KCC Philippines Secures Back-to-Back Recognition as One of the World’s Most Outstanding Cultural Centers The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC Philippines) has once again been recognized as one of the most outstanding Korean Cultural Centers worldwide, marking a back-to-back achievement that highlights its continued excellence in cultural programming and public engagement. (MCST Minister Chae Hwi-young (left) presents the certificate of recognition for the 2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Centers to KCC Philippines Director Kim Myeongjin (right)) The recognition was announced during the “2026 Overseas Korean Cultural Center Directors and Cultural Attachés Conference,” held from March 10 to 13 and organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The annual gathering brings together directors and cultural attachés from Korean Cultural Centers worldwide to exchange best practices, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and align future strategies to promote Korean culture internationally. Among numerous centers worldwide, KCC Philippines was one of six institutions honored for exceptional performance, innovative programming, and meaningful cultural impact within their respective communities. This recognition reflects the Center’s sustained efforts to bring Korean culture closer to Filipinos through diverse initiatives in arts, language, food, film, and lifestyle. Director Kim Myeongjin expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the Center’s mission moving forward: “This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the strong cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. We share this achievement with our Filipino partners and audiences, and it inspires us to continue creating programs that bring our cultures closer together.” Over the past year, the Center has continued to expand its reach through dynamic programs that resonate with a wide audience—from K-pop and K-drama enthusiasts to students, artists, and cultural practitioners. Its initiatives have not only celebrated Korean culture but also fostered deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Korea and the Philippines. Building on this milestone, KCC is set to elevate its offerings further in 2026. Under the theme “Culture in Motion,” the Center is preparing a vibrant lineup of activities that will bring Korean culture to more communities across the country. Audiences can look forward to regional festivals, new exhibitions, and a series of performances designed to engage and inspire. As KCC Philippines continues to grow its presence and impact, this recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivation—to keep culture moving, connecting people, and creating shared experiences that transcend borders.

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.”