November 2015 Korea Bulletin

KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea

FROM

THE

NOVEMBER 2015

AMBASSADOR‘S

DESK

KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary

I wish to congratulate the Korean Cultural Center on the publication of this latest Korea Bulletin.

The KCC has also been busy this October with the Film Festival and the Filipino-Korean Cultural Exchange Festival.

These events showcased the richness of Korean culture and how some of its elements – like film, traditional music, and KPop song and dance – connect with Filipinos.

The influence of Korean culture on Philippine society is so pervasive that it has, in fact, found its way to the academe.

Last October 23, during the 2nd AIKS Korean Studies Conference at the Ateneo de Manila University, I praised the Ateneo Initiative for Korean Studies program for providing Korean culture with another pathway to Filipino society. Consequently, it will help to further deepen Philippine-Korean relations.

This relationship, rooted as it is in a shared history that goes back 65 years to the Korean

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2015 Korean CSR Awards Night held

War, has facilitated the expansion of bilateral trade between the two countries. Now, even with hundreds of Korean companies operating in the Philippines, more investors are coming to be a part of the country’s phenomenal economic growth.

With the help of the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines, in events such as the KCCP Networking Night held last August 8, Korean businessmen are able to establish stronger connections with their Filipino counterparts and key government officials.

The Korean CSR Awards held in September should further motivate these firms to expand their enterprise as the government adopts means and ways to ease the way of doing business in the Philippines.

As further proof of maturing ties between the two countries, the Philippine and Korean Coast Guards conducted joint exercises in Manila from September 8-10. The combined activities showed the importance

of cooperation even in the area of maritime security, and in enhancing capacities for conducting search and rescue operations.

And speaking of security, representatives of the Foreign Law Enforcement Community in the Philippines had their 7th Meeting/Fellowship last October 1. Such gatherings are vital when there are about 90,000 Koreans who reside in the Philippines, and more than a million tourists visiting each year. Their safety and security are matters of serious concern for the Korean Embassy in the Philippines.

Another significant area is international cooperation. Last August 18, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) launched the “Integrated, equity focused service delivery for accelerated improvement of Maternal and Newborn Health Project.” It is a three-year joint project with the World Health Organization, the Department of Health, and the local govern-

ment of Davao. At the launch, I expressed hope that this undertaking will reach such level as to stimulate the expansion of similar projects to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, while promoting a deeper friendship between Korea and the Philippines.

The highlight of the previous quarter was the commemoration of Korea National Foundation Day last October 6, which actually falls on October 3. It was a night of togetherness, a moment where Korea, through its Embassy, celebrated friendly relations with other countries, notably the Philippines.

I am hopeful that this partnership will be further strengthened when H.E. President Park Geun-Hye comes to the Philippines to attend the APEC Summit Meeting this month.

Finally, in keeping with the long Yuletide celebration in the Philippines, I would like everyone – Filipinos and Koreans – to have a very Merry Christmas.

Korea Defense Minister Visits PH

Philippines, Korea celebrate friendship through Cultural Exchange Festival

KOICA,WHO, DOH launch “ACCESS for MNH project” in Davao

2015 Korean Film Festival wraps up in Manila

Ateneo hosts 2nd AIKS Korean Studies Conference

2015 Korea National Day and Armed Forces Day KTO holds 2015 Korea Travel Mart PH

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KCC launches “Graceful and Lovely: Fascination of Hanbok” exhibit

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2015 Korean CSR Awards Night held

With the theme, “Together, We Can Do It,” the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP), and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) held the 2015 Korean CSR Awards Ceremony last September 29 at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

KANG Jikyeong.

During the event, the Korean Embassy recognized 11 Korean companies in the Philippines for implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, particularly in the areas of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, local community development, and harmonious labor and industrial relations between employees and employers.

The ceremony was graced

by Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., PEZA Director-General Lilia De Lima, KCCP President LEE Ho Ik, and AIM Dean Dr.

It was expected to encourage Korean businesses and companies to further strengthen their CSR activities in the Philippines.

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines, Inc.

Korea Defense Minister Visits PH

Defense Minister HAN Min Koo (left) and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (right) signed the Memorandum of Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information between the Philippines and Republic of Korea (Photo from dnd.gov.ph)

Korea Defense Minister Han Min-Koo visited the Philippines last September 14 to meet his Philippine counterpart Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

The highlight of Minister Han’s visit was the signing of a new five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) on the protection of classified military information between the two

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countries. The MOU includes strict exchange of information on matters involving regional issues.

The deal is a follow-up to the 2013 preliminary agreement on defense cooperation.

The two defense chiefs also agreed to increase exchanges of ranking military officials and joint cooperation against threats.

(HHIC-Phil) was given the Harmony and Support Award.

The award recognized HHICPhil for its contribution toward the local community improvement by building workers’ villages, operating vocational training centers, providing student scholarships for workers’ children, supplying medicines and building hospitals.

The Rescue and Aid Award was given to Daeduck Philippines Inc., Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation and LG Electronics Philippines, Inc. These companies made substantial contributions in the area of disaster preparedness and relief operations, especially for their humanitarian efforts

to help Filipino communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

Also, KEPCO Philippines and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) received the Community Assistance Award for their efforts to help local communities improve water systems and secure their continuous power supply.

Other company awardees were Sein Together Int’l Phils.

Inc., Best Harmony Award; Verona Total Optical Inc. and Tongyang Savings Bank, Happiness and Sharing Award; and Korea Exchange Bank Manila Branch and Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp., Future Growth Award.

KOICA,WHO, DOH launch “ACCESS for MNH project” in Davao

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) recently launched a three-year health project known as the “Integrated, equity focused service delivery for accelerated improvement of Maternal and Newborn Health Project” or ACCESS for MNH on August 18 at SMEX Convention Center, Davao City.

The project aims to improve access, and utilization of quality maternal newborn and child health services among the poor families in 10 local government units in Davao Region.

ACCESS for MNH is funded by the KOICA with counterpart funding from WHO, DOH and the City of Davao.

WHO Western Pacific Regional Director Dr. SHIN Young-Soo said that the Phil-

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ippine initiative “attracted the support of the Korean Government as a sustainable way to support improved maternal and newborn health outcomes” among local government units, paving the way for the realization of ACCESS for MNH for the Davao Region.

Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin regarded this collaboration of KOICA, WHO, DOH and the City of Davao as “a truly admirable and timely undertaking.”

It demonstrates the firm commitment of the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, together with the WHO, to address the birth-related death issues. He also emphasized the support of the Korean Government for the subnational initiative.

The three-year program implementation runs from July 2015 until June 2018.

2015 Korea National Day and Armed Forces Day The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines celebrated its National and Armed Forces Day last October 6 at the Reception hall of the Embassy of Korea.

Korean Ambassador to Philippines KIM Jae Shin, led the ceremonies together with the Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Del Rosario and Acting Dean of the diplomatic corps Papua New Guinea Ambassador Christian Anthony Vihruri.

In his speech, Ambassador KIM cited the outstanding bilateral relationship of both countries. “We are proud of the relationship that both countries have formed and maintained since 1949, when we first established diplomatic ties. At the moment, the bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines couldn’t be better. This is a partnership that is recognized by our governments at the highest level,” said Ambassador KIM. The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic ties with

Korea in 1949. The following year, Korea’s freedom and democracy were threatened due to the unprovoked invasion from North Korea. Responding to the immediate call of the United Nations, the Philippines was the first Asian country to send its troops, providing the fourth largest military contingent under the UN Command.

“We Koreans can never forget those young Filipino soldiers for their sacrifices during the Korean War. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” Ambassador KIM added.

In addition, he lauded the Korean companies’ efforts to support the continuous economic growth of the Philippines. Last September 29 the Korean Embassy held the 2015 Korean CSR awards night to recognize Korean companies who made notable ventures in the Philippines. “Korea is proud to be a part of the Philippines’ impressive growth. Korean businessmen will have a key role in this development. With an increasing trade volume between our countries, we will continue to

Ateneo de Manila University recently held the 2nd AIKS Korean Studies Conference on October 23 at the Escaler Hall of the University. This year the theme of AIKS or Ateneo Initiative for Korean Studies is “Investigating Transnational Spaces in Philippine-Korea Relations.”

The first conference, which was held last year, addressed diverse themes in Korean Studies. This year the conference

focused on the real issues surrounding Philippines-Korea Relations with multiculturalism in contemporary Korean society, labor and migration; and economic exchanges and development cooperation of both countries as topics.

AIKS is a multidisciplinary conference which aims to gather papers that present theories, methods, and practical findings in creative ways.

Left to Right: Papua New Guinea Ambassador Christian Anthony Vihruri, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario anda Ambassador KIM Jae Shin.

encourage Korean investors to operate their business in the Philippines,” said Ambassador KIM. Likewise, he also noted the increasing people-to-people exchange between the two countries and the rising popularity of Korean Wave or Hallyu into Philippine culture.

Ambassador KIM believes that the two countries’ relationship will remain to flourish through the help of different Korean institutions in the Philippines. “The ties between our nations and our peoples will certainly become deeper and stronger in the years to come,” said Ambassador KIM.

KTO holds 2015 Korea Travel Mart PH

Ateneo hosts 2nd AIKS Korean Studies Conference

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) recently held the “Korea Travel Mart 2015” on October 24 and 25 (Sunday) at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.

The travel mart featured booths that offer various deals and tour packages in and around Korea.

Aside from the travel booths KTO invited Painters Hero and K-pop Idol NOM to perform during the event. Painters Hero is an innovative art performance that stages the mind-blowing skills of live drawing with incredible visual effects filled with a witty blend of mime, dance, and comedy.

Fans of K-pop group No Other Man, or NOM got the chance to

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be close with their idols as they also hold a fansign event aside from their live performance.

Other performances include live demonstrations of Korean Taekwondo team and K-Pop dance lessons.

Airline companies such as Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Jeju Air, Cebu Pacific Air, and Air Asia Zest and different travel agencies participated in the travel mart.

Last year, apart from about 50,000 Filipinos living in Korea, around 400,000 Filipinos visited Korea. It is expected to increase gradually increasing as more Filipinos discover the many attractions that Korea has to offer.

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art & culture

2015 Korean Film Festival wraps up in Manila

Philippines, Korea celebrate friendship through Cultural Exchange Festival

Filipinos and Koreans shared their love for each other’s cultures at the 2015 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival last October 4 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Celebration of ‘Filipino-Korean Friendship’ Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin expressed his delight with the increasing cultural exchange activities of both countries. “More and more Filipinos are becoming fond of Korean food, K-Pop dance and music, and Korean films and TV shows.

With the growing popularity of Hallyu or the Korean Wave among many Filipinos, this cultural exchange festival will serve to further enhance the cordial relationship between Korea and the Philippines,” said Ambassador KIM. Performances

One of Cultural Center of the Philippines’ leading resident companies, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, showcased their renowned Philippine folk dance routines to the thousands of attendees in the event.

Likewise, Korean traditional group Yeonhee Company Uhee wowed the audience with their joyful performances that was presented similar to a contemporary play.

K-Musical students of Korean Cultural Center (KCC) are the main leads of the Hanbok Fashion.

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Alongside with the fashion show, they performed the Korean musical “Chunhyang-jeon”.

Rookie K-Pop idol groups FameUs and Asha also performed as special guests at the festival.

Competitions and Activities Aside from traditional performances were Speech and Talent competition for Filipino and Korean participants.

Kevin Basco won the Korea Speech Category and CHOI Yeonjin won the Filipino category. Each received a trip for two to Korea.

Six-member dance group Nemexis Crew won the grand prize with P 50, 000. Filipino Saxophone Team, ERA and 24-Minute won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Hanbok-wearing and Korean photo exhibition were also prepared for the audience to experi-

ence Korean Culture.

The Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival is an annual event hosted by KCC and the Embassy of Republic of Korea together with the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This event aims to have a better understanding of both countries culture and tradition through the musical performances and various cultural activities.

The Korean Film Festival concluded its annual run last October.

Ambassador KIM Jae Shin graced the opening night in Manila on October 8 along with Teodoro Granados, Executive Director of Film Development Council of the Philippines, Mandaluyong City Councilor Francisco Boy Esteban and Jocelyn Ann Lapid, Regional Operations Manager of SM Megamall.

“Through Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, the Cinema of South Korea has been carving its place in many countries, including the Philippines. With stories containing family values, romance, and history, it is not surprising that many Filipinos have grown fond of Korean films,” said Ambassador KIM.

The festival had its first run in SM Lanang Premiere last September 17 to 20, September 24 to 27 in SM City Iloilo and October 1 to 4 in SM City Cebu.

Thousands of attendees enjoyed the Korean movies “Miss Granny,” “Marriage Blue,” “The Thieves,” “Cold Eyes,” “The Front Line,” “Hope” and “Duresori: Voice of the East”.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in cooperation with FDCP, the Film Cultural Exchange Program, Korean Film Council, Korea Copyright Commission, Korea Tourism Organization, SM Cinema and SM Supermalls, organized the film festival for this year.

As part of the global promotion of the Korean traditional clothes “Hanbok”, The Formal Hanbok Association and Korean Cultural Center in Philippines (KCC) launched the first Hanbok exhibition last October 5.

The exhibit entitled, “Graceful and Lovely: A Fascination of Hanbok,” features a wide collection of Hanboks and the hair accessories used to complement the colorful traditional clothes.

The exhibit aims to bring global attention to foreigners interested in Korean traditional clothes and

also to overseas Koreans by setting Hanbok Culture Zones at the Korean Cultural Centers worlwide.

In the exhibit, it will offer visitors opportunities to experience and learn about hanbok.

This project is under supervision of Hanbok Advancement Center of the Korean Craft and Design Foundation, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The exhibit will run from October 5 to December 31. After its run in the Philippines the exhibit will transfer to Belgium and Spain.

KCC launches “Graceful and Lovely: Fascination of Hanbok” exhibit

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