HALLYU fans once again felt the romantic excitement they got from watching sweet moments from their favorite Korean dramas, as some of their original soundtracks were performed live during the “OST Symphony: K-drama in Concert” at the historic Metropolitan Theater on Saturday, June 29.
The musical event was organized by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines (KCC), in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations and the two decades since K-dramas landed on the Philippine television.
It aimed to highlight how the two countries were able to create a “harmonious blend of talents and cultural influences,” according to NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Corpuz.
“This initiative also underscores the notion that indeed art is not just an individual endeavor, but rather a collective one, enriched by our local community and neighboring countries,” he stressed.
South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa and CCP President Kaye Tinga also graced the occasion.
Orchestral versions
Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera and violinist Kim Mi-jung, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) blessed the ears of attendees with its orchestral versions of several soundtracks from beloved South Korean and Filipino dramas.
The “OST Symphony: K-drama in Concert” opened with enchanting melodies of “My Destiny” from the 2013 K-drama “My Love from the Star” and “You Are My Everything” from the 2016 Korean series “Descendants of the Sun.”
Iconic moments from these hit K-dramas were played on the big LED screen, including the red carpet kiss scene of Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun–who played the roles of Cheon Song-yi and Do Min-joon, respectively–in “My Love from the Star” and the heart-stopping reunion of Song Joong-ki, who portrayed Captain Yoo Si-jin (a.k.a. Big Boss), and Song Hye-kyo, who gave life to Doctor Kang Mo-yeon, in Uruk.
The PPO also performed a K-drama medley of soundtracks from the hit Netflix series “Squid Game” and the 2022 legal drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”
It also played songs from “Love in the Moonlight,” “Hwang Jin Yi,” and “Jewel in the Place.”
Guest performers
The night became extra special for Hallyu fans as Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and This Generation’s Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan went up on stage to serenade them with their divine vocals.
Dimaranan performed “Nagbago ang Daigdig” from GMA Network’s “My Guardian Alien,” while San Jose belted out the English version of “You Are My Everything.”
It can be recalled that the Kapuso network aired the Filipino adaptation of the “Descendants of the Sun,” starring Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado. San Jose was tapped to sing the series’ official theme song in 2020.
Cheers then erupted at the theater when South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho made an appearance to perform his hit soundtracks “Yellow Light” from the 2023 romance K-drama “King the Land,” “Running” from the 2020 K-drama “Start-Up,” and “Start” from the 2020 series “Itaewon Class.”
Gaho went down the stage to interact with the audience, completing the hand hearts of several lucky fans.
In his ment, the 26-year-old Korean singer said he hopes his country and the Philippines will continue to have a good relationship.
“I can’t believe this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines. It is amazing! Let’s continue to be together for a long time!” he said.
For Gaho, his performance at the concert alongside Kim and the PPO is something he will treasure.
“It is an honor to play the OST of the drama that I sang in front of you at this meaningful event. Especially, I think today, where I can sing to the moving performance of violinist Mi-jung Kim, a living history of K-ost and K-pop, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, will remain in my heart for a long time as a very precious experience,” he said.
The PPO ended the concert with a K-drama originals performance, showcasing string instruments. It played soundtracks from the 2019 romance drama “Crash Landing on You” and the 2018 historical drama “Mr. Sunshine.”
The curtains were then rolled down when the musical ensemble bid their goodbye.
But just when the audience thought the show was over, the PPO went back on stage to perform the last song “I Will Go To You Like the First Snow” from the 2016 hit K-drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.”
Gaho, San Jose, and Dimaranan also returned to the stage to bid farewell to the audience.
