Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines’ controversial president, has stoked outrage by kissing a woman on the lips while meeting the Filipino community on a three day official visit to Seoul, South Korea.

The firebrand leader, known for his expletive-filled rants and bloody war on drugs, apparently attempted to show his more charming side during an event with overseas workers when he called two young women onto the stage to receive a copy of a book.

Mr Duterte said in jest that he would give the book, Altar of Secrets: Sex, Politics and Money in the Philippine Catholic Church, in exchange for a kiss, specifically asking for women in the audience.

“You have to pay me with a kiss. Are you ready for kissing?” Mr Duterte said, according to the Philippine Star.

He pecked one of two women who came up onto the stage on the cheek, but then gestured to the other that he wanted to kiss her on the lips.

The president could be heard saying: “Are you single? You’re not separated from him? But you can tell him that this is just a joke?” reported Rappler.

His awkward move drew cheers from the audience, but his claims that it was only a gimmick did not prevent a backlash online where Mr Duterte was slammed for being a “misogynist” and a “hypocrite.”