2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum Set for Manila: A Focus on Creative Sovereignty

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the ASEAN Foundation, is scheduled to take place on November 7, 2026, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. This event holds particular significance as the Philippines assumes the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.

Themed "On Human Creative Sovereignty: Shaping the Future of Imagination and Cultural IP," the forum aims to facilitate a high-level dialogue on the challenges and opportunities posed by generative artificial intelligence and digital transformation within the creative industries. Policymakers and creative leaders from all 11 ASEAN member states will gather to explore the implications for copyright protection and cross-border intellectual property economies across Asia.

“The forum serves as a bridge connecting South Korea’s established IP monetization infrastructure with Southeast Asia’s expanding creative ecosystem.”InsideASEAN

Keynote speaker Mr. Chang-seop Kim, General Director of NEXON’s MapleStory, will share insights from his experience with one of Asia's most successful digital IPs. MapleStory has maintained significant commercial vitality and player engagement in Southeast Asia for over two decades. Mr. Kim will discuss strategies for sustainable IP longevity and the expansion of gaming narratives into broader cultural products, including transmedia adaptations and brand collaborations.

“We aim to address the profound impact of AI and digital transformation on creative industries and copyright protection.”Voice of ASEAN

The forum will feature four thematic sessions that focus on Policy Governance, Industrial Expansion, ASEAN-Korea Multilateral Cooperation, and Youth Leadership. These sessions will convene more than 20 experts from various sectors, including cultural policymakers, IP attorneys, and startup incubators, who will evaluate frameworks for establishing a fair and open IP marketplace in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to the discussions, the forum will inaugurate the contemporary art exhibition “Gathering Point” at the Ayala Museum, running from November 7 through November 13, 2026. This exhibition will showcase innovative installations by artists from the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond, reflecting the diverse cultural expressions within the ASEAN region.

As the Philippines prepares to host this significant event, it comes at a time when tensions in the region are heightened, particularly regarding its diplomatic relations with China. Recent remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, suggesting that China could easily win a military confrontation, have sparked outrage in Manila, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro calling the comments "provocative and unacceptable" and underscoring the importance of mutual respect and understanding in bilateral relations.

While Indonesian coverage of the forum has emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation in fostering regional stability, Philippine media has framed the event against the backdrop of its ongoing maritime disputes with China. The Philippines' focus on diplomatic engagement and the need for a unified stance on national sovereignty contrasts with Indonesian narratives that stress the potential for cultural diplomacy to ease tensions in the region.

In light of these developments, the forum's discussions on creative sovereignty and intellectual property rights may serve as a crucial platform for ASEAN nations to not only enhance their cultural ties but also to address the broader geopolitical challenges they face.