Filipino fans have until Aug. 4 to experience a four‑part program dubbed “Step into the World of KPop Demon Hunters” and sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) of the Philippines.
The program’s interactive experiences are intended for fans to “open the door from pop culture to cultural appreciation,” according to KCC Philippines director Kim Myeongjin. “When viewers fall in love with Sussie and Derpy, marvel at the sleek black ‘gat,’ or spot the maedeup bracelet on screen, they’re actually looking at centuries‑old symbols of Korean life,” he said.
The film “KPop Demon Hunters” draws heavily from Korean folklore and traditional aesthetics. Sussie and Derpy, the magpie and tiger duo, are modern interpretations of an iconic Korean painting. The gat, the Korean hat worn by the film’s demon idols, stood as a symbol of intellect and dignity during the Joseon dynasty. The maedeup bracelet is rooted in centuries of traditional Korean knots worn and decorated by the people.
Here is the program lineup:
| Part 1. Show Us What You Gat × Hanbok Fridays | |
| Date and venue | July 30 1:30–3:30 p.m. 5F Exhibit Hall, KCC, Taguig |
| Experience | Come dressed as your favorite KPop Demon Hunters’ character, or dress in the traditional hanbok and gat provided by KCC. A mini photoshoot at the “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” exhibit awaits participants. |
| Cultural focus | The gat is an exceptional handicraft item made from different materials like bamboo and horsehair tail, which are woven together to create a semi-transparent hat. The hat was tied under the chin with black silk straps. Gat strings hanging down to the chest were also attached for added style. |
| Part 2. Maedeup DIY Activity | |
| Date and venue | July 30 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Library, KCC |
| Experience | Learn to knot a charm similar to the bracelet Rumi gave Jinu! |
| Cultural focus | Maedeup is created by hand-knotting and tightening plaited cords made by twisting yarn together by hand. It has always been present in the lives of Koreans and can be seen in clothing and accessories, furniture, household items, and ceremonial or royal court items. |
| Part 3. Kkachi Horangi (Magpie–Tiger) Minhwa Workshop | |
| Date and venue | Aug. 2 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 2F Art Classroom, KCC |
| Experience | Paint your whimsical magpie‑and‑tiger scene under the guidance of an art class instructor. Limited to 20 participants per session; registration needed. |
| Cultural Focus | The magpie and tiger that make up the Kkachi Horangi (Magpie and Tiger) painting are all beloved motifs in Korean culture. The tiger holds a deep emotional connection with the Korean people, and the magpie is cherished as a bird that brings good fortune. Thus, Kkachi Horangi has long been regarded as a quintessential example of Korean folk painting. |
| Registration | Slots are limited; pre-registration is highly required (bit.ly/DerpyAndSussieMinhwaWorkshop) |
| Part 4. Show Us What You Gat—Online Edition | |
| Date and venue | July 28–Aug. 4 Instagram and Facebook |
| Experience | Post your best film‑inspired outfit, tag KCC, and use #ShowUsWhatYouGat. Five fan favorites to be announced on Aug. 6 will win exclusive gat‑themed prizes. |
| Cultural focus | Sharing Korean heritage in the digital sphere, powered by fan creativity. |
Each visual motif featured in “KPop Demon Hunters” tells a story that goes back hundreds of years, and KCC hopes to inspire more Filipinos to learn about those stories. By connecting the aesthetics of modern media with their origins in Korean folk culture, the program highlights how heritage continues to evolve, survive, and thrive in popular entertainment.
“Cultural appreciation is about recognizing the deeper meaning behind what we see on screen,” said KCC director Kim. “We want this event to be a fun and meaningful celebration of creativity, tradition, and the bond between Korean and Filipino audiences.”
All activities are free and open to the public. Minhwa workshop slots are limited; interested parties may sign up through (bit.ly/DerpyAndSussieMinhwaWorkshop).
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