South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man
MANILA – The diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Philippines were further boosted with the holding of the first exhibit showcasing Korean arts and culture at the Metropolitan Museum in Manila on Thursday.
South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man was the guest of honor and speaker at the opening of the exhibit which will last until Feb. 28, 2020.
The holding of the exhibit coincides with the 70th celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines signed in 1949.
A total of 17 of the 35 exemplary Korean artists, who are participating in the exhibition attended the opening ceremony sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines KCCP) and the Korean Contemporary Artists Association (KCAA).
Han said that “this exhibition reveals, to some extent, Korea’s cultural identity,” adding that “through the artists’ eyes and hands, I hope that these fine works of art will allow you to have a better and deeper understanding of Korea to further foster relations between our peoples.”
“Therefore, I think it is fitting that this exhibit is being done to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations,” saying that “it is a wonderful example of cultural exchange between our two countries since culture is an essential part of how we have been cooperating for the past 70 years, a partnership that will likely persist in the years to come.”
He thanked Florentina Colayco, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, for hosting the exhibit for the next three months, the Korean artists, and Cheol Kyun Shin, KCAA chairman, who attended the affair.
Han cited in the participating “Korean artists whose works are on exhibit today speak the universal language of art. Contemporary art, in particular, tends to reflect social changes.”Han had just arrived from Busan, South Korea where he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Korea Commemorative Summit in celebration of 30 years of dialogue relations.
He said that at the sidelines of the summit, President Rodrigo Duterte met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in wherein several agreements between the two countries were signed to strengthen their partnership.
“One of these agreements was on education, which necessarily includes language and culture. So I am very optimistic that this exhibit will play a part in stimulating communication and cultural exchange between our countries,” Han said. (PNA)
