Bu Gu-wook, president of WISEU Youngsan University, led efforts to deepen educational and cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines during a meeting with Philippine First Lady Liza Marcos.
On May 7, Bu met the First Lady for a working luncheon at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu. The meeting was intended to strengthen Youngsan University's global competitiveness and expand bilateral cooperation in education and culture. Youngsan’s Vice President for External Affairs, Ham Jeong-o, and Distinguished Professor Shim Yong-seop accompanied the delegation. Eric Babar Jerudo, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which reports directly to the Philippine president, also attended to discuss practical, national-level cooperation measures.
First Lady Liza Marcos is known for her strong interest in Korean culture. During the meeting, Bu and the First Lady held substantive talks on expanding educational and personnel exchanges centered on Youngsan’s signature programs—K-content, MICE tourism, and hotel and culinary studies. Both sides explored cooperative initiatives, including co-producing a short reality-drama television program with a K-culture focus and planning medium- to long-term cultural events such as a Cebu festival.
Shortly after the meeting, First Lady Marcos posted photos and remarks from her encounter with Bu and his delegation on her official social media account, expressing warm support and interest in Youngsan University. Bu said, “Thanks to the First Lady’s deep understanding of Korean culture and the NCCA’s strong commitment, we were able to discuss concrete cooperation measures,” adding, “This meeting will be an important milestone in elevating Youngsan University’s private education diplomacy to the national level.”
Building on the visit’s outcomes, Youngsan University plans to advance concrete global projects, including credit-transfer programs with major Philippine institutions, co-producing broadcast content with Philippine government agencies, and providing advisory support for cultural festivals.
Busan — Song Hee-sook, reporter bitmul1@viva100.com
