President Moon Jae-in (second from right) on June 4, 2018, shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in their summit in Seoul. Both leaders agreed to designate 2019 as the "Year of Mutual Exchanges between Korea and the Philippines." (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Kim Hyelin and Kim Hwaya

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on March 6 announced the hosting of cultural events with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties.

In June last year, the presidents of the two countries in their summit had designated 2019 as the "Year of Mutual Exchanges Between Korea and the Philippines."

Both countries will use a commemorative logo in co-hosting several events. The Philippines will host a film festival in April and a taekwondo performance in June, while Korea will have the event "Days of Philippine Culture."

The opening ceremony of the 2019 K-pop Friendship Concert in Manila on March 7 will also promote this anniversary through K-pop. Korean groups such as NCT Dream, Boyfriend and April will be on stage along with Philippine counterparts Silent Sanctuary and Rose Quartz. 

kimhyelin211@korea.kr