KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
APRIL 2015
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
Mabuhay!
When I arrived in Manila last April 16, 2015, I realized that Mabuhay is a common greeting in the Philippines. So I looked it up, and learned that it is the Tagalog equivalent of “Long live!” that signifies a salutation as well as a wish. In my case, it could also mean “live happy,” which is how I feel about my posting as Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines. I am most delighted to be here because of a few factors, foremost of which is the country itself, with its natural beauty and its people who are always ready with a smile. Some folks have observed that the summer heat of Manila can only be beaten by the warmth of Filipinos. After visiting this tropical paradise a few times in the past, and being assigned here now, I could not agree more with this observation. Yet, it is not just the warmth or the mabuhay spirit that fills me with a sense of instant affinity with the Philippines. Like most Koreans, I know too well the role that Filipinos played in our history. Sixty-five years ago, barely two months after the Korean War broke out, 7,500 members of the Philippine Army arrived in Korea as part of a United Nations contingent to help repel the incursion from the north. The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea or PEFTOK fought bravely side-by-side with their Korean allies. It is the kind of valor that is worth remembering. The Battle of Yultong, for
example, is celebrated on April 23 of each year both in Korea and in the Philippines. Needless to say, the “Fighting Filipinos,” as they came to be called, suffered 112 casualties, but it was a sacrifice that was instrumental in the eventual development of South Korea as a strong and independent nation. It is not surprising, therefore, that through the years our partnership has become deeper in such diverse areas as foreign relations, bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. I am, indeed, honored and privileged to be a part of this most auspicious phase in our nations’ common history. As Ambassador, I will do my best in order to enhance this relationship, and pursue important activities toward this end. First, although bilateral relations between our nations are already ideal, I intend to improve it further in all ways and in all areas possible. Next, ours is a relationship that is recognized by our governments at the highest level. President Aquino has visited Korea twice since President Park Geun-Hye took office. This year, the two leaders will get the chance to meet again when President Park attends the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting in November in Manila. In the aspect of economic cooperation, Korea is proud to be riding on the crest of unprecedented growth in the Philip-
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pine economy. Korean investors will have a key role in this development, especially considering the continuing influx of Korean tourists and immigrants to the country. With an increasing trade volume between our countries, I will continue to encourage Korean businessmen to set up or expand their operations in the Philippine market, an arrangement that should prove to be mutually beneficial to us. On a final note, since the Korean Wave or Hallyu has made serious inroads into the Philippine psyche, I intend to invite as many K-Pop stars to perform before their evergrowing Filipino fans. This, of course, will be just one of many cultural exchanges that I am expecting to see with the active participation of the Korean Cultural Center. As we celebrate life and friendship, I believe that the cultural ties between our people will become even stronger in the years to come. I am delighted to be an active participant in this period of mutual understanding, and I hope that, during my tenure as Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines, the relationship between our nations will become even deeper and stronger. Allow me to end this message with the familiar Filipino expression for gratitude, with the addition of a single word – “po” – which, I think, is a very nice and simple way of showing respect: Maraming salamat po.
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FAREWELL MESSAGE
LEE Hyuk, Former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines After two years and seven months, my tour of duty in the Philippines has come to an end. I will be leaving with much optimism and a feeling of fulfillment knowing that, in the performance of my duties, I may have contributed toward further enriching the relationship between the Philippines and Korea. Thus, in the last few months of my tenure, I was privileged to be a part of events that further enhanced this bond between Koreans and Filipinos. In February, for example, I welcomed guests to Korea Night (K-Beauty & Fun), which was the culmination of a three-day Korea medical tourism event, and to the 2015 Philippines-Korean Contemporary Art Exchange, which runs until May 27. And last month, I witnessed the launch of the first Korean Wind Tower System in the Philippines during the Signing Ceremony in Makati. After living in this country for two and a half years, I am aware that supplying electricity to 7,107 islands could be
really challenging, especially in the more remote areas. With a severe power shortage anticipated this summer, the project offers a viable and longer-lasting solution to a recurring problem. I also took part in the 4th Arangkada Philippines Anniversary Forum which was sponsored by the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines. Our panel of foreign ambassadors – the first of its kind ever convened in the Arangkada forum – shed light on investment and inclusive growth, with the end in view of attracting foreign businesses to invest in the Philippines. This forum, together with the launching of the SGV publication Doing Business in the Philippines (Korean Translation), was very timely inasmuch as I foresee a significant rise in Korean investment in the Philippines in the near future. When businessmen realize why they should set up their companies here and see the ease by which they can do so, it becomes much easier to attract investors. One upshot of a rosy business climate is a rise in tourism. In fact, people-to-people ex-
change between the Philippines and Korea remains significantly high. Many Koreans come to the country as tourists or even as immigrants. Cebu and its neighboring provinces in the Visayas are fast becoming popular destinations. On the other hand, many Filipinos in the said region who wish to visit Koreas used to go to Manila to get their visa. This is why the opening of the Korean Consulate in Cebu last March 18 was perceived to be not only timely but even necessary. After all, bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines are riding the waves of development in the Asia-Pacific region, and tourism is an integral part of this development. Growth in tourism and business activity, however, can sometimes lead to an increase in criminality. This is why the participation of the Embassy delegation was indispensable to the March 19 Joint DND-AFPDILG-PNP Coordinating Meeting on the Security Arrangements for Korean Nationals. Attended by some of the highest ranking officials in the Philippine Government, the meeting intended to set the direction of
crime detection, prevention, and resolution, specifically pertaining to Korean nationals in the Philippines. It is a fact that one of the challenges for potential Korean investors is the safety issue that was the subject of the meeting. It was unprecedented in the sense that the heads of the pertinent agencies came together to coordinate with the Korean Embassy on the issue of security of Korean nationals. It is efforts like this that make us truly grateful to the Philippine Government for extending a very strong and steady support in ensuring the safety of our nationals. In the end, I expressed – and I still do express – confidence that with strong cooperation between Embassy and the relevant Philippine agencies, the law and order situation will greatly improve, and will promote the safety of Koreans and Filipinos alike. For all these, as well as for everything that further enhanced already-strong relations between the Philippines and Korea, I am, indeed, most grateful.
TABLE OF CONTENTS New Korean Ambassdor arrives in the Philippines
Korea opens Cebu consulate
PHL convenes meeting to address safety concerns
Shinhan Bank to open in Manila Amb. LEE Hyuk ends his two-year tenure
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Ambassador LEE attends 4th Arangkada Forum
Assembly Speaker visits Malacañang, Congress
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4th Philippines-Korea Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibit opens
Korea opens Cebu consulate
Ambassador LEE Hyuk poses with the Cebu Consulate’s Minister-Counsellor and Consul General LEE Ki-seog and staff during the opening ceremony last March 17.
Ambassador LEE attends 4th Arangkada Forum Ambassador LEE Hyuk participated in the 4th Arangkada Forum held last March 3 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, and organized by the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC). The forum, with the theme “Invest Now for Inclusive Growth!” highlighted the critical areas in need of reforms for the achievement of inclusive growth. The forum also stressed the need for a conducive investment environment for the growth of seven important sectors recognized as drivers of economic transformation. Ambassador LEE sat on the panel for investment and inclusive growth, joining Ambassadors Philip Goldberg of the United States of America,
Bill Twedell of Australia, Neil Reeder of Canada, Ivo Sieber of Switzerland, Kazuhide Ishikawa of Japan and Ambassador-designate David Strachan of New Zealand. “In order for the Philippines to attract more foreign investors, the government must be able to provide a more favorable investment environment than other competing destinations in this region,” Ambassador LEE stressed, “However, there is a need for the government policies to be more forward-looking, predictable and credible so that foreign investors may not hesitate to make long-term commitments.” The panels included discussions on high employment-generating sectors, keys to unlock-
The Republic of Korea has opened a consulate in the city of Cebu last March 17 to serve 400,000 Korean tourists in the province of Visayas and some 20,000 Korean residents. Visa applications and processing will also be accepted in the consulate. The consulate, headed by Consul General LEE Ki-seog, was established to protect and service the Koreans within the vicinity as Visayas is a popular destination among tourists and students. There are currently 15 direct flights from Seoul to Cebu daily including the Korean carriers.
In a statement by MOFA, “Cebu, where many Koreans visit or reside, geographically lies far away from Manila, where the Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located, so it was difficult to protect Koreans there or provide consular services in a timely manner. “ “The Consulate of the Republic of Korea is planning to provide general consular services such as managing the passports, notarization, issuing visas for Filipinos and coping with Korean-related incidents or accidents rapidly and efficiently,” a statement from the consulate said.
Shinhan Bank to open in Manila
Shinhan Bank, one of the leading banks in Korea, is set to open a branch in Manila this September, having gained the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The impending entrance in the Philippines is part Shinhan’s efforts to aggressively expand its business overseas. Shinhan has long been eyeing the Philippine banking industry for several years, having also dispatched a regional specialist in 2011 for market research. In July last year, President Benigno Aquino III signed the Republic Act 10641, allowing
the full entry of foreign banks in the Philippines. Following the lifting of restrictions, Shinhan was able to quickly attain the license to operate with a few more procedures left to complete. Shinhan Bank was established in 1897, then as Hanseong Bank and has now set its sights to opening branches in Indonesia and Mexico. It currently has 16 branches around the globe.
ing investment, transport and power infrastracture and education and labor. Arangkada Philippines was launched in 2010 as an
advocacy of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) to increase investment and employment in the Philippines by September 2016.
Korean Wind Tower System to rise in the Philippines
President Benigno Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna to Ambassador LEE Hyuk during the latter’s farewell call to Malacañang Palace.
Odin Energy, a Korean firm known for its utilization of wind as a renewable energy, has entered into a partnership with the National Power Corporation (NPC) of the Philippines for the installation of wind power generation facility in the Philippines. The signing ceremony was held last March 10, with President BAEK Young-mi of Odin Energy and Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita of NPC signing for both parties. Odin Energy is set to install wind power generation facility in
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one of the missionary areas in the country. This will also be a pilot project for the Korean company in the Philippines, costing an estimated $2-million. NPC, for its part, will be providing the project site and documentary requirements. NPC is currently looking into three possible sites, namely the Lubang Island in Mindoro, Polillo Island in Quezon and Ticao Island in Masbate. Construction for the wind towers is slated to begin in May 2015.
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National Assembly Speaker meets PHL president, House Speaker
Korean National Assembly Speaker CHUNG Ui-hwa with President Benigno Aquino III (top) and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte (bottom) during his visit to the Philippines last March. (Photo sources: Malacañang Photo Bureau and http://korea.assembly.go.kr/)
A delegation of the National Assembly of Korea, led by Speaker CHUNG Ui-hwa, visited the Philippines last March 15-17, meeting with President Benigno Aquino III, Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. During his visit, Speaker CHUNG requested the Philippines to strengthen the protection measures for Korean residents in the Philippines, and exchanged opinions on the current issues between the two countries and ways to bolster the inter-parliamentary cooperation with Philippine leaders. The National Assembly delegation also discussed how to strengthen bilateral cooperation, later adopting a resolution on amicable partnership between the two countries. Speaker CHUNG and his delegation also sat in on a plenary session of the House of Representatives. During their discussion, Speaker Chung expressed gratitude to his counterpart for making time for the Korean delegation despite the House’s busy schedule with the plenary session.
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Noting that over 80 thousand Koreans currently live in the Philippines, he stressed that when a pending immigration reform bill is passed by the parliament, these Koreans will enjoy more secure living conditions. For his part, Speaker Belmonte stressed that Koreans represent the single largest nationality of tourists to the Philippines, and that many Korean nationals live in the country. He also said that the immigration reform bill is in the final stage before enactment, and he expected it to be signed soon by the parliament. The new act will help make immigrants’ lives more convenient compared with the original 1941 law, he added. Speaker CHUNG was accompanied by the National Assembly members PARK Dae-Dong, CHUN Soon-Ok, PARK Hae-Ja, PARK SeongHo, PARK Kwang-On, YI Wan-Young, and YUN Jae-Ok. His visit was made four years after then Speaker of National Assembly PARK Hee-Tae’s official visit to the Philippines in 2011.
PHL govt convenes meeting for security of Korean nationals The Philippine government recently convened a security meeting between its Local Interior Department, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of National Defense (DND) last March 20 at Camp Aguinaldo to discuss how to further strengthen its measures on ensuring the safety of the Korean nationals in the Philippines. The meeting, led by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, was in line with the government’s efforts at addressing the security concerns of foreigners in the country, especially the Korean nationals. In the same meeting, PNP PNP CSupt. Ericson Velasquez enumerated the measures that
his office has undertaken to address the security concerns of the Korean nationals in the country. Sec. Roxas said that President Aquino III “values very much the close relations the country has with Korea.” PNP has earlier created a Korean desk to monitor cases involving Korean nations. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador LEE Hyuk, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez and AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang.
New Ambassador KIM Jae-shin assumes position T h e new Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, KIM Jae-shin, arrived in the country last April to assume to position previously filled by LEE Hyuk for almost two years. Prior to his assignment to the Philippines, he served as an ambassador to Germany and in 2010, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Affairs (MOFA). “Recently there have been some notable achievements in the defense industry, development assistance, personal interchange, and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea,” Ambassador KIM said in his message to the Filipinos, “Therefore, the comprehensive partnership has been intensified and advanced. Korea and the Philippines have become close neighbors, especially in 2014
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when over 1.6 million personal interchanges were accomplished and as it turns out, over 10,000 Filipino international marriage immigrants are now living in Korea.” He ensured that the Embassy will continue its efforts to deepen and develop the relations between Korea and the Philippines, as well as ensuring the safety of the Korean nationals in the country. Ambassador KIM graduated from the Korea University with a BA degree in Political Science and International Relations. He joined the diplomatic service in 1980, and served in Myanmar, Japan, the United States and China. For MOFA, he worked for the Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau and the Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau. Ambassador KIM also served as Senior Assistant Secretary for the National Security Council, and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Office of the President. He was awarded the Order Service of Merit (Red Stripes) in 2008.
art & culture
4th Phil-Korea Contemporary Arts Exchange Exhibit opens; highlights utopia The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines launched the 4th Philippines-Korea Contemporary Arts Exchange Exhibit, entitled ‘Somewhere Out There’ last February 27. The exhibit features the works of Filipino artists Christopher Zamora, Eric de Leon Zamuco and Lyra Garcellano and of the Korean artists An Gyung Su, An Se Eun, Hong Soun and Jung Jae Ho; and expresses the respective stories of the artists on the ideal world, utopia and happiness which might exist somewhere else and which they have vaguely yearned for. The works also highlights the artists’ varied views on life goals and the achievement of happiness which everyone is pursuing, relevant to his background, experience and socio-cultural environment. In addition, Somewhere Out There is aimed at exploring the
emerging styles of contemporary art both in the Philippines and Korea. HONG Soun, one of the Korean participating artists elaborates, “Historically, the Korean Contemporary Art underwent a complicated transition between traditional art and the avant-garde, resulting in a distinct and unique Korean artistic expression. The Korean Contemporary Art has developed a sense of awareness of its own history and culture, and has the potential to lead its own future.” The artistic tendencies of the Philippine Contemporary Art, on the other hand, are evolving forms of expression based on freedom and intelligence. The modern Filipino artists freely explore their own culture, and try to grasp the essence and beauty from what they have experienced. Their
Registration for new KCC term set to open
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is set to open its registration for the second term of classes for the year 2015, with new schedules and class offerings. The online registration will run from May 15 to 23, on a first-come, first-served basis and classes will begin on May 25 and is set to run until August 15, from Mondays to Thursdays.
efforts tell a deeper message which the audience has missed, giving them the opportunity to rethink the present and reflect on the future. In his speech, Ambassador LEE Hyuk said, “In keeping with the theme of this exhibit, I am confident that “somewhere out there,” in the future, there will be between our countries more exchanges – cultural or otherwise – that will further strengthen the bonds among people bound by history, tradition, and values. I am optimistic that the works shared by our
artists today will evoke in each beholder a feeling of healthy expectation for a better world.” The 4th Philippines-Korea Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibit is one of the flagship projects of the Korean Cultural Center, initially launched in 2011 as an experimental exchange project. Now held annually, this exhibit is aimed at expanding the exchanges between Korea and the Philippines in the field of culture and the arts. The exhibit runs until May 27. Admission is free.
KCC to celebrate Children’s Day
Additional advanced language classes will also be scheduled on Saturdays to accommodate a bigger number of students seeking to advance their knowledge on the the Korean language. The culture classes, on the other hand, include cooking, dance class, samulnori, basic gayageum class, taekwondo. The first term ended with a graduation recital last April 25.
In celebration of the Children’s Day, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines will be holding a workshop for children on May 5 aimed at providing children experience a holistic view of Korean Culture through its language, traditions, history and food. Included in the program is the introduction of the Korean culture through the screening of Pororo, Korea’s iconic cartoon character. This will be followed by Korean name calligraphy, a basic Korean class consisting of greetings, a coloring activity and Korean games such as ddakji and tuho. Ddak-ji is a popular Korean children’s game, played with cardboard disks that resemble pogs. Tuho, on the other hand, is
a Korean traditional game usually played during Chuseok, or the Korean New Year. Players attempt to shoot rubber-tipped arrows in simple canisters from around ten paces away. The Korean holiday Children’s Day was popularized by influential intellectual figure BANG Jeong-hwan, following its conception by Korean students and social leaders of the March 1 Movement. It was originally agreed to celebrate Children’s Day on May 1, but having overlapped with the Labor Day holiday, it was eventually moved to May 5. In 1961, May 5 was officially designated as the Children’s Day after having been written in the constitution, together with the children’s welfare law. Nine years later, it was officially declared as a holiday.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is located at 2F Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634. It can be reached through landline no. 555-1711, or via email at info@koreanculture.ph. Visit its offficial website at koreanculture.ph
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