Music fans, get ready: the Philippines is set to take center stage for the largest ASEAN-Korea music event in history. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and KBS WORLD TV officially unveiled the complete lineup for the 2026 ROUND Festival today, confirming a spectacular two-day free concert on 18–19 April 2026 at the iconic Araneta Coliseum. This milestone edition coincides with the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN, marking a historic moment in regional cultural exchange.

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

The 2026 festival, hosted by acclaimed Korean singer-songwriter 10CM, will feature 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 – 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 ASEAN member states and Korea, creating a vibrant musical tapestry for fans across the continent. The regional lineup includes:

• Korea: 10CM, 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 ROUND Festival carries deep historical significance. Speaking on behalf of KBS WORLD TV, Director Lee Hansol reflected on the festival’s long-awaited return:
“This is a very special ‘homecoming’ for us, because the very first ROUND in 2020 was originally planned for the Philippines. We had to wait six years due to the pandemic, but that wait makes this moment all the more meaningful.”

More than just performances, ROUND is envisioned as a celebration of regional unity and shared culture. NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo emphasized the festival’s importance in showcasing the Philippines as a cultural leader in ASEAN:
“We look forward to a future where the Philippines becomes a hub for performing arts in the region — shaped by the natural talent of Filipinos, and enriched through collaboration with our ASEAN neighbors.”

Admission is free, ensuring fans across the country can experience this landmark event. Tickets will be distributed in a two-step process:

• February 2026: Online reservations open
• March 2026: Ticket claiming for confirmed registrants

Event Highlights:

• Dates: 18–19 April 2026
• Venue: Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
• Admission: FREE (Reservation in February / Claiming in March)
• Organizers: KBS WORLD, NCCA
• Sponsor: ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund

For the latest news and real-time updates, follow @roundfestival, @nccaofficial, and @kbsworldtv on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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About the ROUND Festival:

ROUND is the official brand of the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, an annual initiative that fosters cultural 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.