K-Drama Magic Returns: OST Symphony II Captures Hearts in Sold-Out Concert

(The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera and guest Concertmaster Kim Mijung.)

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), successfully held OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert on October 25 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City. The second edition of the concert series once again featured the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) performing iconic Korean drama soundtracks live.

Demand was overwhelming: two show sessions sold out, with more than 1,500 tickets reserved within five minutes of the public release. On concert day, fans queued outside the venue in hopes of securing released seats.

The repertoire included official soundtracks (OST) from well-loved titles such as Goblin and Crash Landing on You, as well as recent hits like Queen of Tears, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. The PPO also performed “Bagong Tadhana” from the Filipino fantasy drama Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, which drew loud cheers from the audience. Korean singers Hong Issac and YEGNY shared the stage with Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian, delivering cross-cultural performances with Violinist Mijung Kim, who joined the PPO as guest concertmaster.

The event welcomed distinguished guests, including H.E. Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines; CCP President Kaye Tinga; and NCCA Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, alongside partners from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO Manila), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA Manila), Most Contents, GMA Network, Viu Philippines, and SM Supermalls.

(From left: Director Kim Myeongjin, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines;
Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; 
Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines; President Kaye Tinga, Cultural Center in the Philippines; Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls; Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra)

Ahead of the concert, a K-Drama OST & Show Production Workshop was held on October 23 at the BGC Arts Center in collaboration with GMA Network. Music producer Lee Jong-myung (Echo Bridge), producer of Apple of My Eye starring TWICE’s Dahyun and The Box starring EXO’s Chanyeol. Lee Jong-myung was also joined by Kwon Jae-young, producer of Immortal Songs, shared practical insights with Filipino broadcast professionals, musicians, and students.

Complementing the program, KCC and KOTRA Manila mounted the Korean Goods & Culture exhibition at SM Aura (October 25) and the BGC Arts Center (October 23), featuring Korean brands, K-culture merchandise, K-food, and lifestyle products. The exhibit continues at the Korean Cultural Center until late November.

“Presented as a ‘Season 2’ of last year’s successful K-Drama OST Concert, this year’s edition offers more than the concert itself,” said Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. “By connecting the main show with a knowledge-sharing workshop and an exhibition of K-culture-inspired products, we continuously aim to expand the event into a wider platform for cultural and industry exchange.”