Manila to Host Largest ASEAN-Korea Music Festival ‘ROUND’ this April at the Araneta Coliseum

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A two-day free concert will be the centerpiece of the regional music calendar as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and KBS WORLD TV officially unveiled the complete lineup for the 2026 ROUND Festival today.

This monumental musical exchange is set to take place on 18-19 April 2026, at the Araneta Coliseum, marking the largest iteration in the festival’s history to coincide with the Philippines Chairship of ASEAN this year.

The announcement was made during a high-profile production press conference at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, featuring special appearances and presentations by P-pop sensations KAIA and HORI7ON.

The 2026 festival, hosted by acclaimed Korean singer-songwriter 10CM, will showcase an impressive roster of international talent alongside a powerhouse delegation of Filipino artists.

Representing the Philippines on the main stage are:

Ben&Ben: The nation’s premier folk-pop band.

TJ Monterde: The soulful acoustic balladeer.

Cup of Joe: The rising stars of Baguio’s indie-pop scene.

HORI7ON: The global boy group bridging P-pop and K-pop.

These local favorites will perform alongside top-tier artists from Korea and the ASEAN Member States, creating a diverse musical tapestry for fans across the continent.

The complete regional lineup includes:

Korea: 10CM and MeloMance

Brunei: Syafiq Abdilah

Cambodia: G-Devith

Indonesia: Pamungkas

Lao PDR: JoJo Miracle

Malaysia: Mimifly

Myanmar: Velocity

Singapore: Regina Song

Thailand: Tilly Birds

Vietnam: Chillies

The 2026 festival carries deep historical significance, representing a promise finally fulfilled.

On the broader significance of the festival, Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines highlighted the strategic importance of ROUND within ASEAN–Korea relations.

“As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN, the Republic of Korea proclaimed a vision at last year’s ASEAN-ROK Summit to further elevate our partnership by positioning Korea as a Contributor, a Springboard, and a Partner to ASEAN,” Ambassador Lee said.

Speaking on behalf of KBS WORLD TV, Ms. Lee Hansol shared that the much-anticipated ROUND has been brewing and is now ready.

“This is a very special ‘homecoming’ for us, because the very first ROUND in 2020 was originally supposed to be held right here in the Philippines,” Ms. Lee remarked. “We had to wait six years because of the pandemic, but that wait only makes this moment more meaningful.”

Beyond the performances, the festival is envisioned as a “shared celebration” that places the people at the heart of regional diplomacy.

NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo emphasized that this event is a historic opportunity for the Philippines to demonstrate its cultural leadership.

“We look forward to a future where the Philippines becomes a capital for performing arts in the ASEAN region — shaped by the natural talent of Filipinos, nurtured by our communities and our neighboring countries,” Chairman Zerrudo stated.

In line with the vision of making this a shared celebration, admission remains free of charge. Fans can secure their spots through a two-month rollout:

• February 2026: Opening of online reservations.
• March 2026: Claiming of tickets for confirmed registrants.

Event Highlights

Dates: 18–19 April 2026

Venue: Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

Admission: FREE (Reservation in Feb / Claiming in March)

Organizers: KBS World TV, NCCA

22Sponsor: ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund

For more information and real-time updates, follow @roundfestival, @nccaofficial, and @kbsworldtv on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.