PhilippinesTaguig

Lia Kim Inspires Filipino Dancers at “1M Moves with Lia Kim” Workshop Photo 1. Lia Kim leads Filipino dancers during the “1M Moves with Lia Kim” workshop, where 60 participants learned choreography to Shut Up by ATHEART. Photo 2. Participants follow the choreography of Lia Kim during the high-energy “1M Moves with Lia Kim” workshop. (March 6, 2026) — Filipino dancers had the rare opportunity to learn directly from global dance icon Lia Kim during the electrifying “1M Moves with Lia Kim” workshop, where 60 participants—randomly selected from more than 350 sign-ups—trained with one of the most influential choreographers in the K-pop dance scene. During the session, all participants learned and performed choreography to Shut Up by ATHEART. The high-energy workshop gave dancers a chance not only to refine their technique but also to connect with the global K-pop dance community. Held following the highly anticipated “Everyone’s KPOP: Battle of the Champions”, where Lia Kim served as a judge, the workshop brought together passionate dancers eager to experience the signature style of the co-founder of 1MILLION Dance Studio. Photo 3. Filipino dancers perform choreography taught by Lia Kim during the workshop. Sharing her message to Filipino dancers after the event, Lia Kim expressed admiration for the country’s dance community: “I’ve never been in the Philippines before, but finally I was able to visit. I was a judge for a K-pop dance competition today, and I didn’t know that the contestants would be this great. I watched four teams perform, and all of them were sharp and perfect,” said Lia Kim. Kim shared that she was impressed not only by the dancers’ sharp performances but also by their professional stage presence. She noted the high level of Filipino dancers, highlighting their passion and the joy they bring to performing onstage, and said that seeing how they genuinely embrace dance culture was particularly touching. “If I have the opportunity, I would love to return. I hope to see everyone again next time,” Kim added. Photo 4. Lia Kim poses with participants of the “1M Moves with Lia Kim” workshop following the dance session. The workshop highlighted the growing strength of the Philippine K-pop dance community and reinforced the strong cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines through music, performance, and shared passion for dance.

Where Cultures Unite — "Everyone's KPOP: Battle of the Champions" celebrates Philippine-Korea friendship Photo 1. First Lady Kim Hea Kyung with Grand Champion ‘PARADIGM’ and finalists (Photo Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae) (March 4, 2026 — Manila, Philippines) The spotlight shone brightly on Filipino talent and global pop culture as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines successfully staged “Everyone’s KPOP: Battle of the Champions”, a thrilling celebration of dance, passion, and K-pop energy held at the historic Metropolitan Theater. Set inside one of Manila’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the competition became a moment to remember, in time for the 77th anniversary of the friendship between Korea and the Philippines. With breathtaking performances from ALPHA, MERAKI, and PARADIGM, the event marked another historic milestone in the Philippines’ ever-growing K-pop cover dance scene. After an electrifying showdown of talent, precision, and stage presence, PARADIGM rose above the rest to claim the title of Grand Champion, winning an incredible prize of round-trip tickets to Korea along with a class pass to 1MILLION DANCE STUDIO. The event brought together fans, performers, and cultural leaders in one vibrant space, proving once again that K-pop is more than a genre — it is a bridge of friendship and creativity shared across borders. Adding even more excitement to the event was a special musical performance by Venisse Siy, the Tagalog-singing voice of Mira from the Grammy-awarded hit K-pop Demon Hunters. Siy captivated the audience with a stunning rendition of “Golden,” delivering a memorable highlight that further elevated the championship day. Star Power on the Panel: Judges Who Shaped the Night Guiding the competition was an esteemed lineup of judges — respected figures whose expertise spans K-pop training, international music stages, and world-class choreography: Lia Kim, world-renowned choreographer and co-founder of 1MILLION Dance Studio, whose dance moves have surely left an impression, why she is considered a legend in the K-pop dance movement. Gwyn Dorado, a Filipino singer who gained international recognition through Korea’s hit singing competition Sing Again 4, not only brought in heartfelt artistry and cross-cultural experience to the panel but also serenaded us with her version of “Rebirth” by Korean singer Yoon Jong Shin. Ciel Oh, a celebrated K-pop instructor of many K-entertainment personalities, is leading the K-pop Academy of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. A Surprise Guest Moment: A Message from Korea’s First Lady Adding even greater significance to the event was the special appearance of Her Excellency First Lady Kim Hea Kyung. In her message, the First Lady praised the passion of Filipino youth and the power of music and dance to bring people closer together: “Through K-pop, one of the most representative forms of Korean culture, people around the world are becoming friends and learning to understand one another. I hope today’s event serves as a meaningful opportunity for us to appreciate each other’s cultures and build friendships.” Photo 2. First Lady Kim Hea Kyung with volunteers of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines ‘KREW’ (Photo Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae) Her presence underscored the importance of people-to-people exchange and the role of cultural celebrations in strengthening ties between the two nations. A Historic Celebration for Filipino K-pop Culture With roaring cheers, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere filled with pure excitement, “Everyone’s KPOP: Battle of the Champions” became more than a contest — it became a powerful tribute to the Philippines’ place in the global K-pop community. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines congratulates PARADIGM and all participating teams for their remarkable talent, dedication, and passion, and looks forward to continuing its support for cultural exchange through music, dance, and youth-driven creativity.

From Campus to Busan: KCC Philippines Opens 2026 “Kwentong Korea” Film Contest (January 13, 2026 – Philippines) The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines officially kicks off 2026 with the launch of its 2026 Student Short Film Competition, inviting young Filipino filmmakers to share their creative stories through the theme “Kwentong Korea.” Building on the success of its first-ever short film competition, the KCC continues its commitment to nurturing student filmmakers and strengthening cultural exchange through cinema. This year’s theme encourages participants to explore Korean culture, narratives, or experiences—interpreted through uniquely Filipino storytelling and perspectives. Open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, the competition provides aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and enthusiasts with approximately six months to conceptualize, produce, and submit their short film entries. The winning team will be rewarded with an exceptional cultural and cinematic experience: a trip to South Korea to attend the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), set to take place in October 2026. As one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, BIFF provides students with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the global film industry and draw inspiration from international filmmakers. In addition, the top three film entries will be screened as part of the annual “Korean Film Festival”, scheduled in August 2026, allowing student filmmakers to present their work to a wider audience. The second year of the Student Short Film Competition reflects the Center’s renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead—continuing its mission to promote Korean culture while empowering Filipino youth through the arts. Interested participants may access the official competition details and registration links below: 📄 Competition Guidelines: bit.ly/2026ShortFilmGuidelines 📝 Submission Form: bit.ly/2026FilmRegistration For inquiries and clarifications regarding the competition, students may contact info@koreanculture.ph Through Kwentong Korea, KCC Philippines invites the next generation of storytellers to bring Korean-inspired stories to life—on screen, through creativity, and across cultures.

KOREAN GOODS&CULTURE Exhibition Concludes Successfully – Cultural-content-linked showcase boosts local awareness and interest in Korean consumer goods ▲ Exhibition view of KOREAN GOODS & CULTURE at the KCC (1F) The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (Director: Myeongjin Kim; hereafter “KCC”) successfully concluded the month long 2025 Philippine K-Consumer Goods Pop-Up Exhibition, KOREAN GOODS & CULTURE, in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Manila. The exhibition was held in the KCC’s Ground Floor, Permanent Exhibition Area. Held from late October to 29 November, the exhibition followed in a period where the Korean Wave is continuously growing in the Philippines—not only in K-pop and K-dramas but also in food, beauty, and fashion. Designed to introduce Korean lifestyle products alongside K-content, the exhibition offered visitors an integrated cultural and consumer experience. A total of eight Korean companies participated, presenting more than 40 products, including K-pop albums and merchandise, cosmetics, and fashion accessories. The strong local response reaffirmed Filipino visitors’ trust and affinity for Korean products. According to the 2025 Overseas Hallyu Survey by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange(KOFICE), 81.6% of Filipino respondents reported that the Korean Wave positively influences their purchase of Korean products and services, while 97.4% expressed trust in their quality—placing Korea first among surveyed countries in the 2024 National Image Survey by the Korean Culture and Information Service(KOCIS). Although no on-site sales were conducted, visitor participation in test marketing activities—carried out in partnership with KOTRA—provided valuable insights into local purchasing intent and the future potential of Korean consumer goods in the Philippine market. A visitor survey was also conducted to collect feedback for future initiatives. Several of the showcased items were first introduced at the K-Drama OST Workshop and K-Drama OST Concert held from 23–25 October, where they garnered enthusiastic attention. One local attendee commented, “It was my first time seeing an exhibition at a KCC event, and it was overall very satisfying. I hope to see more Korean products displayed in a larger space in the future,” highlighting sustained interest in Korean lifestyle goods.       ▲ Display at the lobby of the K-Drama OST Concert (2025. 10. 25.) Director Myeongjin Kim remarked, “This exhibition demonstrated how Korean cultural content and consumer products can generate meaningful synergy when presented together.” He added, “KCC will continue creating opportunities that connect Hallyu with K-consumer goods to further expand local engagement and support for Korean products in the Philippines.”

2025 K-Culture Night: A Night of Gratitude and Celebration The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines recently hosted its annual K-Culture Night, an event dedicated to celebrating the successful programs and milestones achieved throughout the year. The gathering served as a tribute to the KREW Members, KCC’s dedicated volunteers, as well as the KCC teachers and staff, whose support played an essential role in carrying out the center’s cultural initiatives. In his opening remarks, KCC Director Kim Myeongjin expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the year’s accomplishments. He highlighted two significant achievements: the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines being named the “Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center worldwide”and the recognition from the Philippine Department of Tourism for the TOPCOP (Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection) Program. Director Kim emphasized that “these achievements would not have been possible without the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and made every project and event come to life.”   The celebration also highlighted the contributions of the KREW Members, who played key roles in bringing Korean culture closer to Filipino audiences. Members shared their experiences participating in various projects-including flagship programs such as KREW Says and KREW Tries-and spoke about how these platforms allowed them to develop their creativity, storytelling skills, and personal passions while contributing to KCC’s expanding cultural presence. Adding to the reflections of the evening, UP Arirang, the Hallyu organization from the University of the Philippines and an active partner in KCC initiatives, also shared their journey in promoting Korean culture in their campus. The event featured interactive activities that brought back memories of KCC’s events in 2025. Participants engaged in poster puzzle games, enjoyed Korean traditional games, and took part in creative drawing challenges inspired by Korean culture. The program also showcased special performances. The Korean traditional dance team NARA, captivated attendees with a dynamic 난타 (nanta) performance, while the KCC Cultural Interns presented a heartfelt rendition of 아름다운 나라 (Wonderful Korea), combining the expressive power of 판소리 (pansori) with the soft, melodic sounds of the 가야금 (gayageum).   This year’s K-Culture Night served not only as a celebration of the year’s accomplishments but also a reaffirmation of the meaningful collaboration between Korea and the Philippines. As the night concluded, participants shared a renewed sense of camaraderie, inspiration, and anticipation for the promising cultural engagements that await in the coming year.

Korea-Philippines Lantern Display Lights Up the Holiday Season     (Parol and Jinju Silk Lantern display at NCCA (left), and KCC (right) building) Celebrate the holidays with the luminous beauty of lanterns! As the country welcomes the most festive time of the year, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly present ‘Light the Season: A Korea-Philippines Lantern Display’, running from December 2, 2025 to January 6, 2026 at the facade and lobby of the NCCA building in Intramuros and at the ground floor of the KCC in Taguig. The display celebrates the Philippines’ iconic Christmas traditions through a vibrant display of parol and Jinju silk lanterns, highlighting the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage shared by both countries. Bringing back the enchantment of the ‘Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns’ exhibition, which ran from May to July this year at KCC, this showcase once again exhibits the exquisite artistry of lanterns crafted from fine Korean silk originating from Jinju in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Each piece offers a captivating interplay of light, color, and tradition, embodying the timeless beauty of Korea’s lantern-making heritage. Complementing these are iconic Filipino parols - a cherished symbol of Christmas. Traditionally shaped like a star, the parol decorates homes, streets, and communities across the Philippines during the holiday season. Its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted details reflect the festive warmth of the Filipino people. (‘Light the Season’ Lighting Ceremony) An opening ceremony was held last December 1 at the NCCA building lobby to officially illuminate the lantern display. KCC Director Kim Myeongjin emphasized “Christmas holds significant meaning in the Philippines, and it is an honor to display Jinju silk lanterns with the Filipino symbol of Christmas, parol”. While NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz shared “the idea of collaborating the Jinju silk lantern with parol now came to life, and it truly offers us a glimpse of continued partnership between Korea and the Philippines”. The ceremony was further enriched by a Pansori (Korean traditional singing) and Gayageum (Korean traditional string instrument) performance featuring traditional Korean pieces as well as a Christmas song, setting a festive atmosphere. (Parol making workshop) In addition to the opening program, a special workshop was organized to deepen the appreciation of the lantern traditions of both countries. Participants attended an informative lecture about Jinju silk lanterns, and took part in a hands-on parol-making activity led by invited artist Harvey San Miguel, offering them a meaningful and creative way to experience the craft first hand. Beyond their illuminating beauty, this first-ever pairing of Jinju silk lanterns with the Filipino parol tells a shared story - a story of creativity and the enduring friendship between Korea and the Philippines. The KCC and NCCA invite everyone to experience this display at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Building in Intramuros, Manila, from Mondays to Thursdays, 9AM to 8PM*, and at the Korean Cultural Center in Taguig City from Mondays to Saturdays, 9AM to 4PM. * NCCA lobby display runs from 9AM to 5:30PM, facade display runs from 5:45PM to 8PM Warmest wishes for a bright, joyful, and culturally enriching holiday season for all!

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