Rakuten Viki brings Filipino hospitality, cuisine, and culture to Seoul as Korean and Filipino stars unite for a cross-cultural experience through “Kumusta.”
Rakuten Viki, the global platform for Asian entertainment, introduces “Kumusta,” a new Korean-Filipino reality series that brings Filipino culture, cuisine, and hospitality to South Korea. The show gathers Korean and Filipino celebrities as they work together to share the warmth of Filipino traditions through a unique restaurant experience.
South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook takes on a new role in the series as the restaurant’s head server. Known for his performances in popular dramas such as “The K2” and “Healer,” Ji shows a different side of himself as he interacts with guests, learns about Filipino culture, and builds connections with his Filipino co-stars. “Kumusta” also marks his first variety show appearance following his role in the 2025 revenge thriller “The Manipulated.”
Joining Ji Chang-wook are Filipino stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, and Arci Muñoz. Jodi manages the restaurant as hall manager, while Janella works as sous chef. Francine serves as head server, and Arci handles both kitchen and front-of-house responsibilities. Together, the cast faces the challenges of operating a restaurant while introducing Filipino flavors to Korean diners.
Moreover, Michelin-starred Filipino chef JP Anglo creates a special menu that highlights beloved Filipino dishes while adapting them for Korean audiences. The restaurant serves favorites such as inasal, kare-kare, bagoong, lechon, pork sisig, and gising-gising. Guests also enjoy Filipino-inspired banchan, including dilis, atsara, and tokwa’t baboy, paired with refreshing calamansi juice.
The series also features special guest servers from South Korea, including actors Seo In-guk, Kim Myung-soo, and Kim Min-seok, who join the cast throughout the show.
Beyond its reality show format, “Kumusta” celebrates the cultural relationship between the Philippines and South Korea. The series introduces Korean viewers to Filipino food, traditions, and stories while giving Filipino artists a global platform. Through shared meals and meaningful interactions, the show highlights how food can connect people across cultures.
“Kumusta” is available for free through Viki’s ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) service in Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Fans can also watch Ji Chang-wook’s dramas “Melting Me Softly” and “Suspicious Partner” on Viki.
Press Release
