What goes through anyone’s, or any Filipino’s mind, if a South Korean superstar joins Filipino actors in a reality show featuring Filipino cuisine? I think it’s unanimous that it’s an opportunity for us to showcase not just our food, but also our talented artists and our hospitality to a bigger market, especially now that anything Korean is being noticed worldwide.
Ji Chang-wook, a South Korean superstar known for his works like ‘Smile Again,’ ‘Warrior Baek Dong-soo,’ and ‘Empress Ki,’ has joined Filipino artists Jodi Sta. Maria, Francine Diaz, Janella Salvador, Arci Muñoz, and Chef JP Anglo in the reality show ‘Kumusta.’
What made you decide to join Kumusta?
“When I was offered to join the program, Kumusta, I found it very interesting. Introducing Filipino cuisine to Koreans was an interesting point for me and I thought I would be a good help for this program. I really appreciate having been part of Kumusta and I really did my best in this program.”
How would you describe the restaurant Kumusta?
“It’s a restaurant that introduces Filipino cuisine, so we have Chef JP and us, and we have dreams and love as well. It’s a human-like program and it’s one of the funniest programs.”
How do you feel after filming Kumusta and how will the fans will get to see your cooking skills?
“Actually, there’s a reason that I chose to be a server in the restaurant, it’s because I’m not good at cooking. Since I’m not good at cooking, if I go to the kitchen, it’s going to be a big trouble for them. So, I just supported and followed our boss, Chef JP.”
Kumusta was officially launched in a grand media conference held at The Collab at Sheraton Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts, headlined by South Korean star Ji Chang-wook. Joining him was a powerhouse cast of Filipino celebrities, including Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, and chef-restaurateur JP Anglo, offering a first look at the cross-cultural collaboration set to delight audiences across Asia. The highly anticipated show is set to premiere soon as part of TV5’s Weekend Trip block and on the Viu app, taking that “Uy, Pilipins!” pride on the global stage.
The show blends food and cultural exchange as the stars step aside from their typical on-screen roles to run a fully operational Filipino pop-up restaurant in one of Seoul’s most dynamic districts. Throughout the show, the stars learn to prepare and serve Filipino comfort food favorites such as Chicken Inasal, Kare-kare, Sisig, and the ever-iconic Lechon—offering many Korean diners an exciting first taste of Filipino cuisine. The cast takes on the challenge of bringing these flavorful dishes to a new audience, spending up to 12 hours a day for seven straight days preparing, cooking, and serving dishes for diners.
Leading the kitchen is respected culinary figure Chef JP Anglo, a former MasterChef Philippines judge whose presence in the kitchen serves as an anchor for Kumusta’s culinary direction, bridging Philippine heritage with Seoul’s discerning food scene. The series further boosts its cross-cultural lineup with guest appearances from South Korean celebrities Kim Min-seok, Kim Myung-soo, and Seo In-guk.
Kumusta is 100% produced by E&S Partners, a subsidiary of Echolive Korea, the company that organized Waterbomb Manila in 2025. The show stars Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, who returns to the Philippines to promote Kumusta alongside his Filipino co-stars. In the series, viewers will see a more candid side of him as he builds genuine camaraderie with co-star Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, and Arci Muñoz, highlighting how food and friendship transcend borders.
At its core, Kumusta is more than just a cooking show. It captures what happens when people from two different cultures bond over food, and how the show quietly shows how food can bring people together. “Kumusta is a fresh take on Philippine television,” said Jack Hyunsoo Noh, E&S Partners CEO. “It brings together Korean and Filipino stars in a way that feels natural. Through food, travel, and shared experiences. At the center of it all is Filipino cuisine, and we’re excited to introduce it to a wider audience.”
Filming and editing for Kumusta is fully handled by Korean production company PODO Creative, while Rebisco serves as the program’s main sponsor.
Don’t miss this historic cross-cultural culinary adventure. Kumusta is set to premiere on May 24, 2026, 6:45 PM, as part of TV5’s Weekend Trip block and on the Viu app, where viewers can stream anytime, anywhere.
Watch our coverage from the Kumusta media conference below: