'Itaewon Class' webtoon creator, screenwriter Gwang Jin to visit Manila
"Itaewon Class" webtoon creator Gwang Jin (left) and Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi, the stars of the drama version (Screenshot from VStar video on YouTube, JTBC)
Gwang Jin, the creator of the Korean webtoon “Itaewon Class” and screenwriter of its drama, is coming to Manila.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is giving K-drama fans, creatives, and storytellers a rare chance to Gwang Jin through its latest installment of “Meet the Mentor” series.
The program will be held on July 4 to 6 in which Gwang Jin will appear in various venues in Metro Manila to share his journey — from crafting the original webtoon to seeing it adapted into the blockbuster K-drama that resonated with audiences worldwide for its themes of resilience, diversity, and fighting for one’s dreams.
Specifically, his workshop at The M includes a drawing session, during which he will demonstrate how his story unfolds through the strokes of his pen.
Building on the success of KCC’s “Meet the Mentor’ series, which has previously featured webtoon artists, literature authors, film experts, and other cultural figures, the event continues KCC’s commitment to connecting Filipino audiences with Korea’s thriving creative industries.
July 4, 2025 - Sketching Beginnings - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
De La Salle-College of St. Benilde
FREE event, but pre-registration is required.
bit.ly/MeetTheMentor2025Reg
July 5, 2025 - Plot lines and Panels - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
2F, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila
FREE event, but pre-registration is required.
bit.ly/MeetTheMentor2025Reg
July 6, 2025 - Ink & Industries (Masterclass with the Artist) - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PICOF 2025, SM Megamall
FREE event, but pre-registration is required.
bit.ly/PICOF_FREEMasterclass
July 5-6, 2025 - >font-family: Gilroy; display: inline !important;>Interactive Space featuring Korean Webtoon - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
PICOF 2025, SM Megamall
Entrance fee applies. Secure your PICOF pass through the link.
bit.ly/PICOF_ExhibitionHall
Besides the talk shows, KCC is making its debut as an exhibitor at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF).
A dedicated space on Korean Webtoon featuring its growth and notable works with hands-on experience will allow visitors to scroll themselves into the world of Webtoon.
“Meet the Mentor: The Creator of Itaewon Class” is hosted by KCC in the Philippines in partnership with PICOF, Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.