14 February 2025, Seoul. Korean readers are set to experience the depth and diversity of Philippine literature as the Korean-language versions of three (3) Philippine books: The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, and Love on Second Read by Mica de Leon are now available in Korean bookstores nationwide.  Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega attended the press conference and the book launch at the Korea Foundation (KF) Global Center on 14 February 2025.

The Hansae Yes24 Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges and building bridges between ASEAN countries and Korea, published the books to introduce Philippine literature to Korean readers. The books were launched during Philippine National Arts Month and during the commemorative 75th year of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations. 

During the press conference, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed confidence that Korean readers will gain a deeper understanding of the society, history, and culture of the Philippines through these books. Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin (1917–2004) is renowned for his short stories, novels and essays that explore the country’s colonial history, identity and cultural heritage. Among lovers of literature, Nick Joaquin’s writing is revered for his profound exploration of culture, historical allegory, and psychological depth. Contemporary author Mica De Leon is a winner of the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award and is known for her evocative storytelling and exploration of contemporary Filipino life, relationships and identity. All three books promise to bring fresh and classic Filipino storytelling to a new audience, fostering cross-cultural appreciation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. 

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul likewise attended a book salon for the publications held later on the same date entitled 'Stories in Bloom: Stories of Love and Literature', with author Mica De Leon. The book salon, held at the Yes24 Gangseo Branch to a large local audience, featured discussions on literature and the creative process of contemporary writing. Korean Singer Yozoh and Korean YouTuber Sylvia Kim likewise joined the event.

Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic, and Mica de Leon’s Love on the Second Read are now available for purchase both in digital and paperback formats online and in bookstores across the country. END