Straight Out of "Itaewon Class": Webtoon Artist Gwang Jin Headlines KCC’s "Meet the Mentor" in Manila!

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is giving K-drama fans, creatives, and storytellers a rare chance to meet one of Korea’s most influential content creators — Jo Gwang Jin, the mind behind the global sensation Itaewon Class — through the latest installment of its “Meet the Mentor” series!

"Meet the Mentor" Itaewon Class's Webtoon artist Jo Gwang Jin! Courtesy of KCC Phil.

Happening from July 4 to 6, 2025, this three-day program brings Jo Gwang Jin to multiple venues in Metro Manila, where he will share his journey — from crafting the original webtoon to seeing it adapted into the blockbuster K-drama that resonated with audiences worldwide for its themes of resilience, diversity, and fighting for one’s dreams. Specifically, his workshop at The M includes a drawing session, during which he will demonstrate how his story unfolds through the strokes of his pen.

Building on the success of KCC’s "Meet the Mentor" series — which has previously featured webtoon artists, literature authors, film experts, and other cultural figures — this event continues KCC’s commitment to connecting Filipino audiences with Korea’s thriving creative industries.

📅 July 4 | Sketching Beginnings

📍 De La Salle-College of St. Benilde | 1PM – 4PM

📲 Secure your slot here <bit.ly/MeetTheMentor2025Reg>

👉 FREE event but pre-registration is required.

📅 July 5 | Plotlines and Panels

📍 2F, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila | 1PM – 4PM

📲 Secure your slot here <bit.ly/MeetTheMentor2025Reg>

👉 FREE event but pre-registration is required.

📅 July 5-6 | Interactive Space featuring Korean Webtoon

📍 PICOF 2025, SM Megamall | 10AM – 8PM

👉 Secure your ticket here <bit.ly/PICOF_ExhibitionHall>

*Registration fee for the whole PICOF 2025 will apply.

📅 July 6 | Ink & Industries

📍 PICOF 2025, SM Megamall | 1:30PM – 4:30PM

👉 Secure your ticket here <bit.ly/PICOF_FREEMasterclass>

*The masterclass is FREE.

Poster From Korean Culture of the Philippines (KCC PH)

Alongside the talk shows, KCC is making its debut as an exhibitor at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF)! A dedicated space on Korean Webtoon featuring its growth and notable works with hands-on experience will allow visitors to scroll themselves into the world of Webtoon.

‘Meet the Mentor: The Creator of Itaewon Class’ is hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF), Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

🔥 3 days. 3 venues. 1 creator. Don’t miss your chance to learn directly from the mind behind Itaewon Class! 🍻✨

#MeetTheMentor #ItaewonClass #KCCPhil #KoreanCulturePH