Rakuten Viki is spotlighting Filipino culture in a new cross-cultural reality series that brings food, celebrity and storytelling together in the heart of Seoul.
Titled “Kumusta,” the show places Filipino cuisine and hospitality at center stage, with a format designed to introduce Korean audiences to the richness of Filipino flavors and traditions.
“From inasal to kare-kare, Filipino flavors take center stage as Korean and Filipino stars come together in the heart of Seoul,” the series said.
At the core of the experience is celebrated Filipino chef JP Anglo, who curates a lineup of “blockbuster” dishes meant to appeal to Korean tastes. The menu features familiar Filipino favorites such as inasal, kare-kare, lechon, pork sisig, bagoong, and gising-gising—each served in a setting that blends Korean dining customs with Filipino hospitality.
Staying true to this cultural fusion, meals are paired with Filipino-inspired banchan including dilis, atsara, and tokwa’t baboy, alongside refreshing calamansi juice.
The series is more than a culinary showcase, it is also a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together Korean and Filipino stars in a shared space of food and hospitality.
South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook takes on a surprising new role in the series, stepping away from his familiar action-heavy image.
“South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, who has built a strong following in the Philippines through hit dramas such as The K2 and Healer, steps away from his signature action-hero roles to serve as the restaurant’s head server,” the show noted.
“The series showcases a warmer, more playful side of the actor rarely seen on screen, as he navigates cultural differences, builds friendships with his Filipino castmates, and connects with guests through food and hospitality,” it added.
The show also marks a notable return to unscripted television for the actor. “Kumusta marks the actor’s first variety appearance since his turn in the 2025 revenge thriller The Manipulated.”
Joining him is a strong lineup of Filipino talent taking on key restaurant roles. Jodi Sta. Maria serves as hall manager, Janella Salvador works behind the scenes as sous chef, Francine Diaz takes on duties as head server, while Arci Muñoz balances both kitchen and front-of-house responsibilities.
The restaurant dynamic is further energized by guest appearances from Korean actors Philippine tourism ambassador Seo In-guk, Kim Myung-soo and Kim Min-seok, who rotate in as special servers throughout the series..
The show will stream free on Viki’s ad-supported platform across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.