Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Brings Hope to MIBF 2026 with “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin”

Highlighting hope and second chances with acclaimed author Kim Ho-yeon

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) filled the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF 2026) with hope and second chances through “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin,” featuring acclaimed Korean author Kim Ho-yeon, and the opening of the interactive booth “K-Story Convenience Store” at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from September 9 to 13.

Inspired by the hit novel “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” KCC’s “K-Story Convenience Store” was open to the public from September 9 to 13, showcasing a wide selection of Korean literature and offering visitors a variety of interactive activities.

Aside from the interactive booth, KCC also hosted several book signing and meet-and-greet events for acclaimed author Kim Ho-yeon with Filipino readers, members of the media, and the KCC Book Club through talks, discussions, and book signing sessions.

Best known internationally for his story “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” a heartwarming novel that explores kindness, community, healing, and the possibility of starting over. The novel became a bestseller in Korea, selling more than two million copies and has since been translated into English, Japanese, Polish, Chinese, and Spanish.

Through “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin” KCC continues its efforts to promote Korean literature and create opportunities for Filipino audiences to engage directly with Korean authors and their works.

The event kicked off at the KCC Library on September 10, where KCC Book Club members, members of the media, influencers, and the public got the chance to meet and hear stories from Kim himself about his hit novel.

It was then followed on September 11 at the UP Diliman School of Statistics Lecture Hall 1, wherein, aside from a question and answer portion, Kim also did a lecture where he shared his journey and his ups and downs in writing.

The event concluded at the National Book Store Stage at the MIBF 2026 event on September 12, where hundreds of book lovers joined the program and had their books personally signed.

KCC Director Kim Myeongjin shares his joy in another successful MIBF year, saying, “We remain committed to bringing Korean literature closer to Filipino readers and further strengthening the growing cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines.”

Through the success of “Moments with Kim Ho-yeon: Where Second Chances Begin,” KCC continues its effort to connect two cultures and continues to discover stories that further bring the Philippines and Korean literature closer.