‘Itaewon Class’ creator Gwang Jin to hold workshops, drawing sessions in Manila

Filipino K-drama fans and aspiring storytellers are in for a rare opportunity as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) brings Gwang Jin, the acclaimed creator of “Itaewon Class,” to Manila for a series of workshops and events under its ongoing “Meet the Mentor” program.

Scheduled from July 4 to 6, the three-day event will see Gwang Jin appearing in multiple venues, including a drawing session, across Metro Manila, where he will share insights into his creative journey — from writing the original “Itaewon Class” webtoon to seeing it adapted into a global hit K-drama known for its powerful messages of perseverance, inclusivity and ambition.

Among the highlights is a hands-on workshop titled “Plot Lines and Panels” on July 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, where Gwang Jin will delve into the storytelling process and demonstrate how his illustrations bring narratives to life.

A second session, “Ink & Industries: Masterclass with the Artist,” is set for July 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., during the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) at SM Megamall. Both events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

From July 5 to 6, KCC will debut as an exhibitor at PICOF 2025 with a Korean Webtoon Interactive Space, offering festival-goers an immersive look into Korea’s webtoon industry. The exhibit will showcase the medium’s evolution and notable titles while allowing attendees to explore webtoon creation through hands-on experiences.

Standard entrance fees for PICOF apply.

The event is held in partnership with PICOF 2025, Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.