South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook is expanding his global footprint as he joins a new Philippine variety program titled ‘Kumusta’ — a collaborative production between TV5 Philippines and a Korean creative team.
According to reports on October 27, Ji recently completed filming for the show in Seoul’s Gangnam district, where he worked alongside Filipino celebrities and renowned chefs to run a pop-up Filipino restaurant.
The show’s concept centers on Filipino stars introducing authentic local cuisine to Korean diners. Over several days, the pop-up restaurant served beloved Filipino dishes such as chicken inasal, kare-kare, and sisig, all crafted under the direction of Filipino culinary experts.
Ji Chang-wook took an active role throughout the process — from welcoming guests to managing kitchen operations — showing a humorous and approachable side rarely seen in his Korean variety show appearances.
Directed by Park Nae-ryong, known for ‘Between Marriage and Divorce’ (2022) and ‘Grandma’s Restaurant in Samcheong-dong’, ‘Kumusta’ aims to highlight the fusion of cultures and the shared love for food that transcends borders.
Since his 2008 debut, Ji Chang-wook has become one of Korea’s most beloved leading men, starring in hit dramas like ‘Healer,’ ‘The K2,’ and ‘Suspicious Partner.’ His international fanbase has taken him to stages in Manila, Jakarta, Osaka, Yokohama, and Bangkok for sold-out fan meetings.
He has also gained traction on global streaming platforms through Netflix’s ‘The Sound of Magic’ and Disney+ originals ‘The Worst of Evil’ and ‘Gangnam B-Side’.
Next, Ji will headline Disney+’s upcoming thriller ‘The Manipulated,’ premiering November 5, alongside EXO’s D.O., Lee Kwang-soo, and Jo Yoon-soo. He is also slated to appear in the highly anticipated film ‘Colony’ with Jun Ji-hyun and Go Soo, as well as the fantasy K-drama ‘Human X Gumiho.’
Blending culinary storytelling, cross-cultural exchange, and star power, ‘Kumusta’ is poised to become one of the most heartwarming global collaborations of the year — offering Filipino pride, Korean charm, and a shared message of connection through food. The show is set to air soon on TV5 and is expected to stream internationally afterward.
