OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert returns with KPop Demon Hunters, more K-Drama hits

The magic of Korean drama is set to return to the concert stage as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly present OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert, on October 25, 2025 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City - with two shows at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization - Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), SM Supermalls, VIU Philippines, and GMA.

Following the overwhelming success of its debut last year, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again bring drama, nostalgia, and well-loved soundtracks to life—this time, with even grander performances from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

At the heart of this concert is the PPO led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. Fresh from their successful UK tour, PPO will perform powerful and heart-stirring renditions of beloved K-Drama soundtracks. From the adrenaline-filled beats of Maggie Kang’s KPop Demon Hunters to the tender melodies of Crash Landing on You and the tear-jerking When Life Gives You Tangerines, the night hosts a journey through the emotions that made every K-Drama unforgettable.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert also features an exciting lineup of guest performers, including Korean singer-songwriter Hong Isaac and rising artist YEGNY, alongside Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian. These stars will add flair to the concert, bridging cultures through songs that celebrate both Korean and Filipino artistry.

Before the concert, KCC will also hold a K-OST and K-Show Production Workshop in partnership with GMA, gathering some of Korea’s leading music and show producers for a one-day creative exchange with Filipino professionals. The initiative aims to bring both industries closer and spark new opportunities for collaboration in storytelling and production.

This year’s concert also shines a spotlight on Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Gyeongju is bringing a piece of its charm to Manila through a promotional booth at the concert lobby, where guests can learn more about the city’s history and attractions. The space is complemented by a K-Drama merchandise display, offering fans an added layer of appreciation and a closer look at the cultural stories that inspire their favorite shows.

With a full house of K-drama fans, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again showcase that great stories know no borders—and that the universal language of music continues to unite hearts, one heartfelt soundtrack at a time.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available soon through smtickets.com. For more information, follow the official accounts of the CCP, KCC, and NCCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the Philippine arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Reliving K-Dramas at PPO's OST Symphony concert

Gaho, Julie Anne San Jose, Zephanie, and the Philiippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Korean dramas have undeniably been a lifeline to countless people forced to remain at their homes during the peak of the pandemic. It's no surprise then that series like Crash Landing on You (2019) and Squid Game (2021) have become global hits and pop culture phenomena.

The impact of these Korean dramas have never been more felt than at the recent OST Symphony K-Drama in Concert featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Fans of K-Dramas came in droves at the Metropolitan Theater for the matinee and evening performances of this concert presented by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines (KCC), The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO performed music from a selection of K-Dramas that brought the audience back to the times when they painstakingly watched (and most likely re-watched) each episode of these dramas. The K-Dramas ranged from recent favorites like Descendants of the Sun (2016), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), Love in the Moonlight (2016), King the Land (2023), Start-Up (2020), Itaewon Class (2020), The World of the Married (2020), and Mr. Sunshine (2018) to modern classics like My Love from the Star (2013), Hwang Jini (2006), Jewel in the Palace (2003), All In (2003), and Behind the White Tower (2007).

Since the event is in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippine and Korean Diplomatic Relations, the concert featured song numbers by Zephanie, singing Nagbago ang Daigdig from the recently concluded GMA primetime drama My Guardian Alien (2024), and Julie Anne San Jose, performing the English version of You are My Everything from the Philippine adaptation of the series Descendants of the Sun (2020).

Performing with no frills nor any gimmicks, both Zephanie and Julie Anne displayed their impressive range while not resorting to unnecessary vocal gymnastics as they were dutifully accompanied by the PPO's sweeping strings.

Gaho and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Korean singer/songwriter Gaho was definitely the main highlight of the night with him performing three numbers namely Yellow Light from King the Land, Running from Start-Up, and capping it up with his chart topper Start Over from Itaewon Class. The way Gaho engaged the audience to sing along provided some K-Pop moments to what had been a purely symphonic affair until he took to the stage.

Guest concertmaster, Korean violinist Kim Mi-Jung, along with PPO's principal cellist Gerry Gonzales and principal violist Joy Allan dela Cruz, had their share of the spotlight with respective solos that most likely merited the shuffling of some pieces to be played towards the end of the concert. The PPO top-billed the event so it was only fitting that some of the principals had their moments.

The encore performance with music from Goblin (2016), proved that the series remains as one of the most popular K-Dramas out there. As soon as clips of lead actor Gong Yoo was shown on the screen, there was a collective gush among the audience. It wouldn't be a surprise if a number of them binge watched the series once again after returning home from the concert.

K-Drama OST Concert to celebrate 75 years of Philippine-South Korea Diplomatic Relations

Earlier this month, the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Busan, South Korea also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two nations. Held at the Busan Eurasia Platform, Outdoor Plaza, the event saw performances by HORI7ON, Esay Bulanio, Zephanie, Zack Tabudlo, and SB19. It also featured the special appearance of Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine national women's volleyball team. A brief comment by Sisi Rondina onstage set the online world ablaze pitting volleyball and the A'TIN fans against each other. The non-controversy has cooled since then.

Gaho
photo from @ad_gaho at instagram

But the anniversary celebrations continue in Philippine shores this time around with a concert highlighting the music of K-Dramas that has swept the nation for more than two decades already.

The concert, entitled OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, happens on June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. The performance features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera. Also performing is South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho who topped the Korean charts with Start Over" (시작) from the OST of Itaewon Class Part 2. Two of the country's promising recording artists, Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie, will also perform songs from Filipino adaptations of K-Dramas.

Julie Anne San Jose
photo from @myjaps at instagram

The concert is for free and one just needs to reserve seats (if there are still any available, through this site: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

Zephanie
photo from @zephanie at instagram

OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC).

Reprinted below is the press release for OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

OST SYMPHONY: K-DRAMA IN CONCERT CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE-KOREAN CULTURAL HARMONY

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC) present OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, slated on Saturday, June 29, 2pm, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City.

Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will enchant audiences with unforgettable melodies from beloved South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. From tear-jerking ballads to heart-pounding themes, each piece promises to evoke cherished memories and emotions associated with iconic K-dramas such as My Love from the Star, Descendants of the Sun, and Crash Landing on You.

South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will captivate listeners with his soulful renditions of K-drama OST favorites. Also, as part of the celebration, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of well-loved K-dramas.

Since March 3, 1949, the Philippines and the South Korean governments have maintained a multi-faceted relationship, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields. It started when the Philippines - one of the first countries to respond to the United Nations' call for aid - sent its forces, the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), to support South Korea against the aggression of North Korea. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved to become a rich tapestry of diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines. Likewise, Filipino culture, including music, dance, and cuisine, enjoys a growing following in South Korea. These cultural exchanges and exposure also play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Philippine-South Korean diplomatic and cultural relations with this extraordinary concert, showcasing the vibrant talents of both South Korean and Filipino artists, and building stronger ties through the universal language of music,” she added.

The OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert exemplifies the power of music to transcend borders, fostering unity and mutual understanding among people from diverse nations.

The event is free to the public. To reserve seats, you may visit: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

For latest updates, follow the official CCP, NCCA, and KCC social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph