2026 Korean Film Festival concludes with the ‘Stories that Moved Us’   Photo 1. Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Korean Film Festival (From left to right) President Marlyn Montaño of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin of SM Supermalls, Director Kim Myeongjin of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Creator and Webtoon Artist of “My Daughter is a Zombie” Lee Younchang.    The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) successfully concluded the 2026 Korean Film Festival (KFF), held under the theme "K-Story: Stories that Move Us." Through a diverse lineup of activities spanning film, literature, and webtoons, this year's festival celebrated the universal power of storytelling while strengthening cultural ties between the Philippines and Korea.   “This year's festival carries the theme 'K-Story: Stories that Move Us,' celebrating stories that transcend pages, screens, and borders. For the first time, our festival features films adapted from Korean webtoons and literary works, showcasing how stories continue to connect people across cultures and generations,” Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, expressed during his opening remarks.   Building upon the growing global influence of Korean content, the festival expanded beyond traditional film screenings to present a dynamic three-part program featuring emerging Filipino filmmakers, renowned artists from both countries, and a carefully curated selection of Korean films adapted from beloved webtoons and literary works.       Part I. Kwentong Korea: Student Short Film Competition  Photo 2. Winners of the 2026 Student Shortfilm Competition    At the opening ceremony, held last August 5, the top three “Kwentong Korea” entries were recognized and awarded. Their film entries were also shown at the beginning of the program.   "When Love Met a Language", a film created by students from the University of the Philippines Diliman, was selected as the Grand Winner, highlighting the creativity and storytelling abilities of young Filipino filmmakers.   As part of their prize, the winning team will travel to South Korea to attend the 2026 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), where they will have the opportunity to experience one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals and gain firsthand insight into the international film industry.     Part II. Meet the Mentor: Webtoon Artist Photo 3. Korean webtoon artist Lee Younchang and Filipino graphic novelist Arnold Arre sat down for a talkback session last August 6 at the Cinematheque Centre Manila. Photo 4. Creator of “My Daughter is a Zombie” Lee Younchang discussed his creative process and Korea’s webtoon industry during the webtoon workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, August 7.   As part of the festival's focus on storytelling across multiple platforms, KFF hosted Meet the Mentor: Webtoon Artist, featuring acclaimed Korean webtoon artist Lee Younchang, creator of My Daughter is a Zombie, alongside celebrated Filipino graphic novelist Arnold Arre, known for The Mythology Class and The Children of Bathala.   The two artists participated in a Philippines-Korea talkback session at the Cinematheque Centre Manila, where they shared their experiences in visual storytelling, discussed the growing influence of webtoons and graphic novels, and explored how stories continue to transcend languages, cultures, and mediums.   Lee Younchang also led a special webtoon workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, giving aspiring artists and creators a valuable opportunity to learn directly from one of Korea's leading webtoon creators.     Part III. Korean Film Screenings    Photo 5. & 6 People watching this year’s festival film line-up.   The festival concluded with free public screenings held from August 7 to 9 at participating SM Cinema branches, including SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM City Iloilo, and SM Lanang.   This year's lineup showcased stories that successfully made the journey from page to screen, featuring Your Letter, Love in the Big City, My Daughter is a Zombie, Omniscient Reader, and Yumi's Cells: The Movie.   The screenings attracted audiences from across the country, further highlighting the enduring popularity of Korean cinema and the growing appreciation for stories inspired by literature and webtoons.   Through the theme "K-Story: Stories that Move Us," the 2026 Korean Film Festival once again demonstrated storytelling's ability to bridge cultures, inspire creativity, and foster meaningful connections between the Philippines and Korea.   The 2026 Korean Film Festival was presented by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines in collaboration with the Korean Film Council, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and SM Cinema.   For updates and more information, follow @kccphil on Facebook and Instagram or visit the KCC website.

TRADITION REIMAGINED: KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES OPENS "HANBOK, REBORN AS ART" EXHIBITION [JULY 13, 2026] — The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) opened Hanbok, Reborn as Art, a contemporary art exhibition celebrating the enduring beauty of Korea's traditional clothing, on July 10 at the KCC in Taguig City. Organized under Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and presented in partnership with the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge until September 26, featuring the work of eighteen contemporary Korean artists who reinterpret the hanbok through painting, sculpture, installation, and video. [Photo 1. Exhibition Poster: Hanbok, Reborn as Art] Opening Ceremony [Photo 2. (From left to right): Metropolitan Museum of Manila Senior Curator, Ian Gines, Savina Museum of Contemporary Arts Director, Myungohk Lee, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Director, Myeongjin Kim, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Deputy Executive Director, Bernan Joseph Corpuz, and Museo Pambata President, Wilma Huang.] The exhibition’s opening ceremony on July 9 welcomed distinguished guests, including Myeongjin Kim, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, Myungohk Lee, Director of Savina Museum of Contemporary Arts, Bernan Joseph Corpuz, Deputy Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Wilma Huang, President of Museo Pambata and Ian Gines, Senior Curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. About the Exhibition The hanbok has long carried the history, philosophy, and aesthetic sensibility of the Korean people. As it evolved through the centuries alongside the lives of Koreans, the garment took on many forms, each reflecting the spirit of its time. Hanbok, Reborn as Art invites visitors to encounter this heritage anew, as eighteen contemporary artists draw on the patterns, colors, and silhouettes of the hanbok to create original works exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity. The exhibition has already traveled to China, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria, demonstrating the global appeal of Korean traditional culture reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, and is next set to travel to Malaysia this year. [Photo 3. Photo of the Exhibition] [Photo 4. ‘Hanbok, Reborn as Art’ including works of media, painting, installation, and video] From oil paintings and porcelain sculptures to single-channel video works, the exhibition brings together a wide range of media and techniques, offering audiences a way to experience Korean identity and culture that goes beyond simple viewing. Director Myungohk Lee of the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art said, "Hanbok is not a fixed heritage frozen in the past, but a living cultural asset that is constantly being reinterpreted and expanded through its encounters with contemporary art and modern culture," emphasizing, "We hope that, through this exhibition, Filipino visitors will discover in hanbok — beyond K-pop and K-dramas — the deep roots of Korean culture, the creative capacity of Korean contemporary art, and its future possibilities." [Photo 5 and 6. Photos of the Exhibition] [Photo 7. Guided tour led by Curator Sangik Han of the Savina Museum of Contemporary Arts] Visitor Information & Guided Tours Hanbok, Reborn as Art is open to the public free of charge from July 10 to September 26, 2026, Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, 59 Bayani Road, Taguig City, Metro Manila. Visitors can also look forward to an interactive kit, where they can create and bring home their own mini-hanbok, as well as a hanbok experience corner where they may try on a traditional hanbok every Friday starting July 24. Groups interested in a free guided tour of the exhibition may inquire through info@koreanculture.ph. Director Myeongjin Kim of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines said, "This exhibition is a venue that introduces both the beauty of Korean traditional culture and the creativity of contemporary art through hanbok," adding, "We hope Filipino visitors will experience Korean culture in a more multidimensional way through this exhibition, and that cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries will continue to expand."

MERAKI heads to Seoul, carries PH bid for KCDF three-peat Photo 1. Fans, artists, and K-pop enthusiasts fill Robinsons Galleria as Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors brings together music, creativity, and cultural exchange in a vibrant celebration of Korean pop culture. (MANILA, 22 June 2026) – A vibrant celebration of music, talent, and individuality painted Robinsons Galleria in every shade of passion and creativity as fans, artists, enthusiasts, and performers came together for ‘Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors,’ held last June 21. Hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and The Seoul Shinmun Daily, in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency-Manila Office (KCOPA), Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. (PKCI), and Robinsons Galleria, the event brought together various colors of the K-pop experience — from performances and fan culture to education, creativity, and meaningful conversations. “This is my fourth time joining this event, and every year I am reminded of just how strong the connection between Filipinos and K-pop has become. What began as an appreciation for music has grown into a vibrant community built on creativity, passion, and cultural exchange,” shared Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, during his welcome remarks. Road to Seoul begins at the KCDF Philippines Finals The excitement reached its peak during the highly anticipated K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) Finals, where some of the country’s most talented dance crews battled for the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the world stage. After an electrifying showcase of talent and passion, MERAKI emerged as this year’s grand champion and will represent the Philippines at the KCDF World Championship in Seoul, Korea. As the country aims for a third consecutive world title, all eyes are now on the group as they prepare to continue the Philippines’ remarkable winning streak on the global stage. Photo 2. MERAKI celebrates their victory as grand champion of the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival Philippines Finals, earning the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the KCDF World Championship in Seoul, Korea. ​ ALPHA and PARADIGM secured the 1st and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively, with both teams also bringing valuable experience from previous international competitions and proving once again the world-class caliber of Filipino K-pop performers. Photo 3. A total of 9 finalists showcased their passion and talent in this year’s KCDF Philippines finalists during Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors. “The Philippines is proud to be the back-to-back KCDF World Champion, a testament to the incredible talent of Filipino dancers. With that title comes even greater anticipation, and I am certain the competition will be fiercer than ever this year,” Director Kim added. More colors of K-pop beyond the stage Beyond the competition stage, attendees experienced different dimensions of K-pop throughout the day. ARIRANG TV and the 2026 K-INFLUENCER ACADEMY joined the event for a special Influencer Talk featuring content creator Evan Tan, where fans gained insights into content creation and the growing influence of digital communities within K-pop culture. Photo 4. Content creator Evan Tan joins fans for a special Influencer Talk segment presented by ARIRANG TV, together with the 2026 K-INFLUENCER ACADEMY Philippine members, sharing insights on digital content creation and K-pop communities. The Korea Copyright Protection Agency-Manila Office (KCOPA) also presented discussions on idol copyright and content protection, highlighting the importance of respecting creators and artists in the digital age. Adding a personal touch to the event, KCC’s KPOP Academy students shared their experiences and journeys through the program while leading a dance tutorial session that invited audiences to join in and learn a few moves of their own. The stage also came alive with performances from ISKOLLAS and Venisse Sy, featuring beloved K-pop tracks that energized the crowd and added even more color to the celebration. Photo 5. Partner fan clubs in collaboration with the Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. create interactive spaces where attendees enjoy games, activities, and shared fan experiences. Earlier in the day, attendees immersed themselves in interactive games, informative talks, and fan activities. In contrast, selected fan clubs in partnership with the Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. transformed the venue into a lively community space through engaging booths and activities. As the celebration came to a close, Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors proved that K-pop is more than music and performances — it is a space where different passions, talents, and stories come together to create a vibrant community. As Director Kim encouraged participants, he hoped everyone would “take with you not only excitement and unforgettable memories, but also the inspiration to let your own talent and unique color shine — just like K-pop.”

From Stories to Spoons: KCC Builds New Cultural Partnerships in the Philippines Photo 1. Children participate in the Philippines–Korea storytelling session as part of the “Sama-Sama: A Philippines-Korea Family Month Celebration.”  Photo 2. SHRIM students at work following the lecture-demonstration on the jang culture led by Chef Lily Min. (JUNE 3, 2026) The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) continues to strengthen its cultural outreach through new partnerships with Philippine institutions, successfully holding two separate programs in May and June 2026 in collaboration with Museo Pambata and the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management.   These initiatives underscore KCC’s continued commitment to broadening access to Korean culture through educational, family-oriented, and experiential programs in partnership with new cultural and academic institutions. “Sama-Sama: A Philippines-Korea Family Month Celebration” at Museo Pambata On May 29, 2026, KCC, in partnership with Museo Pambata, successfully held “Sama-Sama: A Philippines-Korea Family Month Celebration” at the museum. The event brought together families, including children, for a day of interactive cultural activities centered on Philippines–Korea storytelling sessions, together with some traditional games from both countries and creative activities.   Photo 3. Participants enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s new and existing exhibits.   Photo 4. Children create their own stuffed toys inspired by the featured stories.  Photo 5. Children pose for a group photo, wrapping up a fun-filled morning at Balay Yatu of Museo Pambata. Through “Sama-Sama,” KCC highlighted the importance of accessible cultural education and community engagement in strengthening Philippines–Korea relations.   “Flavors of Wellness” Korean Culinary Workshop with DLS-CSB SHRIM   On June 2, 2026, KCC, in partnership with the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, successfully held “Flavors of Wellness,” a Korean culinary lecture and workshop at the Angelo King International Center Campus with the students under Culinary Arts Management.   Centered on the rich culinary traditions of jang (장)—Korea’s foundational fermented sauces including doenjang (된장), ganjang (간장), and gochujang (고추장)—the workshop introduced students to the history, cultural significance, and versatility of Korean cuisine.   The session was led by Chef Lily Min, KCC’s cooking class instructor with over 30 years of experience in Korean cuisine. Students learned to prepare traditional dishes such as doenjangguk (된장국), jeyukbokkeum (제육볶음), and bulgogi (불고기), gaining hands-on experience in Korean cooking techniques and ingredients.   Photo 6. Chef Lily Min explains Korean food culture and the significance of jang. Photo 7. SHRIM students participate in hands-on cooking activities.   Photo 8. Students pose after successfully recreating traditional Korean dishes. Beyond culinary exposure, the workshop served as a meaningful cultural exchange, highlighting the growing appreciation of Korean cuisine among Filipino students and future hospitality professionals.   Continuing Cultural Exchange   Through both “Sama-Sama” and “Flavors of Wellness,” KCC reinforces its commitment to building meaningful partnerships with Philippine institutions, expanding Korean cultural outreach through family-centered engagement and academic collaboration.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (Director Kim Myeongjin) welcomed art enthusiasts and culture lovers to a unique hands-on experience through the “King’s Robe: Traditional Painting Workshop,” led by Korean traditional painter and contemporary artist Seo Jungyeon. Rooted in the elegance of Korea’s royal heritage, the workshop invited participants to explore the intricate design called dragon insignia (yongmunbo) and its symbolism behind the robes worn by kings during the Joseon Dynasty. From its motifs to the careful balance of color and composition, each element revealed how art was used to reflect power, harmony, and tradition. Under Seo Jungyeon’s guidance, participants were introduced to traditional painting techniques and materials, allowing them to create their own interpretations of this royal robe pattern. The session offered not only a creative outlet but also a deeper appreciation of Korean visual culture—where every brushstroke carries meaning.    Bridging tradition and modern artistry, Seo Jungyeon is also known for her work beyond the studio. She is the artist behind the painted poster version of the hit Korean film The King’s Warden, bringing her signature style to contemporary audiences. Photo. The King’s Warden painted poster by artist Jungyeon Seo. Credits to Showbox Through programs like this, the Korean Cultural Center continues to create opportunities for cultural exchange—connecting Filipino audiences with Korea’s rich artistic heritage in meaningful and interactive ways.