The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines achieved remarkable success with its second annual K-drama soundtrack concert, as OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert drew massive crowds and sold out completely at Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City on October 25. The event, organized in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, demonstrated the incredible popularity of Korean entertainment content among Filipino audiences.

Ticket demand exceeded all expectations, with more than 1,500 seats for both concert sessions selling out within just five minutes of public release. The overwhelming response left many fans waiting outside the venue on concert day, hoping to secure any released seats that might become available. This extraordinary demand highlighted the growing influence of Korean pop culture in the Philippines.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera with guest Concertmaster Kim Mijung, delivered live performances of beloved Korean drama soundtracks. The carefully curated repertoire included music from internationally acclaimed series such as "Goblin" and "Crash Landing on You," as well as recent hits like "Queen of Tears," "When Life Gives You Tangerines," and "K-Pop Demon Hunters." In a special cross-cultural moment, the orchestra also performed "Bagong Tadhana" from the Filipino fantasy drama "Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre," which generated enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

The concert featured an impressive lineup of performers representing both Korean and Filipino entertainment industries. Korean singers Hong Issac and YEGNY shared the stage with Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian, creating memorable cross-cultural musical collaborations. Violinist Mijung Kim joined the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as guest concertmaster, adding another layer of artistic excellence to the performance.

Distinguished guests attended the event, including His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, alongside Cultural Center of the Philippines President Kaye Tinga and National Commission for Culture and Arts Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz. The concert also welcomed representatives from key partner organizations including the Korea Tourism Organization Manila office, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Manila, Most Contents, GMA Network, Viu Philippines, and SM Supermalls.

Prior to the main concert, organizers held a specialized K-Drama OST and Show Production Workshop on October 23 at the BGC Arts Center in collaboration with GMA Network. The workshop featured industry expert Lee Jong-myung from Echo Bridge, who has produced soundtracks for notable productions including "Apple of My Eye" starring TWICE's Dahyun and "The Box" featuring EXO's Chanyeol. Lee was joined by Kwon Jae-young, producer of the popular show "Immortal Songs," as they shared practical insights and industry knowledge with Filipino broadcast professionals, musicians, and students.

To complement the musical programming, the Korean Cultural Center and KOTRA Manila organized the Korean Goods and Culture exhibition, which took place at SM Aura on October 25 and at the BGC Arts Center on October 23. The exhibition showcased Korean brands, K-culture merchandise, traditional and modern Korean food products, and various lifestyle items, providing attendees with a comprehensive cultural experience beyond the concert itself. The exhibition continues at the Korean Cultural Center through late November, offering extended opportunities for cultural engagement.

Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, emphasized the expanded scope of this year's program compared to the previous season's successful K-Drama OST Concert. "Presented as a Season 2 of last year's successful K-Drama OST Concert, this year's edition offers more than the concert itself," Kim explained. "By connecting the main show with a knowledge-sharing workshop and an exhibition of K-culture-inspired products, we continuously aim to expand the event into a wider platform for cultural and industry exchange." This comprehensive approach demonstrates the organization's commitment to fostering deeper cultural understanding and professional collaboration between Korea and the Philippines.