PhilippinesTaguig

From Screen to Stage: 2025 Korean Film Festival Brings Exhibitions, Talks, and Screenings to the Philippines (SEPTEMBER 3, 2025) - The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines officially opened the 2025 Korean Film Festival on August 26 with the launch of Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds at the KCC. This year, the festival widened its scope with a comprehensive program that featured an exhibition, an expert talk show, the awarding of the Student Short Film Competition, and nationwide film screenings. KCC also joined the TINGIN: Southeast Asian Film Festival (Sept. 26–27) as the guest country.   Exhibition Opening Highlights Korean Production Design (Photo 1. Film Exhibition)(Photo 2. Film Exhibition) Co-presented with the Korean Federation of Film Archives (KOFA) and supported by the “Touring K-Arts” program of the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), the exhibition’s opening program welcomed key members of the Philippine film community, including Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Jose Javier Reyes, Metropolitan Museum of Manila Senior Curator Ian Gines, Korean production designer Han Ah Reum, Korean Film Council (KOFIC) Researcher Park Hee Seong, and Producer Seo Ji Yoon. (Photo 3. (From left to right): Metropolitan Museum of Manila Senior Curator Ian Gines, orean production designer Han Ah Reum, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Jose Javier Reyes, Producer RuBi, Korean Film Council (KOFIC) Researcher Park Hee Seong, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) Director Kim Myeongjin) Running from August 27 to November 21, the exhibition sheds light on the craft of production design through the works of renowned Korean designers Ryu Seong Hee, Jo Hwa Seong, and Han Ah Reum. Among the highlights are Director Ryu’s The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave (which earned her the Vulcan Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival), Director Jo’s Hansan: Rising Dragon, and Director Han’s Kill Boksoon and Kingmaker.   The exhibition recreates the memorable sand pile from the final scene of Decision to Leave as its introductory set piece and features storyboards, set plans, concept art, and graphic design materials. A three-channel video gallery further immerses audiences in signature scenes from the featured films.   Chair Reyes remarked, “Korean filmmakers do not settle for ‘good enough’—they consistently push boundaries. I am delighted that an exhibition spotlighting Korea’s leading production designers is being held in the Philippines.”   The opening program also included a talk with Production Designer Han Ah Reum and Producer RuBi on the art direction of Kill Boksoon and Kingmaker, with KOFIC Researcher Park Hee Seong sharing insights on Korean film industry policies. As the first exhibition in the Philippines devoted to Korean production design, Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds offers the public a deeper appreciation of the artistic vision behind Korean cinema. It remains open to visitors on the 5th floor of KCC from Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. KR–PH Film Talk & Student Short Film Awards (Photo 4. Phil-Kor Film Experts during the Talkback Session)(Photo 5. Winners of the “Student Short Film Competition”) On August 27, KCC held the awarding ceremony of the Student Short Film Competition alongside a Talkback Session with Korean and Filipino film experts at Cine Adarna, University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI).   The competition, held from April to June under the theme “Korea in the Philippines,” named a team from Cebu Normal University as winners. The group will fly to Busan for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) this month.   The Talkback Session featured Production Designer Han Ah Reum, Researcher Park Hee Seong, Producer RuBi, Filipino production designer Eero Francisco, and FDCP’s Rachelle Villaluna. Discussions focused on the evolving landscape of Korean and Philippine cinema. Director Han emphasized “the ability to analyze a screenplay” as a core skill, while Francisco encouraged young creatives to “pursue projects that genuinely inspire them.” Both Park and Villaluna underscored the shared priority of nurturing new talent and fostering exchange between the two countries. The program concluded with a screening of Kingmaker, designed by Director Han.   Nationwide Screenings From August 29 to 31, KCC brought Korean cinema to audiences in Metro Manila, Davao, and Iloilo through SM Cinemas. Featured titles included Concrete Utopia, I, the Executioner, and Kingmaker—all tied to the works of the exhibition’s featured designers: I, the Executioner and Kingmaker by Han Ah Reum, and Concrete Utopia by Jo Hwa Seong. KCC Director Kim Myeongjin shared, “This festival was more than a series of screenings—it was a shared celebration where we watched, talked, and participated together. We will continue to create opportunities for Korea and the Philippines to connect through culture and grow together.” Guest Country at the TINGIN: Southeast Asian Film Festival   For the last stop of this year’s 2025 Korean Film Festival, Korea takes the spotlight as guest country and the opening film at the TINGIN: Southeast Asian Film Festival hosted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with the theme, “Women’s Ways of Seeing.”   Don’t miss on the final leg of this year’s KFF and we cannot wait to see the remaining reels unfold with you!

Conversations with Hwang Boreum: Stories in the Bookshop Five days of literary warmth with the Korean author of the international bestseller “Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop” (AUGUST 26, 2025) — This September, step into a world where stories feel like home. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), invites book lovers, dreamers, and seekers of quiet joys to “Conversations with Hwang Boreum: Stories in the Bookshop”, happening from September 10–14, 2025 at the Manila International Book Festival (MIBF) and select venues. Hwang Boreum, the Korean author behind the international bestseller “Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop”, will be in Manila to share her journey as a writer, the inspirations behind her beloved novel, and the beauty she finds in everyday life. The five-day celebration will feature book talks, intimate conversations, and signing sessions—each one a chance to slow down, listen, and rediscover the joy of stories. Date Activity Venue How to join September 10-14, 2025 The Bookshop 2025 Manila International Book Fair, SMX Convention Center (Booth within the National Book Store area)  *MIBF entrance fees may apply. September 11, 2025 Conversations Pt. I (1:00PM - 4:00PM) KCC Library, Bayani Road, Taguig City Register through: bit.ly/StoriesInTheBookshop  September 12, 2025 Conversations Pt. II (1:00PM - 4:00PM) SURP, University of the Philippines, Diliman September 13, 2025 Conversations Pt. III (3:00PM - 5:00PM) MIBF Main Stage and Book Signing at NBS Booth *MIBF entrance fees may apply. (NBS Announcement: link) From the bustling city to the quiet corners of a bookshop, Hwang’s storytelling is a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to start anew. Her journey—from a computer engineering graduate and software developer at one of Korea’s biggest electronic companies to a full-time writer—mirrors the courage of her characters to seek meaning beyond the ordinary. Described by readers as “a heartfelt, quiet read” and “an invitation to find warmth in life’s simple pleasures,” Welcome to Hyunam-dong Bookshop has touched hearts worldwide with its reflective narrative, tender character arcs, and hopeful message about second chances. Join us for “Conversations with Hwang Boreum: Stories in the Bookshop” and let her words inspire you to pause, breathe, and perhaps, write your new chapter.

Scenes on Screen: 2025 Korean Film Festival Launches with Bigger, Bolder Celebration of Cinema Lights, camera, K-film! The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) proudly presents the 2025 Korean Film Festival: Scenes on Screen, a multi-layered celebration of Korean cinema unfolding across screenings, exhibits, talks, and competitions. This year marks KCC’s most extravagant edition yet—bridging cultures, igniting imaginations, and spotlighting the creative forces behind Korea’s cinematic masterpieces. Whether you're a casual viewer, an aspiring filmmaker, or a full-fledged cinephile, there's something for everyone in this exciting line-up of free and open-to-the-public events. Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds Exhibit runs from August 27 to November 21 at KCC | Free Admission Co-hosted by the Korean Film Archive and the KCC, this special exhibit delves into the fascinating world of production design, shining a spotlight on the visual architects behind some of Korea’s most iconic films. Get an up-close look at the creative processes and stunning visual concepts by leading production designers: Ryu Seong-hee (Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden), Cho Hwa-sung (Hansan: Rising Dragon) and Han Ah rum (Kill Boksoon, Kingmaker). This immersive exhibit showcases how words on a page evolve into living, breathing cinematic worlds through design, construction, and storytelling. Talkback Session: Conversations Between Philippine and Korean Film Experts August 27 at Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center, University of the Philippines Diliman Join us for a cross-cultural dialogue exploring the creative process behind film production design, storytelling, and the evolving film industries of Korea and the Philippines. From Korea, we’ll be joined by acclaimed production designer Han Ah rum (Kill Boksoon, Kingmaker) with producer RuBi (team manager of 'ARTCOMPANY HAN'), along with Park Hee Seong, senior researcher from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). Representative from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Filipino film makers will also take part in the discussion, with full panel details to be announced soon. The event will also feature the screening and awarding of the winning entries from the “Reel Connections: Student Short Film Competition.” Meet the rising talents behind “Seoul Sight” as they gear up for their upcoming trip to the 2025 Busan International Film Festival. Sign up here: bit.ly/2025KoreanFilmFestivalTalkBackSession Korean Film Screening August 29–31 at SM Mall of Asia, SM City Iloilo, and SM Lanang Premier Don’t miss this year’s curated lineup of gripping, thought-provoking Korean films driven from the “Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds” exhibit namely I, The Executioner (2024), Concrete Utopia (2023), and Kingmaker (2022). Get your K-film fix with us—absolutely free—across key cities nationwide! Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival: Korea as Guest Country September 26-27, Gateway Cineplex 18 Korea takes the spotlight as a guest country and the opening film at the Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival hosted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with the theme, “Women’s Ways of Seeing.” Stay tuned to NCCA’s official channels for more details. The “2025 Korean Film Festival: Scenes on Screen” is a proud collaboration among the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, Korean Film Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, University of the Philippines Film Institute, SM Cinema and Gateway Cineplex 18. For updates and event details, follow @KCCPhil on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://phil.korean-culture.org/en. Step into the scene. See the screen. Celebrate Korean cinema with us.

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” Craze Brings Korean Traditional Culture to Life at KCC The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), launched a series of events themed around the trending movie from July 18 to August 4. Blending Korea’s traditional heritage with K-Pop, the Netflix animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has recently become a worldwide sensation, topping Netflix charts in the Philippines and over 40 countries shortly after its release. In celebration of this cultural phenomenon, visitors were invited to experience a range of hands-on activities that spotlighted Korea’s traditional culture, as depicted in the film. From gat (traditional Korean hats) and hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) try-ons to maedeup (Korean knot) and minhwa (Korean traditional folk painting) workshops, guests were given a taste of the rich cultural heritage that inspired the movie. The event saw an overwhelming response, with around 500 visitors stepping into KCC during the program period. A highlight of the festivities was the “Show Us What You Gat” event, held on July 18 and 30, where participants had the chance to transform into characters from the movie. Inspired by the film’s bold visuals, capturing memorable photos against the backdrop of KCC’s ongoing exhibition, “The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns”, on the 5th floor. To ensure fans beyond Metro Manila could join in, the “Show Us What You Gat” challenge was also held online, extending the celebration to K-pop fans across the country. Meanwhile, inside KCC’s library, visitors immersed themselves in another cultural craft featured in the movie—Korean traditional knot-making (maedeup). Drawing inspiration from the intricate costumes worn by the film’s heroine group, HUNTR/X, participants followed step-by-step guides to create their personalized knots. These handmade creations were turned into unique bag norigae or charms, giving participants a meaningful keepsake. One guest shared, “It was my first time trying a traditional Korean craft, but by focusing and making it myself the experience felt more special.” The cultural experience culminated on August 2 with a Minhwa Workshop, where participants painted the film’s beloved characters Sussie and Derpy, learning about their origins from Korea’s traditional tiger and magpie folk paintings known as Jakho-do (Tiger and Magpie painting). Attendees explored the deeper historical inspirations behind these characters before painting their own versions to take home. One participant remarked, “It was fascinating to learn the historical background of Sussie and Derpy through the movie, and I love that I can now decorate my home with a painting I made myself.” Through this series of events, KCC successfully bridged modern content with traditional culture, offering visitors a unique space to engage with Korea’s rich heritage while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges with the Filipino community.

K-Culture Afternoon Delight: KREW Cooks Up Creativity and Camaraderie Fresh from the clearing skies after a bout of rain, Batch 12 KREW members and alumni gathered once again for the much-anticipated “K-Culture Afternoon Delight”, held at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) last Friday, August 1. The event opened by highlighting the invaluable contributions of KREW members to the success of KCC’s recent projects. With major activities lined up in the coming months, the KCC expressed its heartfelt gratitude and extended an invitation for the KREW to continue their active support in future endeavors. The highlight of the afternoon was a lively “Cook-Off”, where current KREW members and alumni came together to showcase not only their culinary skills but also their creativity and teamwork. Approximately 25 members gathered for the event, each arriving with excitement and an eager heart to cook, share, and of course, feast. The chosen dish for the day was none other than tteokbokki—a beloved Korean street food staple cherished by both Koreans and Filipinos alike for its comforting, spicy, and savory flavors that transcend cultural boundaries. To spice up the challenge, KREW members were divided into groups of five prior to the event, with each team allowed to bring up to three special ingredients that would make their version of tteokbokki stand out. Some teams opted for the classic route, bringing eggs and spring onions to perfect a traditional recipe. Others embraced culinary fusion with creative combinations: one group crafted a hearty blend of tteok-galbi (Korean grilled short rib patties) mixed into their tteokbokki, while another drew inspiration from the popular “so-tteok so-tteok” (skewered sausage and rice cakes), incorporating fish cakes, sausages, and rice cakes drenched in spicy sauce. A standout creation came from a team that boldly infused Filipino flavors into their dish, adding longganisa (Filipino sweet sausage) to a creamy rosé tteokbokki, merging the richness of dairy with the iconic Korean heat for a unique twist. This hands-on activity was more than just a cooking competition—it became an avenue for members to exchange ideas, celebrate their shared love for Korean cuisine, and collaborate in a fun, relaxed setting. Laughter filled the kitchen as teams worked together, playfully critiquing each other's dishes and sharing culinary tips along the way. Though the afternoon began with a “cook-off” spirit, it gracefully transitioned into a warm communal feast. By the end of the event, participants were seen walking around the kitchen islands, sampling and appreciating each other’s creations, turning the competitive cook-off into a delightful celebration of community and culture.

Press Start on Game Art: KCC Explores the Future of Gaming Education and Collaboration (JULY 30, 2025) - The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) made its first-ever appearance at the Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) with the event “Meet the Mentor: Press Start on Game Art,” featuring Professor Sean Kwon, Lead Professor of the Game Art-Game Institute at the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). Held on July 25–26, the two-part event - the 25th being online and the 26th onsite - brought together aspiring Filipino game developers, educators, and students for an exclusive learning session with one of Korea’s leading game art educators. Learning from a Global Gaming Powerhouse In his keynote lecture, Professor Kwon presented a comprehensive look at Korea’s game industry, which ranks 4th globally with $22 billion in annual revenue and over 84,000 professionals. He shared how Korea’s success has been driven by a strong mobile gaming sector, government support, and a dynamic indie scene. Beyond market data, Kwon also discussed the challenges the industry faces—such as workforce burnout, rising production costs, and AI’s influence on traditional roles in game development. Educating for an AI-Powered Future A core part of Kwon’s presentation focused on the KOCCA Game Institute’s two-year program designed to train future-ready developers. The institute emphasizes hands-on, team-based learning in fields like VR/AR, 3D modeling, and AI-integrated pipelines. “We don’t just teach students to use tools—we train them to think like developers,” Kwon emphasized. “AI will reshape how we work, but the artist’s vision remains irreplaceable.” He also called for a shift in game education to prepare talent for creative direction and ethical collaboration with AI, not just technical execution. Building Bridges Between Korea and the Philippines With the Philippine game industry growing at an average of 7.2% annually, both Kwon and KCC Director Kim Myeongjin highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between Korea and the Philippines in training, co-development, and cultural exchange. “This first-ever participation in PGDX allowed us to promote Korea’s game industry and share knowledge. We hope this leads to future cross-border collaboration in the field,” said Director Kim. Participants echoed this excitement, with one attendee sharing, “Hearing about Korea’s approach to game education inspired me to keep learning and explore new tools on my own.” “Meet the Mentor: Press Start on Game Art” marked a meaningful step in connecting the two countries through shared creative goals. As both nations navigate an AI-powered future in gaming, collaboration in education and innovation will be key to leveling up the next generation of talent.