In Manila, during a K-pop competition titled 'Everybody's K-pop', South Korean First Lady Kim Hye-kyung captured the audience's attention by suggesting that all competitors should be given the opportunity to visit Korea. This event, which took place at the Metropolitan Theater, saw a vibrant atmosphere where about 900 students showcased their passion for K-pop by adorning the venue with messages in both Korean and English, while participating in pre-event dances and performances. The engaging environment highlighted the strong interest in Korean culture among the Filipino youth.

Kim Hye-kyung expressed her admiration for the Filipino audience's enthusiasm towards Korean culture, citing statistical evidence of the popularity of Korean culture in the Philippines. She also acknowledged the many attendees who were learning Korean as a foreign language and expressed her hopes that they would someday be able to sing K-pop songs in Korean. The competition featured various performances, with the winning group 'Paradigm' receiving cash prizes and tickets to Korea, where Kim suggested that it would be beneficial for all participating teams to also experience Korea.

The event concluded on a festive note, with Kim Hye-kyung engaging with the local influencers and students for selfies, reflecting her approachable demeanor and creating more connections between the two cultures. The significance of this event lies in its ability to further the cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines through shared interests in K-pop and potential future visits to Korea, symbolizing a growing appreciation for cultural exchange in the region.