“K-POP Academy: University Edition” Wraps Up Campus Tour in Ateneo, UP, and DLSU (May 26, 2025) – The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) successfully brought the “K-POP Academy: University Edition” to three of the country’s top universities this year — Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and De La Salle University — in partnership with their respective Korean culture student organizations: Blue Hanguk Society, UP Arirang, and AJA Animo. ▲︎Ateneo de Manila Blue Hanguk Society ▲︎De La Salle University AJA Animo ▲︎University of the Philippines - Diliman UP Arirang The 2025 edition expanded the reach of KCC’s beloved dance program, delivering an exciting and immersive K-pop experience right to the heart of each campus. Students had the chance to learn choreographies from professional instructors, gain insights into Korean performance culture, and build friendships through dance and shared passion for K-pop. Each session culminated in a high-energy showcase where students performed choreographies to some of today’s hottest tracks, including “Like Jennie” by Jennie Kim, “Gnarly” by KATSEYE, and “The Chase” by Hearts2Hearts — proving that they didn’t just chase the beat, they caught it. Meanwhile, the regular classes of the “2025 KPOP Academy” is still ongoing, with enrolled students honing their skills weekly in preparation for their upcoming recital performance at the “2025 Everyone’s KPOP Manila”, happening on June 21, 2025 at Robinsons Galleria. With growing interest and even greater talent, the K-POP Academy continues to serve as a platform for aspiring performers to live their K-pop dreams — one eight-count at a time.

A Glow Like No Other: Jinju Silk Lanterns Light Up at the Korean Cultural Center “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” Exhibition Opens on May 24 *This exhibition is free for charge. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Jinju City Government is set to light another breathtaking sea of lanterns and tradition with “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” which will run from May 24, 2025 until July 31, 2025 at the KCC exhibition hall. This touring exhibition is being conducted as part of the “2025 Touring K-Arts Program” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. More than just lanterns, these masterpieces are glowing testaments to Korea’s artistry and heritage. Born from the storied silk-making traditions of Jinju, located in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, a city famed for its centuries-old sericulture (silk farming), the Jinju Silk Lanterns blend delicate craftsmanship with timeless beauty. Each lantern is made of fine Korean silk, intricately shaped and illuminated from within, creating a magical fusion of light, color, and culture. What started as humble festival lanterns in Jinju has blossomed into a celebrated art form that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time ever, this unique piece of Korean tradition is making its solo debut in the Philippines — offering visitors a rare chance to step into a world where art meets light, and tradition meets imagination. Visitors can also try a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Lantern Making Kit and take it home as a souvenir after visiting the exhibit. Additionally, attendees on the 24th of May are in for a Mini House Concert from our invited traditional performers - the performance will start at 2 PM.  Beyond their stunning appearance, the Jinju Silk Lanterns tell a story: a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Korean culture. KCC invites everyone to experience this extraordinary exhibition, where every lantern becomes a window into Korea’s artistic soul and a glowing symbol of cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. Following its Manila run, “The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns”, will continue its journey across Southeast Asia, including stops in Indonesia and Vietnam — shining its light on new audiences and celebrating the growing bonds of friendship and creativity across the region.

“Once Upon Our Land” Opens New Chapter in Cultural Exchange at QC Library (May 20, 2025 — Quezon City, Philippines) — The magic of storytelling transcended borders as the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines and the Quezon City Public Library came together for “Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show”, a special cultural event celebrating the timeless folktales of Korea and the Philippines. The event brought young learners on a shared journey through the vibrant stories of both nations—igniting their imaginations and deepening their appreciation of each other’s cultures. Held at the Quezon City Public Library, the event welcomed children and families for an engaging storytelling session that spotlighted beloved tales from Korea and the Philippines - “Myth of Dangun” and “Malakas and Maganda.” an “Malakas at Maganda” “Myth of Dangun” With eyes wide and smiles bright, kids listened intently as the stories unfolded—learning, laughing, and discovering the heartwarming values embedded in both cultures' literary traditions. The experience didn’t end with storytelling. Participants explored their creativity through hands-on activities inspired by the tales. Children delighted in coloring pages drawn from story motifs, while others expressed themselves through a fun craft activity where they designed their very own hanbok keyrings—a nod to Korea’s traditional attire. The interactive session helped bring the stories to life and offered a unique way for children to connect with the cultural elements they had just discovered. Adding lasting value to the day, the KCC officially opened its ‘Mini KCC Library’ (Korean Corner) at the Quezon City Public Library, marking a meaningful milestone in expanding access to Korean literature in the Philippines. The corner will house various Korean books—from children's books, to non-fiction and fiction novels—making Korean stories more accessible to the Filipino public and encouraging a deeper literary and cultural exchange between the two countries. Mini KCC Library (Korean Corner) at the Quezon City Public Library “Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show” is part of the KCC’s continuing effort to foster understanding and friendship through education, creativity, and cultural sharing. Events like this provide children with a glimpse into Korea’s rich heritage and underscore the importance of libraries as welcoming spaces for cross-cultural connection.

KCC Receives DOT Recognition for launching TOPCOP Special Class (Director Kim Myeongjin of KCC with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the awarding ceremony at the 9th Speakers’ Synergy and Appreciation held last April 30, 2025. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) (May 5, 2025) — The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is proud to have been recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) during the “9th Speakers' Synergy and Appreciation” event held on April 30, 2025. This recognition affirms KCC’s strong commitment to tourism education and cultural collaboration in support of the Philippines’ growing tourism sector. The award was given in acknowledgment of KCC’s partnership with DOT in the development and implementation of a Korean language and culture training program for selected police officers under the TOP COP (Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection) Special Class. Through this initiative, police personnel assigned to key tourism destinations across the country (Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Davao, and Clark) received foundational Korean language skills and cultural knowledge—equipping them to better assist and engage with Korean tourists. (Trainers and partners present at the awarding ceremony at the 9th Speakers’ Synergy and Appreciation held last April 30, 2025. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) “We are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to the Department of Tourism for sharing in our vision of a more inclusive and culturally aware tourism experience,” said Mr. Kim Myeongjin, Director of KCC. “This partnership reflects the strength of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to hospitality, safety, and meaningful cultural exchange.” The program not only contributes to safer and more welcoming environments for Korean visitors, but also fosters a deeper understanding between the Filipino service sector and Korean culture—strengthening the cultural bridge between both nations. (Batch 1 TOPCOP Special Class Students during their online completion ceremony held last December 2024. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) In line with this ongoing partnership, KCC and DOT are currently preparing for the next batch of TOP COP Special Class with training scheduled to begin later this year. The upcoming session will continue to expand the reach and impact of the program, empowering more officers with tools for effective communication and deeper cultural awareness.

Find Your Glow: A Two-Day Korean Beauty and Travel Experience Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate K-Beauty and Korea travel experience at “K-Beauty Glow-Up!”, a two-day event on April 25-26, 2025 from 11AM to 8PM, at the Main Mall Atrium in SM Aura’s Upper Ground Level. Organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this event is free and open to all K-Beauty and travel enthusiasts! "K-Beauty Glow-Up!" offers a dynamic experience showcasing the latest K-Beauty trends. Visitors can engage in interactive activities, from the trending personal color analysis to the must-experience beauty places in Korea. The event also includes a sit-down with actress and singer Kyline Alcantara, who will share her personal K-Beauty and wellness journey in Korea. Various stage programs will also feature Korean product highlights and expert insights. Glow-Up Booths Step into the world of K-Beauty innovation with our immersive Glow-Up Booths, offering personalized beauty experiences and expert consultations. The traditional fragrance booth invites visitors on a sensory journey through Korea’s centuries-old perfumery, where visitors can craft their scent using accessible materials. Beauty enthusiasts are in for a delightful experience as two renowned K-Beauty powerhouses, The Bom and Jenny House, come together to present an exclusive beauty showcase in the Philippines. Making its debut, The Bom, a leading beauty booking service from Seoul, offers a range of personalized services tailored to meet every beauty need—from personal color analysis to K-beauty makeovers. With multilingual interpreters fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese, The Bom ensures a seamless and enjoyable transformation for every guest. At the same time, fans of Jenny House, the celebrated Gangnam beauty salon favored by Korean stars, can revel in its highly anticipated return. Visitors can look forward to premium hair styling and makeup sessions crafted by South Korea’s top stylists, leaving them feeling radiant, confident, and ready to embrace their K-Celebrity-inspired glow. This year, we are also welcoming the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which will showcase an exciting selection of K-Beauty products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), giving attendees a glimpse into Korea’s thriving beauty industry. Additionally, Amorepacific Philippines Inc., home to Laneige, Innisfree, and Mise en scène, will offer exclusive product samplings and live demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience the latest in Korean skincare and cosmetics firsthand. Glow Your Way to Korea Thinking of visiting Korea for the K-Beauty experience? Expect exciting promotions and exclusive offers that will make that trip to Korea even more memorable. Korean Air is presenting its “Fly & Glow” promo, offering a 10% discount on selected airfares to Korea (Incheon), the US, and Canada, including transits to Incheon Airport from April 25 to 27. Those who purchase Korean Air tickets during the K-Beauty Glow-up! event on April 25 & 26 can redeem complimentary Innisfree items. Visit koreanair.com for more details. Klook will feature exclusive discounts on K-Beauty experiences and special promo codes that are only available during the 2-day event. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to learn about the latest must-visit destinations for K-Beauty and wellness at the Korea Tourism Organization booth, offering a unique opportunity to explore the best of Korean culture and beauty. Visitors can also look forward to exclusive giveaways when they participate in the ongoing social media contest and onsite activities. Don’t miss this opportunity to glow up with the best of Korean beauty and culture. Mark your calendars and join us at SM Aura on April 25-26 from 11AM to 8PM for an unforgettable K-Beauty experience! About Korea Beauty Festival 2025 “K-Beauty Glow Up” is organized in anticipation of the “Korea Beauty Festival 2025” happening in Seoul from June 19 to July 18! This festival is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), and Visit Korea Committee. This festival will highlight the best of K-Beauty, K-Fashion, and K-Medical through experiential booths tailored for foreign tourists, product sales, and a diverse array of K-Culture events. The festival will feature a dedicated K-Beauty tourism hub at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), as well as interactive experience zones across popular districts like Myeongdong, Seongsu, and Gangnam. Exciting side events, including stamp tours and cultural programs, will also enrich the festival experience. Let’s get ready for the biggest K-Beauty festival yet by participating in our K-Beauty Glow-Up happening on April 25 - 26 at SM Aura!