QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — 28 January 2026 — The Philippines is set to take center stage in the regional music scene as the 2026 ROUND Festival, the official ASEAN–Korea Music Festival, returns in its biggest edition yet. A two-day free concert happening on 18–19 April 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum, ROUND 2026 marks a historic cultural milestone as it coincides with the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN this year.
The full lineup was officially unveiled during a high-profile production press conference held at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, attended by media, partners, and special guest performers KAIA and HORI7ON, who offered exclusive presentations during the event.
A Powerful Celebration of Music and Cultural Exchange
Hosted by acclaimed Korean singer-songwriter 10CM, the 2026 ROUND Festival brings together an extraordinary mix of artists from the Philippines, Korea, and all ten ASEAN Member States—celebrating diversity, creativity, and regional unity through music.
Leading the Philippine delegation on the main stage are some of the country’s most beloved and exciting acts:
Ben&Ben – The nation’s premier folk-pop band
TJ Monterde – The soulful acoustic balladeer
Cup of Joe – Rising indie-pop favorites from Baguio
HORI7ON – The global boy group bridging P-pop and K-pop
They will be joined by top-tier artists from across ASEAN and Korea, creating a vibrant musical tapestry that reflects the sound of a connected region.
Complete ASEAN–Korea Artist Lineup
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
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
Beyond the music, ROUND 2026 carries deep historical meaning. Speaking on behalf of KBS WORLD TV, Director Lee Hansol shared that the festival’s return to Manila fulfills a promise made years ago.
“This is a very special homecoming for us, because the very first ROUND in 2020 was originally supposed to be held here in the Philippines,” Director Lee said. “We had to wait six years because of the pandemic, but that wait only makes this moment more meaningful.”
Music at the Heart of Regional Diplomacy
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) emphasized that ROUND is more than a concert—it is a shared celebration of people, culture, and collaboration. NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo highlighted the Philippines’ growing role as a cultural leader in the region.
“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,” Chairman Zerrudo stated.
Free Admission, Open to All
In line with the festival’s mission of inclusivity and shared celebration, admission to ROUND 2026 is completely free.
Ticketing Rollout:
February 2026: Opening of online reservations
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 announcements, artist updates, and ticket information, follow @roundfestival, @nccaofficial, and @kbsworldtv on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About ROUND Festival
ROUND is the official brand of the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival—an annual cultural initiative that fosters artistic exchange between the ten ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea. The project is supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, strengthening regional friendship through the universal language of music.
