Korea Milk Hit Manila Like a Wave, And Everyone Said, ‘I Like It’
The thunderous energy of K-culture and creamy Korean goodness took over Robinsons Magnolia on June 14-15, 2025, as the “I Like It Korea Milk Philippines” event transformed the mall atrium into a playground of flavors and energetic performances. Every corner, from the ground floor to the third, pulsed with excitement as fans and guests gathered for a two-day celebration.
Led by the Korea Dairy Committee and Seoul Dairy Cooperative, the event aimed to formally introduce the Philippines to the superior quality and tradition of Korean dairy products. During the opening ceremony, the crowd was greeted warmly by the country’s top dairy executives.
The event also gathered K-pop and P-pop stars, as well as Filipino fans, under one unified banner: “I Like It Korea Milk.”
Why bring Korean milk to Manila?
Il Seun Ho, Chairman of Seoul Dairy Cooperative, beamed with appreciation. “It’s my first time in the Philippines and I’m already in love with the country,” he shared. He emphasized that with over 140 million in population and a growing appetite for global quality, the Philippines was a perfect match for Korea Milk. “Our dairy products are of the highest quality and safety. We are proud to share them with you.”
Lee Chang Bum, Chairman of the Korea Dairy Industry Association, was no stranger to the country. “I keep coming back because of your bright smiles,” he said, prompting a spontaneous crowd chant. Every time he shouted, “I like,” the crowd roared back, “Korea Milk!”
Kim Sun Young, Chairman of the Korea Dairy Committee, expressed his affection for Filipino culture and cuisine. “I love Filipino food, and I hope you love Korean milk the way I love the Philippines.” Having visited over ten times, he noted that Filipinos’ warmth and positivity made every visit special.
Big Bang Start
Even before the main performances, energy surged through the venue with the Stamp Tour Adventure. Attendees visited interactive booths, including Seoul Milk, Lotte, Maeil, Namyang, and Binggrae, collecting stamps along the way. Those who completed the tour received exclusive goodies like Banana Flavored Milk.
Justin, a 21-year-old Filipino soloist known for his K-R&B vibe, entered wearing a black coat and pants with blonde hair. He opened with a soulful ballad that got the audience singing along. After a quick “water break,” he shared, “I hope everything’s good with you all. Here’s a fun one next.”
He vibed with the beat, eyes closed at times, letting the music take over. When asked his favorite Korea Milk flavor, he smiled and said, “Strawberry and banana. Let’s support this amazing drink!”
Then came GY, a male duo exuding Gen Z charm. Dressed in chains, denim, and swag, they got the crowd jumping with their high-energy set. Starting with J-Hope’s “Mona Lisa,” their mix of live vocals and dance was sharp. They followed it with IYAZ’s “Solo” and ended with an unreleased anthem, “Boy Anthem,” earning louder cheers. “Thank you for watching, and please continue to support us!”
Up next was special guest influencer Hanz Galendez, who thanked the organizers, saying, “It’s an honor to be part of something this big.” He received a token of appreciation before making way for the next powerhouse, YGIG.
YGIG, which stands for “You Go, I Go,” is a P-pop girl group formed under SBTalent Camp by ShowBT Philippines. Dressed in Y2K fashion with bonnets, crop tops, and baggy pants, they brought sass to the stage. They began with their debut track “SHABA,” before introducing themselves and teasing an upcoming comeback. When they sang their unreleased ballad “Where You At,” a fan held a banner that read, “Andito naman ako,” completing the message in real time. The moment gave everyone goosebumps. They closed their set with a cover of 2NE1’s “FIRE,” bringing the house down.
Finally, the star of the event appeared. JL, the official ambassador of Korea Milk Philippines, emerged to screams so loud it shook the floors. A proud Filipino artist and member of the global boy group AHOF, JL represents Filipino talent on the international stage. Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, he looked every bit the icon he is.
He received his certificate of ambassadorship from Korea Milk officials, eyes glistening as the crowd chanted his name. “Before I trained in Korea, Korea Milk was already my favorite drink,” he said. “Now I’m here representing them. This is surreal.”
He performed a solo song, gripping the mic stand as if holding on to the dreams he once whispered. Fans screamed, waved banners, and sang along. “We may not always be together,” he said, “but thank you for reminding me why we do what we do.”
20 fans, chosen through games, got to meet JL up close, receiving gift packs, high-fives, heart poses, and even pinky promises. One fan handed him a portrait, a moment he promised never to forget.
In a short interview, JL teased AHOF’s debut, saying, “I don’t want to spoil anything, but once it’s out, I hope you show us the same love.” Asked about a fan meet, he grinned, “You’ll see us very soon. Just a little more patience.” He laughed and joked, “A few more sleeps… and it’s Christmas.”
Before exiting, JL danced freestyle, saying, “Maybe next time I won’t be alone up here.” He thanked the audience once again: “Thank you for the trust in me, in us, in Korea Milk.”
The Stage Came Alive Again
Meanwhile, for the Day 2 Celebration, the crowd roared as the first performers, SBTown Girls, took the stage. Dressed in baggy jeans and crop-top jerseys, their youthful, Gen Z energy lit up the venue as they delivered a dance cover of BABYMONSTER’S “Butter Up.” Their braided hairstyles bounced to every beat, proving that style can indeed dance hand-in-hand.
Then came PRINCIPIUM, a standout dance cover group known for their versatile concept. They shook the floor with synchronized stunts and rhythmic choreography. Their movements, accented by LED visuals of fire and thunder, felt like a live battlefield of music. When they covered “Like Me” by BLACKPINK Jennie, their switch from power to finesse was as impressive as their unity on stage. PRINCIPIUM is composed of dancers whose dedication to storytelling through movement was felt in every frame.
Next, YARA took the spotlight. This rising P-pop duo is known for combining rap, vocals, and charm in every performance. Clad in streetwear that mirrored their duality, edgy yet adorable, they began with their track “EKSENA.” They asked, “Okay pa kayo?” and were met with a thunderous “YES!” from the crowd. YARA then performed a song they said was “for those who’ve been led on or love-bombed,” before closing their set.
Just when the crowd thought the night had given all it could, NEW:ID walked in, and the floor trembled with excitement. Formed under MLD Entertainment, NEW:ID is a five-member P-pop boy group composed of Macky, Jom, Thad, Wilson, and L, all in their early 20s and originally trainees in Korea. The group’s origin traces back to the reality survival show Dream Maker, a Filipino-Korean collaboration that sought to bridge talent between the two nations. Their synergy was undeniable from the start, five distinct personalities forged into one voice, one sound, one dream.
As they entered clad in crisp white and coordinated outfits, the cheers of their fandom, NewDays, swelled like a tidal wave. They opened with “Deja Vu,” their debut single, showcasing razor-sharp choreography and live vocals. This was followed by the emotionally charged track “Ghost,” where the group’s harmonies reverberated with longing and soul.
But the true highlight came when they performed SB19’s “MAPA” as a Father’s Day tribute. Before the song began, they offered a message: “This song is not just for our dads. It’s also for our moms, who have served as the pillars of our homes.” As their voices blended in one of the most beloved OPM songs, many in the crowd were moved to tears, fans, fathers, and even fellow performers. Their cover felt like a love letter wrapped in every note, their delivery as tender as the milk the event was celebrating.
NEW:ID closed the show not with a goodbye, but with a promise. A promise of growth, of music that speaks, and of pride carried by five young men representing a generation of global-ready Filipino artists.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd slowly dispersed. From one booth to another, from one performance to the next.
Dairyphoria, they called it, and that’s exactly what it was. A two-day escape into music. I Like It Korea Milk, So Did Thousands More!
