Korea Observer

Evan launches first mini-album, addresses uproar about him leaving ENHYPEN

2026-09-09T15:35:45.184+08:00

Evan (Belift Lab / HYBE)

K-pop solo artist Evan released his first mini-album “Death of Me” on Sept. 7 and directly addressed uproar among fans about him leaving ENHYPEN in March.

“Death of Me” contains eight songs: the title track “Death of Me,” “Not Enough,” “Noise,” “Ride or Die,” “Twilight,” “Immature,” “Overflow” and “Going Home.”

Co-written by Evan, the song “Death of Me” is a heavy pop R&B track that delivers a powerful message of staying true to himself and moving forward with unwavering resolve.

HORI7ON terminates management agreements with MLD Entertainment, ABS-CBN

2026-09-04T17:43:04.683+08:00

HORI7ON (X)

Filipino boy band HORI7ON has terminated its exclusive management agreements with MLD Entertainment and ABS-CBN Corp., saying serious breaches of the agreements were not addressed despite being given an opportunity to resolve them.

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, 4 others referred to prosecution for $194-M illicit profits

2026-09-04T16:47:08.912+08:00

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk (Instagram)

Korean police referred on Sept. 3 HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and four others to the prosecution for allegedly degrading investors and making illegal profits of 263.1 billion won (about $194 million) ahead of the entertainment company’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2019.

The case was forwarded by the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to the prosecution without detention after they finished their investigation which took 20 months.

The five individuals, consisting of Bang Si-hyuk, HYBE executives and private equity fund officials, were referred to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office on charges of fraudulent trading under Korea’s Capital Market Act.

According to the police, they are suspected of obtaining 263.1 billion won in illicit profits by deceiving existing shareholders into believing there were no plans for an IPO, purchasing their shares through a private equity fund, and then selling them after the listing.

Korean authorities requested an Interpol Red Notice and nationwide wanted notice against Kim Joong-dong, the former chief investment officer of HYBE who went into hiding after leaving the country just before a police raid. The police investigation against him has been suspended.

The police investigated that the suspects started reviewing preparations for an IPO around April 2019, and then launched full-scale preparations for the listing in July of the same year by operating an IPO preparation team.

However, they said that from August to October of the same year, they pressured existing shareholders to sell their shares by explaining that there were no plans for an IPO.

In October and November 2019, they disclosed their listing plans to private equity fund investors, recruited investors to establish a private equity fund, and then purchased the shares of existing shareholders through a special purpose vehicle.

HYBE was listed on the securities market in October 2020, and the investigation allegedly showed that the suspects obtained illicit gains by selling all of their shares on two occasions: in October 2020 and between May and June 2021.

"They obtained private gain by concealing listing information, which was monopolized by management, from existing shareholders under the common goal of acquiring listing profits. We determined this to be an act of disrupting the order of the capital market that undermined the fairness and reliability of the capital market,” a police official said.

HYBE is one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea, managing many popular K-pop artists.

Prime Video launches own Weekly Top 10 charts

2026-06-27T22:21:21.468+08:00

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Prime Video launched its own Weekly Top 10 lists, giving audiences details of what the world is watching on the streaming platform.

Every week, Prime Video will now publish four top 10 charts: Top 10 Prime Original Films (English & Non-English) - Worldwide, Top 10 Prime Original Series (English & Non-English) - Worldwide, Top 10 Non-English Prime Original Films - Worldwide, and Top 10 Non-English Prime Original Series - Worldwide.

Charts are updated weekly and reflect viewership from the prior Monday–Sunday period. "Prime Originals" refers to content exclusively available on Prime Video while "International Originals" refers to non-English-language Prime Originals produced outside the US.

The charts reflect actual viewership data from Prime Video's global audience, offering a real-time pulse on the films and series.

Prime Video will publish the charts every Thursday (3 a.m. in the Philippines), corresponding to every Wednesday at 12 p.m. PT) via the Amazon News website and Prime Video's official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Prime Video's Weekly Top 10 charts represent a significant step toward viewership transparency in the streaming industry.

For the first time, audiences, creators, journalists, and industry analysts will have a consistent, weekly window into what's capturing global attention on Prime Video.

TOP 10 PRIME ORIGINAL FILMS (ENGLISH & NON-ENGLISH) WORLDWIDE: JUNE 8–14

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War

Over Your Dead Body

A Working Man

Crime 101

My Fault: London (International Original–UK)

System (International Original–India)

The Beekeeper

Love Me Love Me (International Original–Italy)

Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania

The Wrecking Crew

TOP 10 PRIME ORIGINAL SERIES (ENGLISH & NON-ENGLISH) WORLDWIDE: JUNE 8–14

Off Campus

Every Year After

Spider-Noir

Clarkson's Farm

The Boys

Legend of Vox Machina

Raakh (International Original–India)

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Citadel

The Summer I Turned Pretty

TOP 10 NON-ENGLISH PRIME ORIGINAL FILMS: JUNE 8–14

System (India)

Culpa Mia (Spain)

A Family of Bastards / Une Famille de Bâtards (France)

Culpa Nuestra (Spain)

No Place to Be Single / Non è un Paese per Single (Italy)

Culpa Tuya (Spain)

Ancora più Sexy (Italy)

Vengeance / Venganza (Mexico)

Agent Zeta (Spain)

Tell Me Softly / Dímelo Bajito (Spain)

TOP 10 NON-ENGLISH PRIME ORIGINAL SERIES: JUNE 8–14

Raakh (India)

Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun (Japan)

LOL: Last One Laughing Germany (Germany)

Maxton Hall (Germany)

The 50 (Italy)

The House of the Spirits / La Casa de los Espíritus (Chile)

Matka King (India)

LOL: Last One Laughing France / LOL: Qui rit, sort! (France)

The Family Man (India)

Absolute Value of Romance (South Korea)

Court upholds 'Squid Game' actor's acquittal in sexual harassment case

2026-06-27T22:12:04.085+08:00

South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of "Squid Game" (오징어 게임) actor O Yeong-su, bringing to a close a years-long legal battle over sexual harassment allegations stemming from a 2017 incident.

In a ruling issued on June 25, the Supreme Court's Third Division affirmed the Nov. 11, 2025 decision of the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division, which overturned the actor's earlier conviction and acquitted him of the charges.

O Yeong-su in "Squid Game" season 1 (Netflix)

PH project among 10 chosen in UNESCO-Seventeen youth initiative

2026-06-26T12:14:35.770+08:00

A Philippine community library initiative was named one of just 10 youth-led projects worldwide selected for expansion under UNESCO and K-pop group Seventeen's Global Youth Grant Scheme, as member Joshua attended a celebration at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 25.

Ex-ENHYPEN Heeseung debuts as Evan with 'Ride or Die'

2026-06-24T17:45:23.584+08:00

Evan, formerly known as Heeseung of the K-pop group ENHYPEN, has officially launched his solo career with the release of his digital single “Ride or Die,” marking his first project under his new stage name. Read more at Manila Bulletin online at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/23/ex-enhypen-heeseung-debuts-as-evan-with-ride-or-die

Meraki to represent PH in K-Pop Cover Dance Festival finals in Seoul

2026-06-24T17:43:39.017+08:00

An all-female dance crew will carry the Philippine flag to South Korea after emerging as grand champion of the Philippine leg of the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF). Read more at: https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/24/meraki-to-represent-ph-in-k-pop-cover-dance-festival-finals-in-seoul

‘The Next Prince’ wins series of the year at KAZZ Awards 2026 in Thailand

2026-05-16T20:18:19.398+08:00

The BL (boys’ love) drama “The Next Prince” bagged the Series of the Year award at the KAZZ Awards 2026 held in Thailand on May 14.

The KAZZ Awards ceremony, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, honored outstanding stars and works in Thailand and was hosted by KAZZ Magazine, which marked its 20th anniversary.

“The Next Prince” starred Thai actors Nunew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong and Zee Pruk Panich and aired from May to August last year.

Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong won Couple of the Year while Freen also won Best Actress of the Year. Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat bagged the Best Actor of the Year Award.

KAZZ Awards 2026 (Photos from KAZZ Awards on Facebook)

The Drama Award of the Year went to “Searching for the Love She Forgot.”

Here are the winners at the KAZZ Awards 2026:

Series of the Year Award - The Next Prince

Trending Artist Award - DEXX

Spotlight Icon of the Year Award - GMMTV Fandom Character

Rising Male of the Year Award - Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang

Rising Female of the Year Award - Thidarat Pruethong

Popular Male Teenage Award - Namping Napatsakorn Pingmuang

Viral Social Media - Khemjira The Series

Couple of the Year Award - Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong

Popular Female Teenage Award - Rebecca Patricia “Becky” Armstrong

Superstar Award - Engfa Waraha

Best Actress of the Year Award - Freen Sarocha

Best Actor of the Year Award - Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat

Popular Artist Award - Daou Pittaya Saechua

Hottest Film Award - The Stain

People of the Year Award

- Pramote Pathan

- Fai Peeraya Malison

- Nine Naphat Siangsomboon

- Jeff Satur

- Ink Waruntorn

- Pond Naravit Lertratkosum

- Jes Jespipat Tilapornputt

- Phuwin Tangsakyuen

- Bible Wichapas Sumettikul

- Film Rachanun Mahawan

Hottest TV Program Award - iQIYI Original Running Man Thailand

Hottest Artist Award - William Jakrapatr and Est Supha Sangaworawong

Rookie Artist Award - VVV

Shining Star of the Year Award

- Perth Tanapon Sukumpantanasan

- Junior Panachai Sriariyarungruang

Most Trending on Social Media Award - Me and Thee

Outstanding Actress of the Year Award

- Charlotte Austin

- Jayna Angelina Stevens

- Ginny Natthanicha Prateepnatsiri

Outstanding Actor of the Year Award

- Pavel Naret Promphaopun

- Pooh Krittin Kitjaruwannakul

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 Award (1) - Santa Pongsapak Udompoch

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 Award (2) - FirstOne Wannakorn Reungrat

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 Award (3) - Mark Jiruntanin Trairattanayon

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (4) - Keng Harit Buayoi

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (5) - Namping Napatsakorn Pingmuang

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (1) - Michelle Behrmann

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (2) - Bonnie Pattraphus Borattasuwan

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (3) - Lookmhee Punyapat Wangpongsathaporn

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (4)- Emi Thasorn Klinnium

Youth Choice of the Year 2025 (5) - Sonya Saranphat Pedersen

Drama Award of the Year - Searching for the Love She Forgot

KAZZ Magazine’s Favorite - Bever-Tonliew

Rising Star of the Year - DICE

The Best Content Creator - Mosmudjook

The Best Social Media Channel: - Doing Like a Pro

Hottest Song of the Year - "Dok Krachiao Ban" by Kong Huayrai

Best Band of the Year - Little John

BTS warmly welcomed in Mexico as president meets K-pop group ahead of concert series

2026-05-07T21:17:00.003+08:00

K-pop supergroup BTS received a warm welcome in Mexico, where President Claudia Sheinbaum personally greeted the group at the National Palace ahead of their sold-out concert series in Mexico City.

The group visited the country’s federal government seat, where they met Sheinbaum before appearing on the balcony to wave at an estimated 50,000 fans gathered at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square. The massive crowd turned the city center into a sea of supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the global stars.

K-drama 'Love Scout' star Lee Jun-hyuk charms Pinoy fans

2025-07-05T13:36:00.001+08:00

Korean actor Lee Jun-hyuk of the Netflix drama “Love Scout” returned to the Philippines to meet his fans.

Lee Jun-hyuk held his “Let Me In” Fan Meeting in Manila on June 29 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Newport World Resorts.

This was his second time visiting the Philippines for an event.

TAN(티에이엔) - 'HYPERTONIC' Official MV

2024-03-30T19:45:00.001+08:00

Apl.de.Ap, Sandara Park - 2 Proud (Official Music Video)

2024-03-08T09:28:00.000+08:00

K-pop boy band ENHYPEN's “Fate” world tour on Feb. 3 at the New Clark Ci...

2024-02-05T09:29:00.001+08:00

Bella Campen, Bright Vachirawit show chemistry in Prime Video film ‘Congrats My Ex!’

2023-11-07T19:15:00.001+08:00

Bella Campen, Bright Vachirawit show chemistry in Prime Video film ‘Congrats My Ex!’ ’

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/7/bella-campen-bright-vachirawit-show-chemistry-in-prime-video-film-congrats-my-ex #manilabulletin via @manilabulletin

#CongratsMyEx #Bright #bellacampen #PrimeVideoPH #PrimeVideo #ลุ้นรักป่วนก๊วนแฟนเก่า #bbrightvc

#Seventeen becomes first K-pop artist to sell 5 million copies of an album in first week of release

2023-10-31T21:32:00.007+08:00

#Seventeen becomes first K-pop artist to sell 5 million copies of an album in first week of release

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/31/seventeen-becomes-first-k-pop-artist-to-sell-5-million-copies-of-an-album-in-first-week-of-release

Ticket prices, seat plan for 2023 Asia Artist Awards at Philippine Arena revealed

2023-10-31T18:59:00.006+08:00

Ticket prices, seat plan for 2023 Asia Artist Awards at Philippine Arena revealed

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/31/ticket-prices-seat-plan-for-2023-asia-artist-awards-at-philippine-arena-revealed

BTS’ Jungkook makes history by placing 2 singles in top 5 in UK

2023-10-07T20:10:00.001+08:00

BTS’ Jungkook makes history by placing 2 singles in top 5 in UK https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/7/bts-jungkook-makes-history-for-placing-2-singles-in-top-5-in-uk #manilabulletin via @manilabulletin

BLACKPINK’s Jennie to release special single ‘You & Me’

2023-10-05T00:22:00.004+08:00

BLACKPINK’s Jennie to release special single ‘You & Me’

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/blackpink-s-jennie-to-release-special-single-you-and-me

K-pop star Chanyeol, Ever Bilena’s first male brand ambassador, says ‘beauty is for everyone’

2023-10-05T00:20:00.000+08:00

K-pop star Chanyeol, Ever Bilena’s first male brand ambassador, says ‘beauty is for everyone’

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/k-pop-star-chanyeol-ever-bilena-s-first-male-brand-ambassador-says-beauty-is-for-everyone

2023 MTV EMA nominees announced

2023-10-05T00:18:00.003+08:00

2023 MTV EMA nominees announced

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/2023-mtv-ema-nominees-announced

Netflix reveals new, returning cast of global hit Korean series ‘Squid Game’ season 2

2023-06-18T07:29:00.001+08:00

Netflix reveals new, returning cast of global hit Korean series ‘Squid Game’ season 2

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/18/netflix-reveals-new-returning-cast-of-global-hit-korean-series-squid-game-season-2

Korean star Lee Seung-gi sings his heart out in first PH concert: ‘Manila is the best’

2023-05-29T10:35:00.000+08:00

Korean star Lee Seung-gi sings his heart out in first PH concert: ‘Manila is the best’

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/29/korean-star-lee-seung-gi-sings-his-heart-out-in-first-ph-concert-manila-is-the-best

K-pop group Red Velvet draws huge crowd at first solo concert in Manila

2023-05-09T21:20:00.002+08:00

K-pop group Red Velvet draws huge crowd at first solo concert in Manila https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/9/k-pop-group-red-velvet-draws-huge-crowd-at-first-solo-concert-in-manila

NCT Dream to fans at Manila concert: You’re an amazing audience

2023-05-03T08:26:00.005+08:00

NCT Dream to fans at Manila concert: You’re an amazing audience

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/3/nct-dream-to-fans-at-manila-concert-you-re-an-amazing-audience