Examples of drama series that became hits in the Philippines are Autumn In My Heart, Jewel In the Palace, Full House, Stairway to Heaven, and Lovers In Paris—the last two currently being adapted by GMA-7 and ABS-CBN, respectively, as local versions.

And even if Korean songs are not played over the Philippine radio, legions of Pinoy fans are still using the Internet to enjoy music from K-pop stars like Wonder Girls, Rain, SNSD, Super Junior, DBSK, Se7en, BoA, TVXQ, 2PM, Big Bang and Sandara Park's 2ne1.

FILM FESTIVAL. To celebrate the "Philippines-Republic of Korea Friendship Year," the Korean Embassy is holding a week-long Korean Film Festival, featuring seven award-winning films from the East Asian country.

Leading the list of films to be shown is Oldboy, winner of the Grand Prix during the 2004 Cannes International Film Festival. Directed by Park Chan-wook, it tells a twisted story of murderous revenge and redemption.

The other films are Barking Dogs Never Bite (comedy), Sa-Kwa (romance), Beyond the Years (drama), The Show Must Go On (drama), Driving My Wife's Lover (drama), and Forbidden Quest (period piece).

Kim said the films were chosen according to how they could impart the Korean way of life to Filipino viewers.

"The films can show the life of the people, the nation, the country to other countries in a very condensed way. I think they are quite representative with the life of Korea," he said.

But can Pinoys enjoy the films too?

"As you are enjoying Koreanovela, there is 100 percent sure reason that you can enjoy Korean films," Kim said.

The Korean Film Festival will run from Sept. 23 to 29 at Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex Cinema 3.