재외한국문화원 Overseas Korean Cultural Center

KPOP Academy Returns, Expands to Universities in the Philippines KPOP Academy 2025 commenced its first class last Tuesday, March 18, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for K-Pop enthusiasts in the Philippines. Building upon the success of last year's pilot batch, this year's academy introduces a "University Edition," collaborating with esteemed institutions to bring Korean culture closer to students. 2025 KPOP Academy students during their first class with Teacher Ciel at the K-Studio of the Korean Cultural Center. In this edition, the academy has partnered with the University of the Philippines through UP Arirang, the Ateneo de Manila University via the Blue Hanguk Society, and De La Salle University through AJA Animo. These collaborations aim to immerse students in the vibrant world of K-pop, offering comprehensive programs that include dance, music, and cultural workshops. The KPOP Academy's collaboration with these university organizations provides students with specialized training and strengthens cultural ties between the Philippines and Korea. Participants can look forward to a series of workshops and interactive sessions designed to enhance their appreciation and understanding of K-pop and Korean culture. As the academy progresses, students will have opportunities to showcase their talents and the skills they've acquired, culminating in performances that celebrate their hard work and dedication. This initiative underscores the growing popularity of K-pop in the Philippines and its influence on fostering cross-cultural connections. For more information on upcoming events and how to participate, interested individuals are encouraged to connect with the respective university organizations or visit the Korean Cultural Center's official channels.

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KCC Philippines Named "2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center" (KCC Director, Kim Myeongjin, together with MCST Minister Yu In Chon to receive the certificate as the “2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center.”) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted this year's meeting from March 4-7 at the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District and the National Library of Korea in Sejong. 35 Korean Cultural Center (KCC) directors and seven cultural promotion officials from around the world attended the said event. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon, on March 4, chaired a joint workshop and discussion for participants to share their experiences of operating KCCs and raising Korea's cultural standing on the global stage. (Kim Myeongjin, director of the KCC in the Philippines, on March 4 explains his center's main events last year at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young The KCC in the Philippines that day was named the most outstanding last year. This branch focused on cooperation to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations with the Philippines. Programs included an interactive exhibition in collaboration with the National Museum of Korea, a webtoon exhibition with the Korea Creative Content Agency, and a K-drama original soundtrack performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout last year, the KCC also hosted events like 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 cultural counterparts in the Philippines like 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). (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on March 4 speaks at the annual gathering of KCC directors and cultural promotion officials at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on March 4 speaks at the annual gathering of KCC directors and cultural promotion officials at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District. "Please actively promote Korean culture on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit slated in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, from October to November," Minister Yu said. "We will support KCCs to faithfully play their roles as hubs connecting the world with Hallyu (Korean Wave)." At the four-day gathering, the KCC directors and cultural promotion officials attending will discuss cooperation in spreading Hallyu with 25 related organizations such as the Korea Tourism Organization and King Sejong Institute Foundation. Main Article: Korea.net

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Hangeul Reinterpreted: A Modern Era Exhibit Comes to a Close The “Reinterpreting Hangeul in the Modern Era” exhibition, hosted by the National Hangeul Museum of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, successfully concluded after a five-month run from September 2024 to February 2025. Drawing in over 5,000 visitors, the exhibition offered a fresh perspective on Hangeul’s artistic and cultural significance, blending tradition with modern creativity.   Through collaborations with artists from various disciplines, Hangeul was reimagined as both an artistic and industrial medium, highlighting its evolving role in contemporary design and cultural exchange. Visitors were deeply engaged with the exhibition, leaving comments that reflected their appreciation and curiosity. Many were inspired by how the artworks combined tradition and modernity, with one remarking, “I didn’t know you could create art by interpreting a language. The glimpse of the past is viewable through its modern interpretation.” The exhibition not only deepened their understanding of Hangeul, but also sparked greater interest in Korean culture. Complementing the exhibition, a monthly Hangeul Calligraphy Workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in the art of Korean script. This added an interactive dimension to the event, allowing visitors to explore Hangeul beyond its visual presentation.   As Hangeul continues to serve as a bridge between history and innovation, this exhibition underscored its significance in embracing new ideas and fostering cultural appreciation. With its positive impact, “Reinterpreting Hangeul in the Modern Era” stands as a testament to the enduring influence and beauty of Korea’s unique writing system. ※ This exhibition will be open until February 28th

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Squid Game Meets Seollal KCC's Lunar Celebration Unites Games, Culture and 2025 KREW Friends!    (January 28, 2025) - The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) welcomed the Lunar New Year with an exciting and immersive event— “KCC Games”, a Seollal celebration featuring Korean traditional games that were introduced in the globally popular series “Squid Game 2.” Visitors were treated to a unique experience as they engaged in traditional Korean games and explored various cultural installations within KCC. Upon arrival, participants received a special stamp card containing missions they needed to complete. Each mission led them to different areas of KCC, allowing them to experience the richness of Korean culture firsthand. Visitors tried writing in Hangeul and wearing a Hanbok digitally at the permanent exhibit; they also enjoyed the inviting atmosphere at the library’s new space, "Han Cafe"; and explored the ongoing Hangeul exhibit “Reinterpreting Hangeul in the Modern Era” on the 5th floor.    In true Squid Game fashion, three traditional Korean games took the center stage—ddakji, gonggi, and jegichagi. Together with another traditional game, tuho, these interactive activities brought out the competitive spirit in participants, making the Seollal celebration even more thrilling and memorable. Coinciding with “KCC Games”, the KREW Batch 12 Orientation was also held on the same day. KCC proudly welcomed its newest batch of volunteers, who got to experience the excitement of Seollal firsthand. Through engaging activities and cultural immersion, the new KREW members got a taste of the vibrant traditions they will be helping promote this year. With a perfect blend of tradition and fun, KCC’s Seollal celebration successfully brought visitors, KREW members, and Korean culture enthusiasts an unforgettable start to the Lunar New Year. As the year slowly unfolds, KCC looks forward to more enriching cultural experiences for everyone!

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