Ji Chang-wook joins Philippine variety show ‘Kumusta’ with Korean production team
Actor Ji Chang-wook / Courtesy of Spring Company
Actor teams up with local stars and chefs, showcasing his charm in cross-cultural program
Actor Ji Chang-wook is set to appear in a new Philippine variety show titled “Kumusta,” produced by a Korean creative team, marking another step in his expanding global career.
According to industry sources Monday, Ji recently joined filming for the upcoming entertainment program by Philippine broadcaster TV5. The show features Ji working alongside local celebrities and renowned Filipino chefs as they run a pop-up restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
“Kumusta” centers on Filipino stars introducing their home cuisine to Korean diners. Over several days, they served iconic dishes such as inasal (a grilled chicken dish), kare-kare (a stew featuring a thick and savory peanut sauce), and sisig (chopped and grilled pork), all prepared under the guidance of celebrated Filipino chefs.
Ji participated throughout the process — from opening preparations to closing time — greeting customers and helping to manage the restaurant, adding energy and humor to the show.
He also took on the role of assisting the Filipino guests, helping them adjust to the unfamiliar environment and interacting warmly with visitors, offering a side of him rarely seen on Korean television.
The program is directed by Park Nae-ryong, known for Tving’s “Between Marriage and Divorce” (2022) series and the food-themed show “Grandma’s Restaurant in Samcheong-dong.”
With Ji’s global popularity and Park’s production expertise, expectations are high for “Kumusta” to highlight the growing influence of K-variety content in the Philippines.
Since his debut in 2008, Ji has built a wide-ranging career across dramas, films and variety shows, as well as international fan tours. He rose to stardom through hit dramas such as “Healer,” “The K2,” and “Suspicious Partner,” holding fan meetings in Manila, Jakarta, Osaka, Yokohama and Bangkok.
Ji has also been active on global streaming platforms, starring in Netflix’s “The Sound of Magic” and Disney+ originals “The Worst of Evil” and “Gangnam B-Side.” He will next appear in Disney+’s upcoming series “The Manipulated,” premiering Nov. 5, while his participation in the Philippine show is expected to further boost his international presence.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.