The 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, co-hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) — led by President Chang-sik Park, widely credited as the “Father of K-Drama” — and the ASEAN Foundation. The free event, open to the public with pre-registration, features masterclasses on transforming creative ideas into high-value intellectual property, along with Korean culinary experiences, curated art exhibitions, and K-pop giveaways.
‘Father of K-Drama’ Chang-sik Park and Global IP Visionaries Gather in Manila: Why You Cannot Afford to Miss the 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Ayala Museum in Makati City will host an unprecedented gathering of the masterminds behind Asia’s most iconic cultural phenomena. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the ASEAN Foundation, the “2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum” offers an exclusive masterclass in transforming creative ideas into high-value intellectual property (IP).From high-level masterclasses with industry legends to authentic Korean culinary experiences, curated art exhibitions, and high-value tech and K-pop giveaways, here is why this is the premier cultural event of 2026 in Manila.
World-Class Keynotes & Sessions: Learn from True Creative PioneersAttendees will gain direct insights from an elite roster of regional leaders across four strategic sessions:• Opening Remarks by the ‘Father of K-Drama’: Mr. Chang-sik Park, President of KOFICE, who produced over 50 legendary Korean TV dramas including ‘Eyes of Dawn’ (1991), ‘Sandglass’ (1995, reaching a historic 64.5% viewership), and ‘Yi San’ (2007) will open the forum, sharing his blueprint on storytelling longevity and state-level cultural policy.• Keynote Address by Nexon’s Gaming Pioneer: Mr. Chang-seop Kim, General Director of NEXON’s MapleStory, will reveal the strategies behind MapleStory’s 20-year dominance in Southeast Asia (MapleStory SEA), detailing how a gaming IP successfully expanded into symphonic orchestra concerts, theme park attractions, and global consumer brands.
Session 1 (Policy): Building Governance for Cultural IP (11:00–12:10) Moderated by Jonathan Tan Ghee Tiong (Head of Culture and Information Division, ASEAN Secretariat), featuring former IPOPHL Director General Josephine Santiago, Indonesian IP reform architect Ari Juliano Gema, and Dr. Ji Hoon Yang (Korea Culture & Tourism Institute)
Session 2 (Industry): Monetizing Imagination & Global Scaling (13:00–14:10) Moderated by acclaimed Thai film director Panu Aree, featuring Jean Yeo (Creator of Singapore’s Emmy-recognized productions and local producer for tvN’s ‘Little Women’), Le Quoc Vinh (CEO of Vietnam’s Le Group), and Peter Yap (Executive Director of Mary K. Yap Foundation)
Session 3 (Cooperation): Connecting ASEAN-Korea Cultural IP (14:35–15:45) Moderated by Tara Gujadhur (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Laos), featuring Prof. Young Kyung Ko (author of ‘ASEAN Super App Wars’), Zainol Haqim (CEO of Malaysia’s MyCreative Ventures), and Dirce Freitas Mendes (Timor-Leste National Tais Safeguarding Plan)
Session 4 (Youth): Co-Creating the IP Horizon (15:45–16:45) Featuring Elijah Canlas (Gawad Urian Best Actor and star of the Philippine adaptation of ‘Keys to the Heart’), alongside multinational youth creators presenting cross-border creative initiatives.
Beyond the Forum: Contemporary Art & Interactive CultureForum attendees receive exclusive access to the 7-day contemporary art exhibition “Gathering Point” (Nov 7–13), featuring prominent regional artists including the Philippines’ Mark Justiniani, Leslie de Chavez, and Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, alongside Korea’s Kim Joon and master artists from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Visitors can also enjoy an on-site artist talk and commemorative photo booths featuring custom ASEAN-Korea frames.
Exclusive Attendee Privileges: Authentic Korean Dining, Grand Raffle & Free eSIMEvery registered attendee will enjoy curated hospitality and incentives:• Authentic Korean Luncheon: A complimentary premium Korean lunch box and specialized coffee break with traditional Korean rice cakes and refreshments.• Free High-Speed 50GB Korea Data eSIM: Every applicant who registers via joinenjoy.com.ph will instantly receive a complimentary 50GB High-Speed Korea Data eSIM voucher (usable upon booking the ‘Best of Seoul’ package via Korean Air).• Grand Finale Raffle Draw (4:45 PM): Attendees who participate through the closing ceremony become eligible for prizes including Samsung Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Fit3 smart bands, Dancheong mechanical Bluetooth keyboards, official rare BTS LP vinyls and tour albums, SEVENTEEN photobooks, and premium Sulwhasoo K-Beauty cosmetic sets.
Due to the intimate, high-level nature of the Ayala Museum Function Room, registrations are processed on a strictly curated, first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is essential.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES