From Korea ‘with Luv’: Korean ambassador gives Duterte BTS album

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 20) - President Rodrigo Duterte received an album of South Korean boy band BTS, a gift from Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man during their meeting early this week.

Han said that it is his job as an ambassador to promote Korean culture in the country.

“Korean waves, K-Pop, Koreanovela, K-food, and Korean cosmetics is spreading across this country, and it’s my job to galvanize the Korean culture in the society of the Philippines,” said the ambassador in a media forum.

To promote good bilateral relationship, Han gave Duterte an album of BTS.

“When I met President Duterte, I gave him one BTS album. BTS is one of the very famous idols. This will give a good impact to have a better relationship between Korea and the Philippines,” said Han.

Launched in 2013, BTS is a seven-member boy group and the first K-Pop band to top the US album charts.

The South Korean ambassador paid a visit to Duterte days before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Korean commemorative summit in Busan on November 25 to 26.

Han also said shared that there is a plan to establish a “Korea Town” in Malate, Manila.

“In Malate area there are many Korean restaurants and many Korean tourists visit there. So, with Manila city, we are envisioning to make Malate area as a Korea town. So Korea Retailers Association in Malate area and Manila city, we are now working on it” said Han.

He added that he has met already with Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso regarding the plan.

Further, Han said that he promised the President to bring more Korean tourists in the Philippines.

“I promised to bring 2 million Korean tourists, and I also asked him to secure the safety and security of our Korean nationals,” said.

The Philippines and South Korea is currently celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations.