By Honorary Reporters Diana Kassandra Almarez and Nadine Postigo from the Philippines

Photos=Diana Kassandra Almarez and Nadine Postigo

(Korean Cultural Centre Philippines)

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Korean relations and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, the Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Taguig, together with the Korean Contemporary Artists Association (KCAA), on Nov. 28 launched the exhibition "Korean Contemporary Art Today" at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

The event displays Korea's cultural identity through Asian art that contributes to deeper understanding between the two nations.

The museum president Florentina Colayco, also a professor at the University of the Philippines, gave a message of appreciation to those behind the project, and emphasized the significance of the exhibit. "The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is truly proud to present this exhibition that explores the vast landscapes and varied expressions in contemporary Korean art. It shows the diversity of artistic practices between our two countries and strengthens our cultural ties, continuing the exchange and sharing of ideas and perspectives," she said.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man also thanked those attending the opening reception, which he organized. Having just returned from the ASEAN-Korea summit in Busan, he said that instead of spending three more days in Korea, he opted to go to the museum to attend the event.

Han also discussed activities the embassy organized to mark 70 years of bilateral relations and shared updates from his participation in the Busan summit. "We are on the same boat navigating a long journey toward fostering our culture together based upon our solid partnership and friendship. Sabay sabay nating tahakin para sa ating pagkakaibigan at samahan (Let's do this together for our friendship and partnership.) Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much)."

KCAA President Shin Cheol-kyun introduced his organization and gave his take on the importance of art. "The KCAA was founded in 1994 and formed by several artists active in various genres such as flat display, cubism and installation art. The KCAA comprises sophisticated artists who challenge themselves through new works of figurative art. Through plenty of exhibitions either in Korea or abroad, we also interact with other artists from many other countries," he said.

Seventeen of the 35 artists whose works are in the exhibition flew to Manila for the opening reception. One of them, Yim Younghee, told reporters of his works that he said were inspired by Korean culture and his family. For example, he said his workaholic father's attitude inspired his piece "Memory of the Space – I." Yim also presented his creations inspired by the question "Where should I go."

KCC Director Lee Jin-cheol said he would attract young Hallyu fans to the exhibit through both forms of art, which send a message that he said he wants others to experience. "K-pop is attractive and touches our hearts. It sends powerful and impactful messages, right? If K-pop fans want to see other kinds of messages through other forms of media, they can visit this exhibition to see how Korean artists are delivering new messages with their art," he said.

Colayco said she has also been bitten by the K-pop bug, saying, "We're trying to see if we can invite K-pop personalities so that we can also invite younger people, like K-pop fans, to the exhibit." She said the response of Filipinos to Korean art has been good and has invited her students to visit, adding, "They're exposed to how Koreans think and how they create their crafts and design, and then they compare it to how it's being done here."

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean