For many international students, studying abroad is a journey filled with new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. For Mary Joy Padilla, known as MJ, a student from the Philippines pursuing a Master of Public Management at KDI School, that journey has also been marked by a series of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Since arriving in Korea in Fall 2025, MJ has embraced her academic and personal life with passion. But what makes her story particularly remarkable is how her long-standing love for Korea has translated into extraordinary encounters, ranging from meeting the President by chance to appearing in media connected to global K-pop phenomenon BTS.

MJ’s connection to Korea did not begin recently. “I have always loved South Korea, and everything about its culture, food, language, and history,” she shared. Her interest began more than two decades ago through Korean dramas, movies, and music. Over the years, she even taught herself the Korean language and visited the country multiple times before eventually deciding to pursue her graduate studies here.

Currently a government employee at the Department of Health in the Philippines, MJ viewed studying at KDI School as both a professional and personal milestone. Encouraged by a senior colleague who previously studied at KDI, she applied and was accepted - an opportunity she describes as “the best decision” she has ever made.

One of the most unforgettable moments of her time in Korea took place on April 5, 2026, during the cherry blossom season at Yeouido Park. What began as a simple visit to enjoy the blossoms quickly turned into an extraordinary encounter.

“I was just looking through brochures when suddenly a group of men in suits asked us to move aside,” she recalled. Moments later, she realized that the President of South Korea, His Excellency Lee Jae-myung, was walking through the park, greeting members of the public.

Despite initially feeling overwhelmed and shy, MJ found herself face-to-face with the President and even managed to shake his hand. Shortly after, she gathered the courage to speak to the First Lady, Kim Hye-kyung, introducing herself in Korean as a Filipino student at KDI School. Though she was unable to take a photo, the experience left a lasting impression.

“It was totally an unforgettable experience for me,” she said. “I have loved South Korea for 20 years, and I never imagined that I would get to see the President up close.”

Just weeks before this encounter, MJ had another memorable experience - this time connected to her long-standing admiration for BTS. As a fan of over a decade, she volunteered to be interviewed by a Korean news outlet ahead of the group’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square.

Her enthusiasm and dedication to BTS, combined with her personal story as an international student, led to her being featured in the article. “I was really happy to share my excitement and tell them how proud I was of BTS,” she explained, reflecting on how the group’s music had supported her through difficult times in her early career.

The experience did not stop there. During the concert itself - where MJ had secured a coveted spot near the stage - she was briefly captured on camera during a global livestream broadcast by Netflix.

“The cameras were panning around us,” she said. “I was just happily watching BTS, and when I appeared on screen, I was smiling because I was amazed hearing J-Hope speak English so well.”

For MJ, these moments represent more than just exciting experiences, they are deeply meaningful milestones in a journey shaped by passion, perseverance, and gratitude. She describes her time in Korea as “a dream come true,” emphasizing how it feels like a “home away from home.”

Despite the challenges that come with living abroad, MJ approaches her experience with a strong sense of purpose. She has excelled academically, even earning Dean’s List honors, and remains committed to making the most of every opportunity.

“I thank God every day that I wake up in Korea,” she shared. “I am living my childhood dream and the prayers that I prayed a long time ago.”

As MJ continues her studies at KDI School, her story serves as a reminder of the unexpected and meaningful moments that can arise from studying abroad. Whether through chance encounters or global experiences, her journey highlights how following one’s passion can lead to truly extraordinary opportunities.