Popular South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook has joined the cast of a new Philippine variety show called "Kumusta," which is being produced by a Korean creative team. This collaboration represents another significant milestone in the actor's expanding international career and highlights the growing cross-cultural entertainment exchange between Korea and the Philippines.
According to industry sources, Ji recently completed filming for the upcoming entertainment program, which will be broadcast on Philippine network TV5. The show features an innovative concept where Ji works alongside local Filipino celebrities and renowned Filipino chefs to operate a pop-up restaurant located in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district. This unique format allows viewers to experience cultural fusion through food and entertainment.
The central premise of "Kumusta" revolves around Filipino stars introducing their traditional home cuisine to Korean diners. Throughout several days of filming, the participants served iconic Filipino dishes including inasal, a popular grilled chicken dish, kare-kare, a rich stew featuring a thick and savory peanut sauce, and sisig, a flavorful dish made with chopped and grilled pork. All dishes were prepared under the expert guidance of celebrated Filipino chefs who brought authentic cooking techniques to the Seoul location.
Ji Chang-wook participated actively throughout the entire restaurant operation process, from the initial opening preparations to closing time each day. His responsibilities included greeting customers warmly, helping to manage various aspects of the restaurant operations, and adding his characteristic energy and humor to the show's atmosphere. The actor also took on the important role of assisting the Filipino guests, helping them adjust to the unfamiliar Korean environment and facilitating warm interactions with restaurant visitors. This allowed viewers to see a different side of Ji that is rarely showcased on Korean television programs.
The program is being directed by Park Nae-ryong, an experienced director known for his work on Tving's acclaimed series "Between Marriage and Divorce" in 2022, as well as the popular food-themed show "Grandma's Restaurant in Samcheong-dong." With Ji Chang-wook's massive global popularity combined with Park's proven production expertise, industry expectations are running high for "Kumusta" to successfully highlight the growing influence and appeal of Korean variety content in the Philippine entertainment market.
Since making his acting debut in 2008, Ji Chang-wook has built an impressively diverse career spanning television dramas, feature films, and variety shows, while also maintaining an active international presence through fan tours and global projects. He initially rose to stardom through his memorable performances in hit dramas such as "Healer," "The K2," and "Suspicious Partner," which helped establish his reputation as a versatile and charismatic actor. His international popularity has led to fan meetings in major cities including Manila, Jakarta, Osaka, Yokohama, and Bangkok.
In recent years, Ji has also become increasingly active on major global streaming platforms, starring in Netflix's fantasy musical series "The Sound of Magic" and Disney+ original series including "The Worst of Evil" and "Gangnam B-Side." His upcoming project includes Disney's new series "The Manipulated," which is scheduled to premiere on November 5. His participation in the Philippine variety show "Kumusta" is expected to further enhance his international presence and strengthen cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines through entertainment collaboration.
