Korean actor Ji Chang-wook has sent a message to Filipinos in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines.
“Mahal ko kayo, Filipinos!! Love your oppa, Ji Chang-wook. Ingat kayo palagi!! (I love you, Filipinos!! Love your oppa, Ji Chang-wook. Take care always),” said Ji Chang-wook in a handwritten message and signed photo.
The 33-year-old actor has starred in K-dramas such as "Empress Ki," "Healer," "Suspicious Partner" and "Backstreet Rookie."
KCC Philippines opened to the public on July 19, 2011 with the aim “of expanding the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture, and promoting a more active people-to-people exchange between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines.”
This year it will mark its 10th anniversary in the country. “KCC Philippines is turning 10! We've had countless, cherished moments during the past times. And it was you who sparkled every moment of KCC with your perpetual love and support for Korea and Korean culture. Hats off to you!” KCC posted on Facebook.
It added, “To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of KCC, Actor #JiChangWook Oppa has sent us a short written message for you! We'll get back to you every 10th of the Month with #HAPPY10THKCCPH.
Because of the pandemic, KCC turned to online in 2020 to connect with Filipinos starting with the “Korea at Home” campaign in July.
It conducted six major contests and five major events: the “PKS Rewind: The Online Reunion Concert,” “2020 Korean Film Festival,” “2020 Phil-Kor Festival,” “Harmony: A Screening on Hope and Love” and “Dream: A Family Fantasy Special.”
KCC launched the “K-Healing: Overcome Together” campaign to honor frontliners in the country. It garnered 900 nominations and gave 200 K-Healing Packages.
For 2021, it will continue to hold culture-related events including webinar art exhibition, events focusing on Korean literature and the return of its popular events such as the Pinoy K-Pop Star and the Korean Film Festival.
One important event this year is the opening of the new KCC building. KCC Director Im Young-A and General Manager Lee Du-kyung led the groundbreaking for the interior construction of the new home on Dec. 9.
The new KCC home will open by August this year at the 254 sq. m. former Colby Center located on Bayani Road in Taguig City. The new building will house a permanent exhibition space and multi-purpose audiovisual rooms and classrooms for events and activities. The partial resumption of the Korean language classes and regular cultural classes such as Korean food, K-pop dance and taekwondo will be at the new building.