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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Prosperity corridor' envisioned in PH chairship of ASEAN – S. Korean envoy

'Prosperity corridor' envisioned in PH chairship of ASEAN – S. Korean envoy

Published Feb 24, 2026 04:40 pm
South Korea's Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa
South Korea's Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa
South Korea’s Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will help push the shared vision of transforming the region into a “prosperity corridor” through aggressive trade and investment promotion.
“As the Philippines takes on the ASEAN chairship this year, we have a golden opportunity to elevate our strategic partnership to even higher heights,” Lee told the members of the media.
Lee said he attended the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Fairmont Hotel, “where we shared our vision of transforming the region into a prosperity corridor.
“Of course, I could speak at length about economic figures and defense cooperation, but statistics I believe, only tell half the story. What truly brings our nations closer are our people. Our shared history is, ultimately, a story of human connection,” he added.
“Our people-to-people exchange – the backbone of our friendship – is thriving,” he said.
He disclosed that the Philippines ranked as the largest tourism market, among ASEAN members, of Korea in 2025, with over 600,000 Filipinos visiting various destinations in Korea.
Over 1.3 million Koreans, in turn, visited the Philippines last year, making Korea once again the top source of foreign tourists.
Lee said the Philippines and South Korea will celebrate next week the 77th year of the establishment of their bilateral relations.
“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. Personally I call it, Code 3377 – double three, double seven. March 3rd, 77 years,” he said.
He lauded Filipino journalists for the role that they play as members of the 4th Estate.
Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa with members of the Philippine media
Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa with members of the Philippine media
“I have always looked up to journalists because of the vital role you play in society – by giving voice to the voiceless, marginalized, while keeping the powerful in check. In this sense, I think the Philippines and the Republic of Korea are very similar,” Lee stressed.
Lee played a recording of Gwyn Dorado’s rendition of “Rebirth” in Sing Again 4 where the Filipina singer landed on the 2nd spot of the competition.
“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. 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 said.

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