has been the host country of MAMA for five consecutive years.

(photo credits: CJ E&M)

B.I.G Returns to Manila This September!

B.I.G RETURNS TO MANILA FOR THEIR 1ST EVER SHOWCASE

B.I.G ASIA TOUR IN MANILA THIS SEPTEMBER

With the rise of the Korean craze through drama and K-Pop, many Korean acts have been dropping by the Philippines for fan meets, showcases and even concerts this year. Following their first ever visit in the Philippines last July 7, 2017 for the Super Pop Concert Music Festival, the group B.I.G is one of those groups with a memorable first experience in the country - the good news is fans do not have to wait any longer as the group is set to head back to the Philippines for their first ever showcase.

B.I.G is a 5-member boy group from South Korea, members include J-Hoon, Benji, Gunmin, Minpyo and Heedo. The group popularized songs such as “Hello” which they performed during their first visit in the popular noontime show - It’s Showtime, where the boys have charmed not only the fans and their audience but also the hosts of the show including top Filipino comedian-actor-host, Vice Ganda.

The boys are returning to meet with their fans in an up close and personal event entitled “B.I.G ASIA TOUR in MANILA”. This fun event will give fans a chance to interact with the members, witness their powerful performance and so much more. The group announced their pre-selling event and even attended and met with the lucky fans who managed to snag the tickets before anyone else - truly a different K-Pop experience.

B.I.G ASIA TOUR in MANILA is happening on September 2, 2017 at Music Museum. Tickets range from Php 5,000, Php 3,500 and Php 1,500 (prices are exclusive for ticket service charge). You can get your tickets through Ticketworld and SM Ticket outlets and online.

This event is brought to you by GH Entertainment,Venica C&M and All Access Productions.

2017 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival

Now on its 26th year, the Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival is happening on September 9, 2017 at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City. Themed “길(Road): We Go Together”, the free annual cultivating event continues to celebrate the strengthening bond between Philippines and South Korea through a day of festivities and a cultural program. 

The event will be divided into two parts. The “Annual Talent Competition” finals comes first and will be hosted by Sam Oh and Richard Hwan. The Filipino participants will have to sing or dance in Korean as the Koreans will have to perform in Filipino. 

The main program will be highlighting the friendship between Philippines and South Korea as it make its way in celebrating its 70th year of nurturing partnership by next year. The relationship between the two countries began with military collaboration and turned into a deeper form of cooperation in varied areas such as trade, political-security concerns, socio-cultural exchanges, and the Korean Wave (Hallyu). 

Astounding Korean traditional performances from Busan National Gugak Team and Serotonin are to look forward to. The prestige Ballet Manila will also grace the stage to represent the Philippines while the boy group OFFROAD will represent Kpop. 

The lobby will be filled with different Korean cultural activities. Expect Nanta, Salmunorri and Kpop displays, Korean street food section, sponsor products, and a showcase of singers and dancers from the competing teams. This year’s event will be the first for Director Lee Jin Cheol (KCC) as well as Director Kang Chang Ik of (UKCA).

The 26th Philippine-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival is hosted and organized by the United Korean Community Association (UKCA) together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) respectively and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines and Department of Tourism, It’s More Fun in the Philippines. This is sponsored by BDO, Korea Tourism Organization in the Philippines, Tourism Board Philippines, Philippine Retirement Authority, Calla, Champion, and Hana Leaf together with the special participation of Arirang Town Philippines and the Philippine Kpop Convention, Inc. 

Admission is FREE. For ticket inquiries, please contact: +(02)824-6266 or visit facebook.com/PhilKorCulturalExchangeFestival

Official Hashtag: #PhilKor2017 

Facebook: Facebook.com/PhilKorCulturalExchangeFestival 

Korean Independence Day on August 15

The National Liberation Day of Korea will be held on August 15 in Korea.

The National Liberation Day of Korea or Korean Independence Day is called Gwangbokjeol in Korean. It is written in Hangeul or Korean letters as 광복절. 광복 (gwangbok) means ‘the restoration of light’ and 절 (jeol) means ‘time or period.’ North Korea also celebrates the same event but is called differently: Jogookhaebang-ui Nal (조국해방의 날) which literally translates to ‘Liberation of the Fatherland Day.’

Gwangbokjeol commemorates the liberation of Korea in 1945 after 35 years of Japanese colonization. The same date also celebrates the establishment of the Korean government.

During this holiday, a number of public events are being held in South Korea to celebrate the occasion. One highlight is an official ceremony attended by the President together with officials at the Independence Hall of Korea. Meanwhile the public celebrates the event with special cultural events and all citizens are encouraged to display their national flag ‘Taegukgi’ in almost all places including private homes.

Another good thing during this day is that descendants of independence activists supposedly receive a lot of free things. On August 15 most public museums and places are free of charge to these selected people. Also, public transport and intercity trains are also reportedly free for them.

Gwangbokjeol was officially designated as a public holiday in 1949, and has since been celebrated annually on August 15. This year marks the 72^nd year of Korea’s liberation day.

(Photo Credits: World Wallpaper Blogspot)

Taeyang to Visit Philippines First for 'White Night' Asia Tour

Taeyang is set to open his 'White Night' Asia tour in the Philippines.

The 29-year-old singer will hold his solo concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 22. This will be the first of Taeyang's 'White Night' tour which is set to run through autumn season in Korea.

The official announcement for Taeyang's Asia leg tour was made on Thursday and ticket prices are yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Taeyang has also shared his upcoming track "Wake Me Up" for his album 'White Night.' The track will be released on August 16.

Furthemore, right after Taeyang wraps up his 'White Night' tour and his solo activities, he will be busy right after with his activities as a member of BIGBANG who will be holding their fifth Japan dome tour in November. 

(Photo Credits: Taeyang Official Facebook)

Wanna One Possible Appearance in Mainstream Networks' Music Shows

MBC's 'Show! Music Core' and SBS' 'Inkigayo' gave their statements on Wanna One's possible appearance on the shows.

Wanna One recently wrapped up their appearance in MBC Every1 show 'Weekly Idol.' The group's guesting brought in the highest recorded ratings for the cable network's music show in its six years of running time. This feat reflects the current popularity of the eleven-member group to which talks of appearing in other shows have been brought to light.

MBC's 'Show! Music Core' and SBS' 'Inkigayo' addressed reports on Wanna One's possible guesting as well as rumors that the networks are blacklisting the group.

A representative from "Show! Music Core" said that rumors of Wanna One's appearance on the show getting cancelled is not true.

"Wanna One did not request to be on 'Show! Music Core' this week," the rep explained. "Wanna One just won’t be able to appear on this week’s episode because of their busy schedule. We are discussing with them for next week’s schedule."

Meanwhile, a source from SBS also responded to the alleged boycotting rumors denying any of the sort.

"We do not have casting restrictions," the source person stated. "As Wanna One appeared on ‘Night of Real Entertainment,’ their appearance on ‘Inkigayo’ is also open. However, this week’s cast has not been finalized yet."

The statement from SBS further stated that casting rights go to the PD and that their lineup for the show this week has not been determined yet. Wanna One is among the labels under discussion.

It's been noted that girl group I.O.I from the first season of 'Produce 101' never appeared on 'Show! Music Core' and 'Inkigayo.' Being a group that was made from cable network Mnet, the three main broadcasting stations of Korea cannot immediately receive the idol group into their shows. 

As for KBS' 'Music Bank,' the show will be airing pre-recorded world tour episodes and won't be featuring guests for the next two weeks. For now, Wanna One will make their debut stage in Mnet's  'M!Countdown.'

(Photo credits: Wanna One Official Facebook)

BIGBANG To Hold Japan Dome Tour With Four Members

BIGBANG is confirmed to hold their fifth Japan dome tour this November but only with four members.

BIGBANG's tour will begin on November 18 and 19. They will start the tour in Fukuoka before heading to Osaka then Nagoya and finally, Tokyo. The five-member group will set yet a new record under their name as they will be the first foreign artists to hold five consecutive dome tour in Japan.

As fans anticipate the five-year reign of BIGBANG in Japan, only four of the members will be around in this event. Member Choi Seung-hyun, known as T.O.P., will not be going with the group for the tour. The 29-year-old rapper will be resuming his mandatory service as the controversy he's involved in is coming to a conclusion.

Despite one member absent, BIGBANG continues their activities as a group and even their individual activities. G-Dragon is also said to hold his concert in Japan after BIGBANG's activities in the country.

(Photo credits: BIGBANG Official Facebook)

PRISTIN Fandom Name Stirs Up Internet Buzz

After a year of promotions, idol group Pristin finally revealed their fandom name. Considering various suggestions, the group has decided to use 'High' as their fans' official nickname to which the internet is quick to make their quips and memes about.

On August 6, Pristin held a V LIVE broadcast and told the meaning behind their fan club name, 'High'. Kyulkyung explained that they want their fans to never leave by their side and to always fly 'high' with them thus choosing the name.

"It would be great if our fans could say, 'I'm High!' rather than, 'I'm a fan of PRISTIN!" Member Eunwoo added.

While some fans show their support in Pristin's decision to name their fandom 'High,' others share their doubts about it. The phrase "I'm high" or the word "high" have a rather unfavorable connotation based on the slang language of today's generation. Considering this, memes and jokes erupted in different media outlets that featured Pristin's fandom name announcement.

Pristin has yet to give their comments or consider retracting their fandom's name taking into account the possible implication of their fandom's name to their fans and their own image.

Meanwhile, the ten-member group will be having their 2nd mini album on August 23.

(Photo credits: Pristin Official Facebook)

'2017 Incheon Kpop Concert' Official Line-Up Released!

The Annual Festival '2017 Incheon Kpop Concert' has released its official line-up. Wanna One, Highlight, T-Ara, Weki Meki, Samuel Kim, Gong Minzy and VIXX LR are the confirmed guests and more idols will be announced in the upcoming days.

The concert will happen on September 9, Saturday at Incheon Munhak Stadium. Tickets are free however, attendees will have to register through their official website to secure seats.

In collaboration with '2017 Incheon Food Culture Expo', this is the show you wouldn't want to miss.

Girls Generation's 'Holiday' MV Teaser Is Out

Following the release of SM Entertainment's announcement for Girls' Generation's 10th year anniversary comeback, the girls dropped their music video teaser for "Holiday." Each member released their own teasers starting last week with Yoona followed by Tiffany, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung, Seohyun, Taeyeon and then Sunny. 

Meanwhile, Girls' Generation's 6th full length album "Holiday Night" will be released on August 4, 6 p.m. (KST) with a total of 10 tracks including "Holiday" and "All Night."

(Photo credits: Girls' Generation's Official Facebook)

Hip Hop Duo AA Makes their Official Debut with Title Track "Flex"

Hip hop duo Addcorn and Arkay (AA) makes their official debut with title track "Flex." 

"Flex" is a chill hip hop music perfect for summer. The song begins with a Hawaiian-reggae tune and then shifts and blends into a true hip hop vibe as Addcorn (Kim Nam Hyung) and Arkay (Jung Dong Soo) sings and raps the lyrics.

The hip hop song serves as the title track of AA's debut album. S How Entertainment has announced that there will be two tracks in AA's first digital album release, “Flex” and “Diamond.”

On August 2, AA official and S How entertainment has released "Flex" and its music video has been made available both in local and international platforms.

The music video shows the duo having fun at the beach and chilling under the sun while singing and rapping to their song. The beat combined with AA's voices has an addictive vibe that everyone can enjoy. You can view their MV below:

(Photo credits: AA's Official Facebook)

Upcoming Drama 'Manhole' To Air Next Week

('Manhole' Official Drama Poster)

KBS2's upcoming drama entitled, "Manhole" starring Kim Jae Joong, Uee, Baro of B1A4 and Jung Hye Song, will have its TV debut next week, Wednesday. From then on, it will be scheduled every Wednesday and Thursday at 10pm KST.

The story will focus on Jae Joong's character, Bong-Pil as he falls down to a manhole and travels through time to stop the upcoming wedding of his 28-year love interest, Soo-Jin played by singer-actress UEE. This will be Jae Joong's first drama after he got dismissed in the army back in December, 2016.

Are you excited for Jae Joong's return in "Manhole"?

(Photo credits: KBS2)

G DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR ACT III : M.O.T.T.E IN MANILA TICKET PRICES

Brought to you by IME Philippines, Presented By YG, Live Nation and in Partnership with Asiana Airlines and Zhongtai Specialty Financing comes 'G DRAGON 2017 WORLD TOUR ACT III : M.O.T.T.E IN MANILA' on September 1, Friday at 8PM in Araneta Coliseum. Ticket prices will be available on August 5, 2017 at 12 noon on Ticketnet.

Ticket Prices are listed as followed:

VIP (Standing/Seated) - 13,000 PHP 

CAT 1 (Standing/Seated) 10,000 PHP

CAT 2 - 8,500 PHP

CAT 3 - 6,500 PHP

GA (General Admission) - 3,500 PHP

(Photo credits: IME Philippines Official Facebook)