Have you ever grooved to Bangtan Sonyeondan's (BTS) beats or captivated by TWICE's astonishing visuals?
While there's no denying that these K-pop sensations have won over many Filipino fans, here's an interesting fact: Did you know that the friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) dates back 75 years?
They have long had a close and supportive relationship.
On March 3, 1949, the Philippines officially became the fifth country to recognize the ROK.
From 1950 to 1953, over 1,400 Filipino soldiers, including a young graduate from West Point, Fidel Ramos who eventually became Philippine president, were sent to South Korea to fight for democracy under the United Nations flag.
Their remarkable contributions are commemorated annually each September at the Philippine Monument in Goyang City and Yeoncheon County.
In the 1960s, memorials were built at these sites to honor the bravery and courage displayed by Filipino soldiers during the Korean War.
In the Philippines, two distinct memorials are tangible expressions of the close ties forged during the Korean War: the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) Memorial in Manila and the Marikorea Monument in Marikina City.
The latter holds special significance as it functioned as a crucial training ground for our soldiers before deployment to South Korea. These monuments are vivid reminders of the enduring friendship and shared history between the Philippines and Korea.
A shared history
1. Diplomatic ties
The Philippines and South Korea have shown a resilient relationship throughout times of crisis by weathering the storm and strengthening their ties within the difficult background of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time has shown how deep their friendship is, as seen by their collaboration and support.
Economically, the ROK stands as the Philippines' fourth-largest trade partner, a testament to the robust economic collaboration between the two nations. The Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a historic agreement completed in 2021, is something that both nations highly anticipate. This agreement would promote a more dynamic trading environment and strengthen the economic partnership.
Furthermore, the sisterhood between Valenzuela City and Bucheon City in South Korea, which began in 2008, has strengthened, encouraging cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two cities.
Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian with Bucheon City delegates during the inauguration of Bucheon Special Lounge at the Valenzuela City Library (Photo courtesy of Valenzuela City)
2. Cultural exchange
Cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines are growing, as seen by many Filipinos embracing the Korean Wave, known as Hallyu, in their daily lives. The enormous popularity of Korean pop culture, music, and dramas has created a common cultural realm that crosses geographical borders.
This conversation goes beyond simply amusement; it is a crucial driver for a deeper connection between Koreans and Filipinos.
As Filipino actors make it to Korean screens, their growing recognition in Korea exemplifies the reciprocity in this cultural exchange. This advantageous flow of cultural goods exposes Filipino talent to a larger audience and fosters a greater respect for both nations' artistic expressions. Mutual understanding grows due to this continual contact, generating a dynamic cultural environment that enhances the lives of people in South Korea and the Philippines.
3. Education and training programs
Education and training programs have played an important role in strengthening bilateral relationships. Initiatives such as the Korean government's Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) programs and the Korea International Cooperation Agency's (KOICA) training programs have fostered proactive exchanges, cultivating academic and professional relationships. These programs act as building blocks, reinforcing the foundation of collaboration and understanding between the two countries.
In the rich fabric of their friendship, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea are creating a story of strength, shared history, and exciting collaboration, with the beats of Hallyu echoing and the timeless melodies of their relationship playing on, the journey continues, promising greater ties and mutual success in the future.
In commemorating the 75th anniversary of friendship between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines this year, various exciting activities await Filipinos and Koreans living in the Philippines:
- Endless Landscape: Digitally Reimagined Korean Art
Experience, the collaborative exhibition curated by the National Museum of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) for FREE. Immerse yourself in captivating video works that creatively reinterpret iconic Korean paintings. Hosted at the Multipurpose Hall on the fifth floor of the KCC's Taguig headquarters, this exhibit runs from January 19 to June 29, 2024.
- Black Eagles Airshow and Friendship Flight
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) will fascinate the public with the beautiful aerial maneuvers of the famous South Korean aerobatic team, the Black Eagles. Adding to the excitement, Filipino Air Force pilots flying FA-50s will participate in the aerial display, culminating in a unique Friendship Flight with the Korean aerobatics team on March 3, 2024.
The public may watch these fantastic performances during the public viewing on March 4 and 5 at Clark Airbase, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
