Cultural diplomacy: K-drama in concert at the Met
Lovers of K-drama were treated to an unforgettable experience with a unique concert that blended the musicality of both the Philippines and Korea recently at the Metropolitan Theater.
“OST Symphony: K-drama in Concert” featured the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under the baton of maestro Herminigildo Ranera, performing alongside “Asia’s Limitless Star” Julie Anne San Jose, pop princess Zephanie Dimaranan, together with artist Gaho and violinist Kim Mi-jung from Korea.
The event is part of the yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Korea bilateral relations. It also furthered the MET’s role as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
In his speech, Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa highlighted how deeply Hallyu (Korean wave) dramas have touched the hearts of the Filipino people.
“As an ambassador, it is truly rewarding and heartwarming,” he said. “This year, the Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Center have undertaken a number of cultural and public diplomacy activities to celebrate the 75th year of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations. In this context, this ‘K-drama OST’ concert is our token of gratitude to the Philippines.”
He recalled having been impressed by the collaboration of renowned Filipino pianist Cecile Licad and the PPO last March also at the Metropolitan Theater. “Which is why I am proud to present this concert in a similar manner,” Lee said. “It is unimaginable to think of K-dramas without their iconic soundtracks.”
Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tiñga noted how most Filipinos found solace in watching Korean shows and movies at the height of the pandemic.
Universal themes
“K-dramas with their compelling narrative and universal themes have deeply resonated with Filipino viewers, including myself,” said Tiñga. “Gong Yoo, Park Seo-joon and Hyun Bin kept us company during the darkest and loneliest days of the pandemic. K-dramas offered comfort and a glimpse into Korean culture.”
She added, “Along with the political and economic connections between us, cultural exchange has always played a crucial role in our relationship. Grounded in shared values and a mutual love for music and storytelling, Hallyu or the Korean wave showcases the soft power of cultural diplomacy.”
Tiñga also emphasized how these cultural exchanges enrich both countries’ societies, promote mutual respect, inspire artistic innovation and broaden horizons—ultimately enhancing each other’s collective understanding.
The concert had something for everyone in attendance, with themes from favorites such as “Crash Landing on You,” “The World of the Married,” “Squid Game” and “Mr. Sunshine,” played by the PPO while clips from each series were shown in the background.
Then with her melodious voice, Dimaranan came on stage to perform the song “Nagbago ang Daigdig” from the Filipino drama “My Guardian Angel,” which was followed by San Jose’s powerful and flawless rendition of the English version of “You Are My Everything” from “Descendants of the Sun” that reverberated along the walls of the Met.
Changing things up was Gaho, an award-winning singer from South Korea, who treated everyone in attendance with rocking performances of the themes from “Itaewon Class,” “King the Land” and “Start Up,” where he even went to the crowd and accepted a friendship bracelet from one of his Filipino fans.
Gaho, in his message in Korean, showed appreciation for the opportunity to sing with the PPO and Kim Mi-jung and added that the concert “will remain in my heart for a long time as a very precious experience.”
