Duterte receives BTS album from South Korean envoy

South Korea’s Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man gifted President Rodrigo Duterte an album of hugely popular K-pop boy band BTS as the two countries celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Han presented the album during his courtesy call on Duterte in Malacañang on Monday, the ambassador revealed in a media forum on Tuesday.

“Korean wave such as 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,” Han said.

“Just yesterday 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,” he added.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), which means Bulletproof Boy Scouts, has gained global recognition for their good looks, critically acclaimed songs and polished dance moves. The Hyundai Research Institute said the seven-member boy band is contributing more than $3.6 billion to the South Korean economy every year.

Han’s visit to the Palace came ahead of Duterte’s participation to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-South Korea Commemorative Summit in Busan, South Korea on November 25 to 27.

Duterte will also have a bilateral meeting with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in with agreements concerning education, social security, fisheries and tourism expected to be signed by the two countries. — RSJ, GMA News