Content area
Full Text
The Korean Wave, the influx of phenomenally popular Korean pop music and drama, has not only captivated millions of fans around the world but also enhanced cultural exchanges, particularly among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to experts who spoke at the Asean-Korea Media Forum in this city recently.
Experts told the forum that the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has become a potent soft power for global diplomacy that can be harnessed for peace and understanding among nations.
Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul Hernandez, told the Inquirer in the sidelines of the forum, that the Philippines and Asean should ride the Korean Wave to promote even closer ties.
Strong people-to-people exchanges remains to be one of the proud cornerstones of Philippines-Korea relations. Apart from the two countries' deep historical affinity with each other, Hallyu, which has reached high watermark popularity in the Philippines, has also contributed greatly to the current level of interaction between the people of Philippines and South Korea, Hernandez said.
The Asean-Korea Center brought together 30 representatives from media organizations, government, academe and business in the forum to discuss how to enhance cultural understanding through Hallyu, or Korean Wave. The forum was organized by the Asean-Korea Center, the Korea Herald, Meil Business Newspaper, and participated in by members of Asia News Network, the alliance of 24 English newspapers...