KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
JULY 2015
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
In the last three months since I arrived in Manila, I have gotten a clearer sense of purpose as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. Meeting many leading figures in the Philippines, from the government, political, business, and cultural fields, as well as local parents and communities, has given me a better picture of the present state of Philippine-Korea relations. As is well known, bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Korea blossomed after the Korean War. Sixty-five years later, I was privileged to witness the unveiling of the PEFTOK Historical Marker at the Philippines-Korea Friendship Center. The marker recognizes the role that the members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea played in our shared history. Another sector which is steadily growing is economic and trade relations. Initiatives of the Philippine government to improve the business climate, including ensuring fair trade and nurturing the manufacturing sector, are driving the Philippine economy forward. In the past few month alone, three events affirmed this state of affairs. First, the 2015 KoreaPhilippines Copyright Forum demonstrated earnest efforts to ensure that the creative works of both Filipinos and Koreans
would be protected against piracy or infringement. This is, of course, a tacit recognition of the fact that Hallyu continues to thrive in the Philippines. As more and more songs, movies, TV shows, beauty products, electronic gadgets, and home appliances flood into the Philippine consumer market, the safeguards put in place by the government become necessary. The forum, at the very least, raised public awareness on the importance of the copyright industry. Secondly, on the same day as the copyright forum, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Manila Bulletin and Maeil Business Newspaper. The signing of the MOU affirmed high public confidence in the economies of the Philippines and Korea. In the same breath, it set the tone for a balanced and credible reporting of developments that will have fiscal and financial implications on both nations. And third, in the first week of July, the University of Asia and the Pacific held a Lecture of Prominence as part of its Samsung Korean Studies Program. The topic, “The Future of Asia & Strategy of Korea: Pursuing Sustainable Growth & National Unification Through Global Partnership,” was very timely and well chosen, considering that the 21st century is believed by many to be the Asian Century. The guest lecturer, Dr. Jin Park, chair professor of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, delivered
a very informative talk while keeping in mind the regional tension and the impending integration of the ASEAN Community this coming December. To further ensure the stability of the economy, last July 22 saw the groundbreaking ceremony of the Angat Dam and Dyke Strengthening Project at Norzagaray, Bulacan. The project is being pushed amid apprehensions over the possible negative consequences of a strong earthquake that is predicted to hit the Philippines in the near future. While everyone is praying that the country will be spared, it is better to be prepared. It is this level of confidence and preparedness that is making Philippine-Korea relations deeper and stronger. Coupled with President Aquino’s Daang Matuwid, or Straight Path, trade volume is expected to rise, all because of a fair and vibrant economic environment. In the area of cultural exchange, I am happy to note that the Korean Cultural Center has been up to the task of promoting closeness through exposure to the traditions of Korea. In June, for example, KCC was host to the Old & New Art Exhibition. The event showcased the talent of six Korean artists who are very active in the art scene. The exhibit was their way of spreading their vision to rest of the world. In addition, at the height of the MERS-CoV crisis in May
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and June, I met with Health Secretary Janette Garin and fully explained how the Korean government was dealing with the situation. We reached a common understanding that the Korean Government can absolutely control the virus. Now, with the situation terminated, the dynamic people-to-people exchange between the two countries can continue to flourish. Finally, even in the area of law and order, cooperation among the pertinent law enforcement agencies of both countries has yielded positive results. In the most recent Joint Consultative Meeting, the safety and security of Koreans in the Philippines was again emphasized. Collaborative efforts, including greater police visibility and the Koreans’ Volunteer Joint Patrol have led to the prevention, and early detection and resolution of crimes against Koreans who continue to visit the Philippines either as tourists or as immigrants. The consultative meeting served to keep the Korean Embassy as well as the local law enforcement offices aware of developments in their combined efforts against criminality. With these very encouraging developments in many aspects of Philippine-Korea relations, I am confident that the ties that bind our nations and our peoples will endure and become even stronger in the years to come.
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Ambassador KIM presents his letter of credentials to President Aquino
President Benigno Aquino III receives the letter of credentials of newly appointed Korean Embassy Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin.
Newly appointed Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines KIM Jae-Shin paid a courtesy call and presented his Letter of Credentials to President Aquino last June 8 at Malacanang Palace. President Aquino welcomed Ambassador KIM’s appointment to the Philippines and requested for his valuable contribution in enhancing the bilateral relationship in various fields such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. For his part, Ambassador KIM expressed his pleasure for having been appointed as Ambassador to the Philippines. He promised to put his utmost effort to further develop the bilateral relationship in every sector, political and economic affairs, and culture, which would positively contribute to the two countries. He also expressed his gratitude for President Aquino’s particular concerns regarding the safety
and interest of Korean tourists and residents in the Philippines. In response, President Aquino promised to continue its projects for the security support of Koreans residing in the Philippines. Currently, Philippine National Police has established a Korea Desk, which provides the necessary safety and security support for Koreans. Moreover, Ambassador KIM requested for President Aquino’s attention to the current problems that Korean investors and businessmen face in country. President Aquino recognized the importance of Korea-Philippine economic and trade relations and assured his active cooperation in improving activities of Korean firms in the Philippines. During the ceremony, President Aqunino was assisted by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura del Rosario, Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol Evelyn Austria Garcia, and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.
2015 Korea-Philippines Copyright Forum held
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Korea Copyright Commission (KCC) together with the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) held the 2015 Korea-Philippines Copyright Forum last June 28 at F1 Hotel in Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig City. Korea and Philippines has been joining forces since 2011 in promoting the copyright awareness and protection in both countries. “Copyright laws are vital in this age of information and we are thankful that the Philippine Government is active in the fight against piracy”, said Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin. Ambassador KIM also noted the popularity of Korean Pop-culture in the Philippines has been made more popular to the Filpinos through the use of internet.
This year’s forum focused on the fair use of copyrightable works and covered three areas of copyright Fair Use. JUNG Hyun-Wook of MCST and Atty. Mark Herrin of IPOPHL shared the current enforcement status of fair use in copyright in Korea and the Philippines, respectively. PAE Soohyun of Creative Commons and Atty. JJ Disini of the University of the Philippines College of Law discussed the use of copyright works in the digital environment. Lastly, LEE Chul Nam of Chungnam University and Atty. Aileen Sicat of the Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law talked about the current activation plan for use of copyright in the digital era. The Forum was attended by copyright stakeholders, law firms, the academe, and members of the Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSO).
Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin delivers his congratulatory address during the 2015 Korea-Philippines Copyright Forum at F1 Hotel in Taguig City. (Photo: http://www.ipophil.gov.ph
UA&P’s Samsung Korean Program holds 2015 Lecture of Prominence The University of Asia &Pacific (UA&P) Samsung Korean Studies Program held the 2015 Lecture of Prominence last July 8 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. The lecture aims to promote the study and understanding of Korean Programs among the academe, government leaders, policymakers, and the diplomatic corps in the Philippines. Sponsored by the Academy of Korean Studies, Dr. PARK Jin, a Global Fellow at the Woodrow
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Wilson International Center for Scholars, whose lecture was entitled “Future of Asia and Strategy of Korea: Pursuing Sustainable Growth and National Unification through Global Partnership” called for the enhancement of Korean ties with other countries and the unification of South and North Korea in an effort to stimulate economic growth and to strengthen Korea’s position in the Asian region. “Korea of 2015 needs a grand design for charting its future
course,” said PARK. “We must strengthen our cooperation with advanced economies such as the US and Europe in politics, economy and security. At the same time, we must also lead sustainable growth and reunification of the Korean peninsula on the basis of peace and stability and regional integration in the 21st- century Asia.” A Chair Professor at the Graduate School of International and Area Studies of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, PARK is the former Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Unification Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, and the
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President of Asia Future Institute, an independent policy think-tank that conducts research on the future development of Asia and promotes Korea’s role in the region. His lecture was followed by a discussion and open forum moderated by Dr. Abigail De Leon, Vice-Dean of the UA&P School of Law & Governance, with Dr. Cleo Calimbahin, Philippine Executive Director of Transparency International, and Dr. Fernando Aldaba, Dean of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Social Sciences. Among the attendees was Korean Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin.
Manila Bulletin signs MOU with Maeil Business Newspaper The Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Maeil Business Newspaper last June 24, 2015. The MOU aims to provide an overall cooperation with both parties, particularly on the exchange of articles and information. Former South Korean Prime Minister Dr. CHANG DaeWhan, currently chairman of the Maekyung Media Group, which includes the Maeil Business Newspaper and Maeil Broadcasting Network (MBN), signed the
MOU with Manila Bulletin Chairman Basilio Yap. The signing was witnessed by Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. and Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin of the Republic of Korea. “This is a milestone that will not only enhance cooperation in media, it will also deepen the understanding between two peoples,” said Ambassador Kim. In his speech, Dr. CHANG said the MOU should be focused to improve reportage in both countries.
Ambassador KIM attends PEFTOK Historical Marker inauguration Korean Ambassador to the Philippines KIM Jae-Shin lauded the 7,420 man of Philippine Expedition Force to Korea (PEFTOK) who fought during the Korean War, saying the Filipino combat troops “preserved the freedom of my people.” Ambassador KIM made the statement during the 65th anniversary of the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces last June 28 at the Philippines-Korea Friendship Center in Taguig City. Ambassador KIM0 also said that the bravery of the Filipino soldiers during the Korean War will never be forgotten by the Korean government. The Korean War lasted for three years from 1950 to July 1953, but armed stalemate continues at the 38th Parallel between the two countries. The Philippines was the first allied country that sent combat troops to Korea on Sept. 19, 1950 and was composed of five Battalion Combat Teams (BCT).
Capt. Conrado Yap was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest military award given by Armed Forces of the Philippines, for his gallantry and intrepidity during the Battle of Yultong. The Battle of Yultong was a battle between the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army 44th Division and the Filipino 10th Battalion Combat Team, north of Yeoncheon. The Filipino BCT was part of the United States’ 65th Infantry Regiment, which was trapped at the Yultong. Another decorated PEFTOK officer was former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos who successfully led his troops in the capture of the strategic Eerie Hill after a daylong gun battle. The event was attended by defense and military officials from both countries and surviving PEFTOK veterans. It coincided with the inauguration of the historical marker containing the names of the 112 Filipino soldiers killed during the war.
[From left:] Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma, Dr. CHANG Dae-Whan, Maeil Business Newspaper Chairman, and Manila Bulletin Chairman Basilio C. Yap, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines KIM Jae-Shin, and Manila Bulletin Vice Chairman Dr. Emilio Cheng Yap III. (Photo by Linus Guardian Escandor II)
“I hope this strategic partnership will be lucrative for both companies for a brighter future together,” he added.
Yap, chairman of Manila Bulletin, describes the partnership between the two media as “the beginning of a new era.”
K-Water, SMC seal partnership for Angat Dam rehab
Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) signed a partnership agreement to begin the rehabilitation of the 218-megawatt Angat hydroelectric power plant in Bulacan. SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang went to Korea to formalize the signing of the partnership. It was reported that SMC would take a 60-percent stake in the joint venture. Last year, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) closed the sale of the power plant to K-Water. On April 28, 2010 K-Water topped the bidding for Angat Dam rehabilitation project with its bid of $441 million but the Supreme Court issued a sus-
pension order of the asset sale following a complaint filed by petitioners which questioned the legality of PSALM’s conduct of bidding. The Supreme Court later on upheld the legality of the bidding process and the issuance of a notice of award to K-Water on 2012. Under the Angat operation and maintenance contract, K-Water will provide the mandatory rehabilitation activities to make the dam and its related facilities conform to international standards. Angat Dam currently supplies about 90 percent of Metro Manila’s domestic water needs, is in danger of breaking down if an earthquake hits as the dam sits along the Marikina West Valley fault.
KAC, KRC to sponsor flights of 50 multicultural Families to the Philippines The Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) and the Korea Red Cross (KRC) will be giving free air tickets to the Philippines to selected 50 multicultural families of mixed Filipino-Korean heritage. This project is part on an eight-year program of both organizations to create better appreciation for the home countries of the Filipinos married to Korean residents. KAC President KIM SeokKi said that both organizations worked closely together to pro-
vide the trip for selected Filipino marriage migrants and their families to the Philippines. He also hoped that this project would provide an opportunity for the marriage migrants to reconnect with their families and for their Korean spouses and children to gain a wider understanding of the Philippine culture. KRC Vice President KIM Seon-Hyang ensured that the organization will continue to ensure the settlement of multicultural families in Korea.
Photo by: Philippine Veterans Affairs Office
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Korean Competitions set to test Filipinos’ knowledge of Korean Culture
The Korean Cultural Center hosted several competitions that highlighted and tested the knowledge of the Filipinos on Korean culture last July. 2015 Korean Speech Contest A third year BA Linguistics Student from University of the Philippines Diliman won first place in 2015 Korean Speech Contest held last July 4 at TESDA Headquarters in Taguig City. Maria Concepcion Loren Chua’s speech, “Fell for Korean’s Charm”, centered on her memorable experiences in Korea while learning the foreign language. According to Chua, her immersion in Korean culture made her fall in love with the country. Chua, who bested the 10 other participants from Manila, Cebu, IloIlo and Davao, won a Jeju Island tour for two, courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization, and 30, 000 pesos. Jannin Alegado from Cebu placed second and placing third was Angeli Marie-Baclea-an from Tacloban City. 2015 Pop Quiz Korea An English tutor from Bulacan
won the grand prize in this year’s Pop Quiz Korea. Alodia Soriano, who beat the other 46 contestants, won P20, 000 in cash including P3, 000 worth of gift certificates and a round-trip ticket from the Philippines to South Korea. The 2015 Pop Quiz Korea was aimed to test the knowledge of Korean culture enthusiasts onstage. Patterned after Korea’s Golden Bell Quiz, the contest was divided into three rounds and included questions about Korean culture, the Korean Wave and basic facts about the country. 2015 Taste of Korea With her version of the Korean staple food Bulgogi-bibimbap, Lolita Garcia will be competing in Korea this coming August after besting 27 other competitors in the Philippine round of Taste of Korea competition held last July 25 at the Lyceum Culinary Institute in Manila. The 2015 Taste of Korea is a Korean cooking competition held by the Korean Cultural Center that tested the Filipinos on Korean cuisine. The entries varied from traditionally-done to fusion dishes.
art & culture
KCC opens mid-year exhibit “Old & New”
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines launched its second art exhibition for this year, entitled ‘Old & New’ last June 26. The exhibit features the works of six Korean artists active in the art scene both in Korea and abroad. KWON O-Shin, KWON O-Yeol, SONG Yoo-Rim, YOON Jung-Mi, LEE Jung-Eun and LEE Joo-Un artworks features a broad range of art media, including installation art, painting, illustration and photography depicting different interpretations on the recurring theme of the polarity of time: the past and the present, the old and the new, yesterday and today. In his speech, Ambassador KIM
Jae Shin said, “Today’s exhibition aims to share Korean modern art with [our] Filipino friends. From the theme of the exhibition “Old and New, I presume their works are inspired by their old good memory or event and dreams for the future.” The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines normally holds art exhibitions every year. Last February, the center showcased the works of Filipino and Korean artists at 4th Philippines-Korea Contemporary Arts Exchange Exhibit entitled ‘Somewhere Out There’ The ‘Old & New’ exhibit runs from June 26 to September 25. Admission is free.
KCC is looking for the next Pinoy K-Pop Star
Pinoy K-Pop Star
42nd TOPIK examinations set The Korean Cultural Center will be holding the 42nd Test of Proficiency on Korean (TOPIK) examinations on October 18, 2015. TOPIK, a Korean language test both for foreigners and overseas Koreans studying Korean, is generally used as a measure of proficiency in the said language by those whose native language is not
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Korean. On the other hand, the EPSTOPIK (Employment Permit System), administered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), is for the employment of the skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. The test results will be released on Novermber 27.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is looking for talented Filipino singers and dancers to compete in the 2015 K-Pop Star on August15 at SM Mall of Asia Center Stage.. The event is comprised of two separate competitions from Korea, namely the 2015 KPOP World Festival, as well as the 2015 KPOP Festival. KCC is inviting singers and
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cover dance groups to submit their audition videos to KCC (for the singing category) and KPOP Festival’s official website (Cover Dance Group category) on or before July31. Announcement of the finalists will be made on August 5. The winner will get a chance to compete in Korea together with the other regional winners of the competition.