MANILA, Philippines – The Republic of Korea (ROK) is looking forward for the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines this year, with emphasis on strengthening people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation and exchanges in tourism.
This was shared by South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, during a post-Lunar New Year luncheon with some journalists in his residence in Makati City on Tuesday.
“Today, if there’s one common headline to take away, it’s that our two nations will celebrate the 77th anniversary of bilateral relations next week, on March 3rd. So, I call it, personally I call it, Code 3377 – double three, double seven. March 3rd, 77 years,” Ambassador Lee said.
As the Philippines takes on the ASEAN Chairship this year, Lee also expressed his belief that the Philippines and South Korea have a “golden opportunity” to elevate its Strategic Partnership to even greater heights.
“In fact, I just came from the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum this morning, held at Fairmont Hotel in BGC, where we shared our vision of transforming the region into a ‘prosperity corridor’ through aggressive trade and investment promotion,” Lee stated.
According to Lee, economic figures and defense cooperation is only “half the story,” but the shared history between South Korea and the Philippines is what “truly brings our nations closer”.
Lee emphasized that people-to-people exchanges is thriving and serves as the “backbone of our friendship”, which reflects the growing number of Filipinos and Korean nationals visiting each country every year.
Lee cited a recent survey showing the Philippines as Korea’s largest tourism market -- among Asean members -- with over 600,000 Filipinos visiting Korea in 2025.
“In a recent survey, the Philippines ranked as the largest tourism market, among ASEAN members, of [the] Korea in 2025, with over 600,000 Filipinos visiting various destinations in Korea. Conversely, over 1.3 million Koreans visited the Philippines last year, making Korea once again the top source of foreign tourists,” Lee mentioned.
Meanwhile, the exchange and showcase of talents, specifically in culture and entertainment, has contributed to the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two nations, with Lee praising Korea-based Filipino singing sensation Gyn Dorado, who impressed the Korean judges and audiences with her powerful voice and rendition of Korean songs during the popular competition “Sing Again 4”, which aired from October to January this year.
“At just 21, she is a bona fide superstar in Korea, recently making history as the first foreigner to place second in the prestigious competition Sing Again 4,” Lee said.
“I think she perfectly embodies our people-to-people ties: a homegrown talent who conquered the Korean stage with her voice and her fluency in Korean. Amazing. She has certainly conquered Korean hearts,” Lee added.
Meanwhile, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines earlier announced that Dorado and K-pop choreographer Ciel Oh will serve as judges in the competition “Everyone’s KPOP: Battle of the Champions” on March 4 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Manila.
