KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
DECEMBER 2019
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
In this season of joy, peace, and good tidings, there is much to be grateful for in this platinum jubilee year of KoreaPhilippines relations. Since 3 March 1949, when the Philippines became the first ASEAN country to recognize the Republic of Korea as a sovereign state, the relationship between our two countries has expanded to various areas of cooperation. This was underscored this year with the establishment of the Philippine Korea Society (PKS) on 7 November. The PKS was conceived last year to stimulate and coordinate Korea-related activities in the Philippines, spread knowledge and information about Korea to the Filipino public, and promote people-to-people exchange and friendship between the Philippines and Korea. More importantly, President Duterte had the opportunity to once again talk with President Moon Jae-in during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 2019 ASEANRepublic of Korea Commemorative Summit held in Busan from 25-26 November in cele-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
bration of the 30th anniversary of the Korea-ASEAN dialogue partnership. The summit produced four agreements and a joint statement on a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. The agreement on social security would benefit thousands of Filipinos working in Korea, while the education cooperation package is expected to satisfy the demand of Filipinos who want to learn about Korea’s language and culture and to expand existing education facilities. On the other hand, the fisheries deal would enable the Philippines to use Korean technology to develop its fishery resources. Recognizing that Koreans comprise the largest group of tourists in the Philippines, with around 1.6 visitors in 2018, the implementation program on tourism cooperation seeks to introduce joint programs and activities that will bolster twoway tourism promotion and align tourism efforts between the two countries. Even as the achievements of the summit are something
Philippine-Korea Society officially launched Korea provides P5M Humanitarian Aid for Mindanao Earthquake Relief Operations
to be proud of, the 70th anniversary of Korea-Philippine relations is perhaps a greater source of pride because it merges the milestones reached by both countries with the abundant expectations that the future holds. In celebrating this friendship that is seven decades old, many activities were held involving Filipinos as well as the Korean community, such as a Peace Concert last May and a Friendship Parade in June. To highlight the vibrant bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines, consistent with the Duterte administration’s development plans, the Korea Importers Association conducted an import mission last July with the end in view of establishing trade balance by narrowing the gap between export and import levels. Riding on the confidence generated by the government’s Build, Build, Build program, an Infrastructure Forum was held in September to discover how Korean companies can collaborate with Philippine stakeholders on future pro-
jects. In the same month, the Korea International Cooperation Agency launched a Project for E-invoicing to support the tax reform program of the government. These initiatives will further gain momentum once the FTA is finally concluded, hopefully by early 2020. The joint statement on the FTA during the November summit highlighted the two countries’ resolve to pursue a trade deal. The removal of tariffs and nontariff barriers under the FTA should promote greater economic cooperation between Korea and the Philippines. As this year of celebration comes to a close, another milestone year arises. 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. This was the momentous time when the friendship between the Philippines and Korea was solidified through the bravery and selfless sacrifice of more than 7,000 Filipino soldiers who fought under the United Nations Command to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of the Republic of Korea.
Embassy organizes traditional and contemporary artworks exhibition
Korean Embassy Celebrates its National and Armed Forces Day
‘Korea Town’ to rise soon in Manila
Embassy hosts FilipinoKorean fusion dinner with Chef Jang Jin-mo
KOREA BULLETIN
1
Philippine-Korea Society launched
... Ambassador’s Desk For almost 70 years, defense cooperation between Korea and the Philippines has remained strong and consistent. Just recently, representatives of both countries signed a contract to upgrade the combat management systems, electronic support and sonar capability of the frigates that form part of the AFP’s Modernization Program.
lasting peace will finally be achieved not only in Muslim Mindanao but also in the Korean Peninsula, and that 2020 will be another good year for all Koreans and Filipinos all over the world. Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon po sa inyong lahat!
And just as the Yuletide is also a season of hope, I hope that the friendship between out nations and our peoples will endure far into the future, that
Embassy hosts Filipino-Korean fusion dinner with Chef Jang Jin-mo
Still in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Korea, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines along with Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, hosted a culinary collaboration led by Korean Chef Jang Jin-mo titled ‘A TASTE OF KOREA’S FINEST’ at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Manila on October 30, 2019. Hosted by Sam Oh, the event welcomed over 100 distinguished guests, including Ambassador Han dong-man, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. National Security Adviser Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, House Committee on Foreign Relations Representative Congresswoman Ann Hofer, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno,
2
Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, Philippine Airforce Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Inspector General Lt.Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim, as well as, Korean embassy officials, local government officials, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar and Film Development Council of the Philippines’ chairperson Liza Diño, and major figures and personas in the diplomatic corps of the Philippines and other VIPs. Ambassador HAN, during his opening remarks, reiterated how much food has always been a primary binding element for Philippines and Korea, apart from K-Pop and K-Drama. Korean Chef Jang Jin-mo’s
To further elevate the diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Embassy with the help of SGV & Co. and University of the Philippines officially launched the Philippines-Korea Society (PKS) last November. Key officials from the Philippine government, former ambassadors, experts in international relations, and members of the business and academic community attended the launch and special seminar that coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. “Korea and the Philippines are friends and have always been,” shares Korean
Ambassador to the Philippines HAN Dong-Man in his speech. Truly, for seven decades, the bond between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea remains solid, strong and growing. “The Philippines is a very close partner to Korea,” he adds. Discussed during the launch and special seminar are updates about the continued strengthening of the economic, diplomatic, and academic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. The event likewise set the tone for the 2019 ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, which was held in Busan from November 25 to 26. (GMA News).
(Ambassador HAN Dong-man (third from right) together with the delegates who formally launched the Philippines Korea Society.
(Ambassador HAN Dong-man (left) with Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon)
exquisite five-course dinner banquet and the grand reveal of his open kitchen stood out as the night’s highlight. Chef Jin-mo explained that he especially made it a point to fuse the Korean style recipes with Filipino ingredients in order to commemorate the 70 harmonious years of friendship between Philippines and Korea. But more than the delectable food , the event emphasized the inseparable link between the two countries through the years.
KOREA BULLETIN
(Chef JANG Jin-mo)
Korea Provides P5M Humanitarian Aid for Mindanao Earthquake Relief Operations
Korean Embassy Celebrates its National and Armed Forces Day
(Ambassador HAN Dong-man (left) with Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon)
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Embassy donated US$100,000 (around Php5 million) as humanitarian aid to assist in the relief and recovery operations in communities affected by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Mindanao last October 16, 2019. H.E. Ambassador HAN Dongman expressed this intention during a meeting with Senator Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on October 23, 2019 at the PRC Tower in Mandaluyong City.
Ambassador HAN extended to Chairman Gordon his deep sympathies to the Philippines and the communities affected by the earthquake and expressed his optimism on the swift recovery from this tragedy. The Korean Government is committed to providing the necessary assistance to the Philippines in this time of need. We hope that this donation will further contribute to the strengthening of the friendship between Korea and the Philippines especially as 2019 is the 70th anniversary of Korea-Philippines bilateral relations.
‘Korea Town’ to rise soon in Manila
Photo from ABS-CBN News
H.E. Ambassador HAN Dong-man bares plans for the development of a Korea Town in Manila. “There are a lot of Korean restaurants and many Korean tourists visited there. With Manila City, we are envisioning to make that area, Malate area, as Korea Town,” HAN said during “The Virtual Presser” hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Global Media Affairs recently. Ambassador HAN added that he already met Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and has
asked for his support for the proposed Korea Town. “I asked also him to lend his full support,” He said. There is no timeline yet for the development of the proposed Korea Town in Malate, but Han said they are already working on it. According to him, about 1.6 million Korean tourists visited the Philippines in 2018. He said he promised President Rodrigo Duterte that he will increase this number to 2 million during his term as ambassador.
Ambassador HAN Dong-man during the ceremonial toast during the National Day reception last October 8.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines celebrated its National and Armed Forces Day last October 8 at the Shangri-la, Makati City. Ambassador HAN Dong-man welcomed 700 guests from the diplomatic corps, as well as Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. Han emphasized that mutual exchange between the two countries has been progressing across politics, economy, culture and tourism. “The diplomatic relationship between Philippines and Korea is already 70 Years now. Strong trade relationship, business partnership and collaboration will continue even in the next 70 years,” said Ambassador HAN. He noted that Korean visitors
in the Philippines reached 1.6 million, while more than half a million Filipino tourists went to Korea last year owing to the growing popularity of K-pop, Korean drama, cosmetics, food and other consumer products among Filipinos. “I believe we have a common understanding that maintaining and strengthening the friendship between Filipinos and Koreans will further contribute to regional peace and stability, which in turn will lead to coprosperity,” said Han.
AMBASSADOR’S ACTIVITIES
On September 5, Ambassador Han attended the “Interdisciplinary Seminar-Workshop for Filipino High School Educators” sponsored by Korea Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippiens, and gave a lecture on the bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines as well as the current support programs run by the embassy to assist Korean Studies Programs in the Philipines. Also, a booklet entitled “A Glimpse into Contemporary Korea” edited and published by the collaboration of the Korean Embassy and UP Korean Research Center was distributed to the Philippine educators who attended the workshop
KOREA BULLETIN
3
art & culture
2019 Korean Film Festival
(From left: KCC director LEE Jincheol, Korean programmer Maeng Soo-jin, Busan International Film Festival Asian Film Market Steering Committee Director Cha Seung Jae, 2019 KFF opening film Microhabitat director Jeon Go-woon)
Korean Cultural Center (KCC)has teamed up with Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) to open the annual Korean Film Festival last November. The festival, which had the theme “sailing beyond together,” kicked off in Manila at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier last November 6, with the comedy-drama film “Microhabitat”. JEON Go-woon, the director of the film, alsograce the opening night with a Special Director’s Talk. After the opening night, KFF ran
at SM City Fairview in Manila, as well as, seven cities namely Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Olongapo, Clark, and Cavite Other films included in the festival are ‘Miss Granny,’ ‘Little Forest,’ ‘Architecture 101,’ ‘House of Us,’ ‘House of Humming Bird,’ and ‘Parasite.’ To wrap up the annual festival for the cineastes, an insightful Cinema Forum happened on November 8 at the UPFI Media Center and was attended by filmmakers FDCP Lead Officer of International Relations Jo Andrew Torlao and award-winning film, John
Over 80 Korean artists join forces for traditional and contemporary exhibition
Two art exhibitions were mounted by the Korean Cultural Center and the Embassy of Republic of Korea that had over 80 artists participating in as part of the art and cultural festivities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Philippine and Korean bilateral relations and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. The Korean Life Aesthetics exhibit opened on November 14, while the the Korean Contemporary Artists Association Exhibition launched on November 28. Both exhibitions are housed by the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and will be running until January 31, 2020 and February 28, 2020, respectively. Set in a hanok or a Korean traditional house, the firsts exhibit features contemporary design and crafts in the form of furniture and household objects that mirror Korean Aesthetics. The second multimedia exhibition, meanwhile, is aimed at examining the current state of oriental art by
4
(An exhibit at Korean Life Aesthetics (left), an art piece at the Korean Contemporary Artists Association Exhibition (inset) means of fine arts such as paintings, sculptures and installations. Other than showcasing their artistry, the participating artists are hoping that their artworks would inspire local artists to constantly pursue challenging and experimental art while retaining their culture and heritage. This approach will not only continue the good relationship and the cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea, it will also foster and create a new visual language—one that can be a huge milestone for both countries.
FDCP Lead Officer of International Relations Jo Andrew Torlao and award-winning film, John Denver producers Sonny Calvento and Sheron Dayoc
Denver producers Sonny Calvento and Sheron Dayoc and Busan International Film Festival Asian Film Market Steering Committee Director Cha Seung Jae, 2019 KFF opening film Microhabitat director Jeon Go-woon and Korean programmer Maeng Soo-jin. All films are with English subtitles. Admission is free on a first-come, first served basis.
‘Guerilla K-Night’ returns bigger and better this 2019
Hundreds of eager fans, Korean culture supporters, and music and performance enthusiasts came to the final event of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines that officially marked the ending of the yearlong celebration of the 70th anniversary of the strong friendship between Korea and the Philippines. The Guerilla K-Night, also known as the Korean Culture Day, which happened last December 7 at the ShangriLa Mall, became a perfect arena for cultural exchange as Filipino and Korean performers exhibited their talents. The true highlight of the event are the world-class performances showcasing the artistry of Filipino performers namely Teenage, Mix’in, Yara, together with local independent bands Kremesoda and Any Name’s Okay, as well as the Filipino idol group SB19. Korean independent synth pop band, We Are The Night’s spot earned a lot of cheers as well, as they brought chill and island-vibe songs into the fore as
KOREA BULLETIN
the final performers. In keeping with the holiday mood, the event ended with a festive collaboration number of all the artists to the tune of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Event-goers visited the various booths such as KCC, Nature Republic, K-Movies Channel, AsiaNovela Channel, Philippine K-Pop Convention, Hanbok Palace and NCat. The Filipinos were also treated with a one-of-akind K-Pop dance and VR experience through the K-Pop Dance Revolution and Dojagi AR/VR Hallyu contents booths, both of which especially flew into the country to give the audience a remarkable experience, together with Talk Talk Korea, the latest global contest of Korea-related content. As the year wraps up on a high note, KCC is looking forward to pushing the envelope further in terms of promoting traditional and alternative culture, collaborating with local agencies and talents, and exploring other facets of the Korean culture next year.