Filipino artists shine in South Korea with special collaborations alongside K-Pop group EVERGLOW and Korean singer-songwriter 10CM; global broadcast on KBS set for December


MANILA, PHILIPPINES — November 9, 2026 — Filipino music took the international spotlight as P-Pop girl group KAIA and acclaimed singer-songwriter TJ Monterde proudly represented the Philippines at the 2026 ASEAN-Korea ROUND Music Festival, held on November 7–8 at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon, South Korea.
Organized by Korean public broadcaster KBS , the festival brought together artists from South Korea and ASEAN member countries for a celebration of music, cultural diversity, and regional collaboration. The festival performances are scheduled for a global broadcast through KBS in December 2026 , bringing the music and collaborations of participating artists to a wider international audience.
Representing two distinct sides of contemporary Philippine music, KAIA and TJ Monterde delivered performances that showcased the talent, creativity, and international potential of Filipino artists, further strengthening the Philippines’ presence in the Asian music scene.
KAIA and EVERGLOW Deliver an Electrifying Collaboration Stage
One of the highlights of the festival was the special collaboration between Filipino P-Pop girl group KAIA and South Korean girl group EVERGLOW.


Composed of Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte, KAIA brought their signature energy and dynamic stage presence to the ROUND Festival, performing for an international audience of music fans and industry representatives.
EVERGLOW joined KAIA on stage for a special performance of the Korean group’s hit song “DUN DUN,” bringing together Filipino and Korean pop artists in a powerful display of musical collaboration.

The performance received an enthusiastic response from the Korean audience and international delegates, highlighting the growing opportunities for P-Pop artists to connect with international audiences and collaborate with established performers in the region.

For KAIA, the collaboration marked another significant milestone in their international journey, following their recent participation in Music Matters Live 2026 in Singapore and other regional music engagements.
TJ Monterde Brings the Heart of OPM to Korea
Meanwhile, TJ Monterde brought the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to the ROUND Festival stage.
Known for his widely loved songs and deeply personal musical style, Monterde represented the Philippines’ thriving singer-songwriter scene, introducing his music to audiences from South Korea and across Southeast Asia.

A special highlight of his participation was his collaboration with acclaimed South Korean singer-songwriter 10CM , bringing together two artists recognized for their distinctive musical styles and emotionally resonant performances.
The collaboration underscored music’s ability to connect artists and audiences across languages and cultures, reflecting the spirit of ASEAN-Korea cultural exchange.
Together, KAIA and TJ Monterde demonstrated the diversity of Philippine music, from the energetic sound and performances of P-Pop to the heartfelt melodies and storytelling of contemporary OPM.
Continuing the Philippines’ ROUND Festival Legacy
The Philippines’ participation in ROUND Festival Korea followed the successful hosting of ROUND Festival Philippines 2026 , held on April 18–19 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon
City.
With ROUND returning to South Korea in November, KAIA and TJ Monterde continued this momentum, reinforcing the country’s active participation in the ASEAN-Korea music community.
Building Bridges Through Music
Beyond the performances, the 2026 ROUND Festival in Korea highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and creative collaboration in strengthening relationships between South Korea and ASEAN member countries.
The collaborations between KAIA and EVERGLOW, and TJ Monterde and 10CM, demonstrated how music can bring together artists with different backgrounds, musical influences, and audiences.
With the global broadcast on KBS scheduled for December 2026 , the performances will have an opportunity to reach audiences beyond the live festival, further amplifying the visibility of Filipino music internationally.
As Philippine music continues to gain recognition abroad, platforms such as ROUND Festival provide valuable opportunities for Filipino artists to showcase their talents, develop professional connections, and explore new markets.
Through their performances in Incheon, KAIA and TJ Monterde proudly carried the sound of the Philippines to the international stage , contributing to the growing visibility of P-Pop and OPM while celebrating music’s ability to connect cultures beyond borders.
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