To mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) joined the year-long celebration through the K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival, a two-day festival recently held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The two-day festival had several booths featuring Korea’s contemporary culture and lifestyle like music, food, travel, and beauty as well as its heritage and traditions like Hangeul (alphabet), Hanbok (costume), and Jeontongnori (traditional games).
Its opening ceremony was kicked off by a special performance by Filipino rapper Young Cocoa, who sang his songs “JTOWN,” “Zesto,” “Fadeaway,” “Manila,” “MR. SWAG,” and “Meow.”
Korea’s Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa spoke about the strong ties between the two countries, with the Philippines showing a fondness for Korean culture throughout the years in his speech during the festival’s opening ceremony.
“As we commemorate this special milestone, it must be remembered that what we are attending today is not merely a history of relations, but rather a friendship that has grown over the years,” said the ambassador.
“We are here to celebrate the exchanges of people and cultures between our two countries that have mutually enriched the lives of both peoples,” he added.
Also gracing the event were Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Jose Javier Reyes, National Commission of Culture and the Arts Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, and Pasay City Social Welfare and Development Department Executive Assistant for Social Services Angelica Roa Yu who shared how Korean culture had found its way to be a part of the daily lives of Filipinos.
After the program, South Korean indie rock band Jannabi serenaded the crowd with their songs “Together,” “Baby I Need You,” “Summer,” “Good Good Night,” “For Lovers Who Hesitate,” “Tell Me,” “Alokdalok,” and “Jungle” as well as a cover of “What’s Up” by American rock group 4 Non Blondes.
After its Manila leg, the K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival is heading to Cebu on June 15 and 16.
