What’s next for KCC Phl?
It’s heartwarming to see how much Filipinos have embraced Korean culture. This enthusiasm allows us to further deepen cultural exchange and introduce new aspects of Korea’s rich heritage. We hope this love and interest continue to grow, opening new doors for collaboration and mutual appreciation
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines team (from left) senior administrative officer Lee Du Kyung, events and PR officer Ju Minkyung, PR officer Reya Buenaventura, events officer Francesca Villar, director Kim Myeongjin, educational administrative officer Jellaine Buen-Melgar, library and research officer Calia Crizaldo, administrative officer Bryan Soriano and events and PR officer Jung Haeju.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines’ “Most Outstanding” award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reaffirms its dedication and hard work into celebrating 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines.
Among all the KCCs globally, the Philippine arm received the recognition for its unwavering efforts in bridging the two nations’ cultural ties.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition,” KCC Philippines director Kim Myeongjin told DAILY TRIBUNE in an exclusive interview.
Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines director Kim Myeongjin.
Throughout 2024, KCC Phl hosted a slew of activities such as the Korean Film Festival, the Philippine-Korea Culture Exchange Festival, Korean beauty-related programs and the Korea Festival, which promotes Korean culture in Manila and Cebu in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Cultural Center in the Philippines (CCP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
“The key was staying true to our theme of ‘friendship.’ We wanted 2024 to be more than just a commemoration — we wanted it to be a year of meaningful collaboration,” Kim said.
Events like OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Kicks & Sticks: The Phil-Kor National Sports Demonstration showcased the depth of Korea-Phl cultural ties in fresh and dynamic ways. These initiatives strengthened the bond between the two countries and helped set KCC Philippines apart.
korean singer Gaho, Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie Dimaranan at the ‘OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.’
This year, KCC Phl is exploring the theme of “What’s Next?” — a continuation of last year’s collaborations, but with a focus on contemporary and emerging cultural trends.
“We’re looking at webtoons, contemporary literature, a dynamic film festival, K-beauty, K-drama, game culture and more,” Kim said.
Youth engagements, just like its ongoing partnership with the Department of Education’s Special Program for Foreign Language-Korea and events with the local libraries and universities, will also play a crucial role in shaping the next 75 years of Korea-Philippines friendship.
Building on the momentum of last year, KCC Phl is introducing fresh and contemporary experiences. The closest will be the upcoming K-Beauty Glow-Up!, a two-day K-beauty and travel event hosted by KCC and the Korea Tourism Organization-Manila Office on 25 and 26 April at SM Aura Premier.
