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| (Image Source: The Chronicle PH/National Commission For Culture And The Arts) |
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 last January 28, 2026. This monumental musical exchange is set to take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 18-19, 2026, 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 of Gateway Mall 2 featuring special appearances and presentations by P-pop sensations KAIA and HORI7ON.
ROUND is the official brand of the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, an annual project designed to foster exchange between the ten ASEAN member nations and Korea. It is supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea. The 2026 edition of the festival, to be 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; and HORI7ON, the global boy group bridging P-pop and K-pop. These local favorites will perform alongside top-tier artists from the ASEAN Member States and Korea, creating a diverse musical tapestry for fans across the continent. The complete regional lineup includes 10CM and MeloMance of Korea, Syafiq Abdilah of Brunei, G-Devith of Cambodia, Pamungkas of Indonesia, JoJo Miracle of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos, MIMIFLY of Malaysia, Velocity of Myanmar, Regina Song of Singapore, Tilly Birds of Thailand, and Chillies of Vietnam.
The 2026 festival carries deep historical significance, representing a promise finally fulfilled. Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines highlighted the strategic importance of ROUND within ASEAN–Korea relations, stating, “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.” Speaking on behalf of KBS WORLD TV, Director Lee Hansol shared that the much-anticipated ROUND has been brewing and is now ready, remarking, "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. 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, stating, “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.”
Admission to the 2026 ROUND Festival is free of charge in line with the vision of making it a shared celebration. Ticket access will follow a two-month rollout with online reservations opening in February 2026 and ticket claiming scheduled for March 2026 for confirmed registrants. More information and real-time updates on the 2026 ROUND Festival are seen on the official Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts of @roundfestival, @nccaofficial, and @kbsworldtv on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
