The exterior of K Life PH in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Handout photos“Pasabuy” is a common practice among K-pop enthusiasts in the Philippines, involving requests to friends, family, or acquaintances traveling to South Korea to purchase merchandise on their behalf.

But fans may soon find themselves less dependent on “pasabuy,” because nestled within the towering skyscrapers and vibrant urban energy of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig lies a hidden gem tailored specifically for fervent followers of Korean idol groups.

K Life PH, which recently unveiled its flagship store in the bustling business district, offers an array of merchandise for K-pop fans, along with activities designed to enhance their experience while spending time at the establishment.

“We envision K Life to be [a] go-to place for unique and sought after K-pop merchandise,” K Life PH founder Jacob Oh said in a speech during the store’s recent ribbon-cutting event.

Recognizing the high costs associated with purchasing merchandise abroad, Oh said K Life PH aimed to make these items more accessible to Filipino fans.

“Many Filipino fans, when they go on a trip to Korea, they want to enjoy Korean culture and sometimes, they want to purchase K-pop products but it’s very expensive,” he said.

“So we are now establishing a K-pop store here and we can sell [products] at a cheaper price here,” he added.

The products include dolls of TinyTAN or characters based on the members of K-pop sensation BTS as well as chocolates with packaging that bear the logos of groups such as BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Super Junior, NCT, and aespa, among others.

Oh said the store would also sell albums and Korean beauty products. “Other merchandise is still coming. After a month, we’d have at least 50 kinds of merchandise here," he said in the interview.

With its sleek black interiors and expansive LED screens that play vibrant K-pop music videos, K Life PH also aspires to become a hub for K-pop enthusiasts, providing engaging activities that elevate the visitor experience. Among these are photo booths adorned with an array of props and costumes, including the traditional hanbok attire, inviting guests to take fun snapshots.

There is also a dance studio equipped with a system that instructs fans on mastering trendy K-pop dance routines.

In 2021, the Philippines ranked third in a list of countries with the most number of K-pop fans on X (then known as Twitter), a social media platform extensively utilized by fandoms for their activities and interactions.

Philippines is third country with most K-pop fans in 2021: Twitter

In his speech, Oh also noted how the friendship between the Philippines and South Korea “goes a long way.” Notably, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“Through K Life, we cannot wait to share more of Korea to our Filipino friends,” Oh said.

K Life PH is located at the ground floor of the ORE Central Building, 9th Avenue corner 31st Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

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