A heartfelt tribute to friendship, history, and the quiet heroes of war, ‘Finding Santos’—a Filipino-Korean romantic-comedy road film—opens in Philippine cinemas this Wednesday, November 19.
Directed by South Korean filmmaker Son Hyeonwoo, the movie stars Single’s Inferno 4 standout Theo Jang as Woojin, and Maegan Gabrielle Medina of P-pop group YGIG as Gabby. They are joined by Park Seongin and Hans Galendez, completing the ensemble behind this culturally rich adventure.
Set against the 75th anniversary of the Philippine military’s participation in the Korean War, the film follows Woojin, a young Korean who travels to the Philippines to fulfill the last wish of his dying grandmother: to find Santos, a Filipino soldier who once saved her life.
In the Philippines, Woojin meets Gabby—one of his biggest fans—who unexpectedly becomes part of his journey. Together with their closest friends, they embark on a mission to retrace history, uncover forgotten memories, and discover new connections along the way.
At its core, ‘Finding Santos’ is a celebration of friendship that transcends culture, time, and language—reminding audiences to cherish the people who shape our lives.
@lionheartv The Cast of “Finding Santos” @Hans Galendez @Maegan Gabrielle & @Theojang at the Premiere Night of the film. Showing in Cinemas starting Nov 19, 2025. #FindingSantos #LionHearTV #TiktokTainmentPH #RawrNation
The film generated massive attention online after the release of its teaser in September, which racked up over 44 million views on Instagram, signaling strong anticipation from both Filipino and Korean audiences.
Ahead of the nationwide opening, Finding Santos launched its original soundtrack on November 8, followed by a star-studded red-carpet premiere on November 12 at Robinsons Magnolia Cinema 6.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has rated the film PG (Parental Guidance).
Behind the scenes, the film is a product of an unprecedented collaboration between Filipino and Korean creatives. Director Son Hyeonwoo worked closely with Executive Director/Producer Geong Seong Han and co-producer GV Entertainment Production to bring the story to life.
Korean filmmakers traveled to the Philippines to work side by side with the local team—from pre-production to post-production—creating a seamless production synergy built on mutual respect and shared vision.
Table readings held before shooting also helped the cast build organic chemistry, which translated into genuine on-screen rapport.
The production journey was not without obstacles. Many scenes were filmed on location in Manila, Pampanga, and Aurora under intense heat and unpredictable weather. Language differences also posed challenges between the Filipino and Korean teams.
Yet, it was these very challenges that strengthened the bond among the crew. Filipino warmth and hospitality, paired with Korean discipline and attention to detail, fostered an environment of genuine teamwork.
Together, they created a film that mirrors the story’s heart: cultures meeting halfway, discovering each other, and building something beautiful.
More than a rom-com, ‘Finding Santos’ carries a deep historical resonance. By shining a spotlight on Filipino veterans who fought in the Korean War, the film serves as a tribute to their bravery—ensuring their stories live on through cinema.
Catch ‘Finding Santos’ in cinemas nationwide starting November 19—and celebrate a moving tale of friendship, honor, and the bonds that survive across generations and cultures. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
