KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
NOVEMBER 2018
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
As the season of peace dawns in this country that has been my second home since arriving in January, I would like to, first and foremost, wish you all this early a meaningful and harmonious Christmas. Peace has certainly been a major concern this year, particularly in the Korean Peninsula. Summit meetings were held between Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, and North Korean leader Kim Jung-un, as well as between US President Donald Trump and Mr. Kim, geared toward denuclearization that would hopefully lead to peace between the two Koreas. In relation to this, President Moon, who is Catholic, even visited Pope Francis on October 18th saying he was certain peace could be achieved on the Korean Peninsula while extending an invitation from Mr. Kim for the Pope to visit North Korea. Locally, President Rodrigo Duterte has also been keeping up the government’s effort to pursue peace with the communist rebels. To this end, President Duterte has even extended his hand for peace with the leftists by placing some of them in
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Cabinet positions, while at the same time pursuing localized peace talks with the New People’s Army (NPA). Since this is the last bulletin for 2018, and because Christmas is practically around the corner – especially for Filipinos who, from what I have learned, start celebrating Christmas as soon as the socalled “-ber” months begin – I would like to make peace the centerpiece of this message. Next year, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines. As Koreans will always remember the great and noble sacrifice of the Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War, Korea also appreciates the continuing support of the Philippines in the ongoing peace initiatives in the Korean Peninsula. Due to this close and enduring relationship, I expect that cooperation between our two countries will further be enhanced in various areas, such as in the defense, economic, and cultural sectors. In keeping with my message of peace, I would like to dwell on the vibrant cultural
exchange between our two countries. In this respect, it is easy to see why Koreans and Filipinos get along so well. Not only do we share family values and a high regard for education, but our peoples’ love for the arts is mutual. I am happy that many Filipinos have come to embrace hallyu or the Korean Wave. K-pop, Koreanovela, Korean food, and Korean cosmetics are now as popular in the Philippines as in many other parts of the world. And as Ambassador, it is my job to galvanize this Korean wave in the Philippines. Since arriving in this country, I have realized that the affinity of Filipinos for Korean culture springs from their own unique creativity and talent. I have personally seen their abilities at the K-pop Cover Dance Festival, the Pinoy K-pop Star competition, and the recently concluded Filipino-Korean Cultural Exchange Festival. Because of this Korean cultural wave, many Filipinos consider Korea as the number 1 country they want to visit. Last year almost half a million Filipinos went to Korea. On the other hand, as a testament
to the allure of the Philippine islands, 1.6 million Koreans visited this country, ranking them number 1 among foreign tourists. As I mentioned earlier, the 70th anniversary of KoreaPhilippine relations is happening next year. In line with this, we expect many cultural events in our two countries. I highly appreciate the tireless efforts of the Korean Cultural Center in bringing Korean culture to the Philippines, and its local counterparts in showcasing Filipino talent before the Korean community. Certainly, this kind of exchange will serve to strengthen and make more meaningful an already wonderful relationship between our nations and our peoples. And as I have often said, we are on the same boat to navigate a long journey, so Korea will continue to remain as a very close partner of the Philippines, and I will do my best to strengthen our partnership and friendship. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!
KOICA, NIA switches on P1.029-billion Pasa SRIP
Ambassador HAN, PHP Army Commemorate Korean War Anniversary
Ambassador HAN holds lecture at Foreign Service Institute’s Mabini Dialogue
Embassy holds Korea-Philippines Infrastructure Forum
Korean Embassy Celebrates its National and Armed Forces Day
Korea Provides P15M Humanitarian Aid for Ompong Relief Operations
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Korea Provides P15M Humanitarian Aid for Ompong Relief Operations
KOICA, NIA switches on P1.029-billion Pasa SRIP
Ambassador HAN Dongman, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Senior Deputy Administrator Abraham B. Bagasin, Local Government Unit (LGU) officials, Irrigators Associations, and other stakeholders led the switching-on ceremony of the P1-billion Pasa Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (Pasa SRIP) on July 5, 2018 at Barangay Pasa, Isabela, Ilagan City. The project, funded through a grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to reduce the adverse impact of climate change and to support the enhancement of water management in rural areas through the construction of
water impounding facilities. The project is expected to mitigate flood, saving at least 434 units of houses and 465 hectares of agricultural lands in the province. It is also expected to contribute in attaining the government’s program in Food Self-Sufficiency through the provision of an additional 766 hectares that will annually increase additional 8,629.20 metric tons of paddy rice equivalent to Php 98.037 million. Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador Dong-Man gave his assurance that the Korean government will continue to partner with the Philippine government in joint projects to benefit the Filipino people. (Philippine News Agency)
On behalf of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Ambassador HAN Dong-man on Thursday, September 20, handed over to Senator Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the amount of US$300,000 (around Php15 million) as humanitarian aid to assist in the emergency relief operations in communities affected by Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong). The hand-over ceremony was made at the PRC Tower in Mandaluyong City. Ambassador HAN extended to Chairman Gordon his deep sympathy to the Philippines and its people for the casualties and injuries caused by the typhoon and expressed the solidarity with the people of the Philippines.
Ambassador HAN said that the Republic of Korea appreciates the Philippines’ support during the Korean War, by sending more than 7,400 soldiers. He emphasized that Korea will never forget the noble and great sacrifice of the Filipino veterans. Ambassador HAN added that there is a Korean saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” and that Seoul regards Manila as a close friend. Ambassador HAN hopes that this contribution will help relieve the suffering of the affected Filipino communities and assist in their quickest possible recovery from this tragedy. Chairman Gordon expressed his appreciation for the support.
Embassy holds Korea-Philippines Infrastructure Forum
(Ambassador HAN Dong-man (left) with Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon)
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea with The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of Korea (MOLIT) represented by 2nd Undersecretary Kim Jeong Ryeol hosted the Korea-Philippines Infrastructure Forum on July 31, 2018, at the Makati Shangrila. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Timothy John Batan,
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Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary (DPWH) Emil Sadain and The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan graced the Forum. In the forum, Undersecretary Batan, Sadain, and Tungpalan together with Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) Executive Director
Doris Gacho introduced major infrastructure projects of their respective agencies’ in pursuit of Philippine President Duterte’s “Build Build Build” policy before 120 attendees, including representatives from Korean and Philippines companies. Ambassador HAN Dongman lauded the event for its innovative and remarkable way to promote Korean companies’ activities in the Philippines. The Philippine government officials introduced their activities here in the country, and at the same time, both countries had an opportunity to establish networks on site. He wished for the forum could be hosted again
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and be known as one of the best practices of practical economic cooperation to other countries. MOLIT 2nd Undersecretary KIM Jeong Ryeol said the Republic of Korea and The Philippines, which will reach its 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, has been closely cooperating in the economic development process. As a follow-up action to the signing of MOU for transportation cooperation between MOLIT and DOTr during last Korea-Philippines Summit, this forum is a first step to discover practical cooperation projects in the field of Transport and Infrastructure.
Ambassador HAN holds lecture at Foreign Service Institute’s Mabini Dialogue
Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Foreign Service Institute on July 2 held the ‘Mabini Dialogue’ at the Benedicto Room of DFA. The dialogue, titled, “New Dimensions of Security Cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea,” focused on the future direction of the Philippines-South Korea security cooperation. Ambassador HAN Dong-man and Dr. Michelle Palumbarit of the University of the Philippines were invited as both guest speaker and discussant, respectively. According to Ambassador HAN, the defense cooperation between the two countries is traced back when the Philippines extended
its assistance to South Korea during the Korean War. The Philippines was also the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country to establish diplomatic relations with Korea in 1949. Ambassador HAN also mentioned the support that the Korean government has provided to the Philippines in the form of military logistics and capabilities enhancement. Korea donated 5 million pesos affected by the armed conflict in Marawi. Korea is willing to further cooperate with the Philippines on its modernization, rehabilitation, and capacity-building plans through the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.
Ambassador HAN, PHP Army Commemorate Korean War Anniversary
Ambassador HAN Dongman, together with the Philippine Army Vice Commander Major General Robert Arevalo led the Wreath Laying Ceremony in connection with the 68th Anniversary of Korean War on June 25, 2018, at Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, Taguig City. 7,420 gallant and courageous Filipino Soldiers composed the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) – the first to heed the United Nations call to lend a helping hand to the Republic of
Korea during the Korean War. Ambassador HAN, on this auspicious occasion, said that “the PEFTOK deserve the title of Heroes because without their sweat, blood, and tears the Republic of Korea will not be enjoying the peace, democracy, and economic prosperity that it has today. As a token of appreciation by the Korean government, Ambassador HAN granted scholarships to 187 PEFTOK beneficiaries composed of 40 elementary, 100 high school and 47 college students.
Korean Embassy Celebrates its National and Armed Forces Day
Ambassador HAN Dong-man (center) with Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella and Apostolic Nuncio Gabriele Giordano Caccia during the ceremonial toast during the National Day reception last October 2.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines celebrated its National and Armed Forces Day last October 2 at the Shangri-la, Makati City. Ambassador HAN Dong-man expressed his gratitude towards the Philippines for supporting the Korean government in achieving peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. “My special thanks go to the Philippine Senate for its resolution recognizing the efforts of South Korean President Moon Jae-in toward reconciliation and development not only in the Korean Peninsula but also in the Philippines. I appreciate the outstanding leadership of Senator Gordon for initiating this resolution,” said Ambassador HAN. Korea is the 4th largest trading partner of the Philippines. With the Philippine’s robust and steady economic growth, Ambassador HAN expects the trade and economic ties between the two countries will be deeper and stronger. “Whenever I meet Korean businessmen, I ask them to invest,
invest, invest in the Philippines in accordance with President Duterte’s build, build, build slogan,” said Ambassador HAN. Ambassador HAN also noted the popularity of Koreanovela, K-pop, cosmetics, and food in the country. To reciprocate this, Ambassador HAN promised to President Rodrigo Duterte during his meeting that he will bring 2 million Korean tourists within his term as the Ambassador. He also mentioned the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Korea diplomatic relations. “When President Duterte visited Korea last June, he and President Moon agreed to celebrate next year as the year of mutual exchange. Against this backdrop, we are envisioning many cultural events and encouraging mutual visits to each other’s country,” said Ambassador HAN. “Korea and the Philippines are on the same boat to navigate a long journey for co-prosperity, based upon a solid partnership and friendship,” Ambassador HAN added.
AMBASSADOR’S ACTIVITIES
Ambassador HAN Dong-man paid a courtesy visit on Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, last October 2, 2018. Ambassador HAN described the current economic and personal exchanges between Korea and the Philippines and especially highlighted the 70th diplomatic relations of the two countries next year. Also, Ambassador HAN requested for assistance and support of the Senate for the Korean businesses and residents in the Philippines. Sen. Sotto congratulated the successful 3rd Korean Summit and mentioned that the Senate continuous assistance in developing the Philippine-Korea relationship.
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art & culture
2018 Pinoy K-pop Star Winners
(From left: The 2018 Pinoy K-pop Star Vocal Category Winners First Runner-up Sandra Dela Cruz, Grand Prize Winner Venisse Sy, and 2nd Runner-up John Paul Manuel.)
Hundreds of K-pop fans in Manila gathered at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City last July 22, 2018, to witness ‘2018 Pinoy K-pop Star,’ the Philippine finals for the K-pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea. 12-member cover dance group MIX’IN hailed as the Grand Prize Winner with their powerful performance of Cos-
mic Girls’ “Dreams Come True.” First Placer Kaiju X and Second Placer (K) -Idle wowed the crowd with their powerful performances of MONSTA X’s “Jealousy” and (G)I-DLE’s “LATATA.” Venisse Sy won the Grand Prize for Vocal Category with her own rendition of Sohyang’s “Wind Song” from the popular Korean Drama “Go Back Cou-
Old Seoul Revisited at ‘Mega Seoul 4 Decades’
Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) in partnership with The Museum of Photography, Seoul opened ‘Mega Seoul 4 Decades’ last August 10, 2018, a photo exhibition featuring photos of Seoul for the past 4 decades, from the late 1960s to early 2010, through the perspective of 12 Korean Photographers. 62 photographs, displayed at the KCC Exhibit Hall from August 10 to November 30, 2018, capture the twists and turns of Seoul over the last 40 years from the perspective of Korean photographers. The photos reveal Seoul where tradition collapsed and destruction and construction piled upon itself, through the eyes of senior, mid-career, and newly rising photographers. The photos, armed with emotion-
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al, intellectual photographic language, documents the vivid traces with which we can remember and understand Seoul’s 40 years of history. Visitors can experience the documentary of the old Seoul that vanished too many and too fast, and the city’s absurdity through this exhibition. Three of the 12 photographers namely, Lee Gap Cheol, Lee Eunjong and Keum Hyewon graced the opening of the exhibition. The three photographers held an artists’ talk last August 10, 2018 prior to the opening of the exhibit. ‘Mega Seoul 4 Decades’ exhibition will run from August 10 to November 30 at Korean Cultural Center, Exhibition Hall in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Admission is free.
(Performance Category Grand Prize Winner MIX’IN with the panel of judges)
ple.” Sandra Dela Cruz’s version of LEE Hi’s “Breathe” and John Paul Manuel’s cover of Kim Yeon Woo’s “My Apology Letter” earned them both first and second place. The grand prize winners of both performance and vocal categories received 20,000 pesos and will represent the Philippines in the online semi-finals of the 2018 K-pop World Festi-
val in Changwon, South Korea. Second and third place winners of both categories also won 15,000 pesos and 10,000 pesos, respectively. Korean Ambassador HAN Dong-man and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, who graced the ‘Pinoy K-pop Star,’ both thanked the Filipino K-pop fans for coming to the event.
PH, Korea celebrate friendship at 27th Cultural Exchange Festival
Filipino and Korean talent again both shined at this year’s 27th Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchanger Festival hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, United Korean Community Association (UKCA), The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) last October 27 at Aliw Theater. Under the theme “Hand in Hand,” the annual joint culture festival aims to strengthen the active cultural exchange between two countries through a day of activities and cultural events. 20 Filipino and Korean contestants, 5 in performance and 15 in vocal category, showcased their talents in performing using the language of their counterparts during the talent competition. World Class talents join together on one stage at the second leg of the concert as Korea’s National Gugak
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Center and Philippine’s Folk Dance Company Bayanihan graced the stage with their home country’s traditional performances. Also prepared for the audience are the traditional Korean drum performance of Buk Chum - Drum Dancing Team from Cainta Sejong Hakdang and opera duo ‘Bless.’ Special performances by ShowBT’s upcoming Filipino K-pop idol group SB19 and the K-pop Idol BNF completed the final stage. Aside from the events inside the theater, cultural activities, product booths, and Korean food stalls were also prepared for the attendees to enjoy. Ambassador HAN Dong-man, who delivered his congratulatory remarks, noted that it is “unity of thought and action,” that forms the bedrock of friendship between the two countries.