Kapamilya stars Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino brought out the "kilig feels" and good vibes during the grand media conference of the series "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim," which streams exclusively on Viu beginning March 18. 

Kim and Paulo shared that viewers can relate to the series since it will highlight unique Filipino elements, such as Pinoy humor and lifestyle while staying true to the original story.

"As proud Pinoy, maraming nilagay ang mga writers namin and everyone involved sa paggawa ng 'Secretary Kim' the Philippine version. Maraming Filipino touch such as family oriented or 'yung mga more comedy side. Actually kapag pinanood mo siya side by side, medyo parehas siya [sa Korean counterpart]. Pero 'yung story namin is more Filipino and mas nakaka-relate 'yung karamihan," said Kim during the mediacon of the series, held at the Gateway Mall II recently.

(As proud Pinoys, our writers and everyone involved put much into making 'Secretary Kim' the Philippine version. There are many Filipino touches, such as family-oriented or the more comedy side. When you watch him side by side, it's quite like he's the same [as his Korean counterpart]. But our story is more Filipino, and most people can relate to it.)

Paulo added: "The show is adopted into our culture. So, if you watch the original, some parts I watched, the Korean culture is strong. Pero, our Filipino culture was adapted in this adaptation: how we are, how we talk, and how we are in the Philippines."

“There’s always pressure whenever you do an adaptation. But what we did was to stick to the script and be true to our culture to show how well we can do it as Filipinos,” Paulo also said.

Kim added: "Nakaka-kaba pa rin. But I'm thankful for this opportunity. Habang ginagawa namin ang adaptation na ito, it doesn't feel like work. When we saw some of the finished parts, parang nakaka-proud. Ang saya dahil nagawa ng mga Pinoy ang ganitong klaseng adaptation. We're happy for the outcome of the series. I'm proud of this adaptation."

(It's still nerve-wracking, but I'm thankful for this opportunity. While doing this adaptation, it feels like something other than work. When we saw some of the finished parts, it was like being proud. It's fun because this kind of adaptation is done by Filipinos. We're happy for the outcome of the series. I'm proud of this adaptation.)

KimPau will showcase their chemistry in their first romcom series, displaying their funny and feel-good personalities.

“This one’s gonna be really different. Kung naghahanap kayo ng magpapasaya, magpapatawa, at magpapakilig sa inyo, ito ‘yung palabas na dapat ninyong subaybayan. Coming from very heavy and serious characters, I'm happy to be given a chance to play a role like this. Nakaka-excite,” said Paulo.

Kim also shared, "It combines kilig, romance, family, friendship, ambition, and dreams. After you watch the show, feel-good lang. Something to smile about. We promised them na hindi sila mabibigo."

All for love

Kim and Paulo were asked about some of the sweetest things they've done for love in real life.

Paulo said he accepted the project because he enjoys working with Kim.

"I'd have second thoughts if it had been offered to me without Kim," said Paulo, who admitted he accepted the project because of Kim and the late Deo Endrinal of Dreamscape Entertainment.

Kim said she's a giving person in real life. "I'm a giving person. I will give as long as I can. Wala namang mawawala sa akin kung magbibigay ako eh. Marami kang magagawa kapag nagmahal ka. At saka normal na sa'yo 'yun kapag may love. So hanggang doon na lang."

Paulo and Kim also shared their thoughts on why their tandem clicked.

"Hindi ko alam (kung bakit click ang tandem namin). Siguro sa tagal namin sa industry, parang ngayon lang talaga kami nagkasama ni Paulo magwork. After Linlang, eto na nga at nasundan kami ng isa pang project. So kilala na namin ang isa't isa. Nakaka-amaze rin na marami yun sumusuporta sa aming dalawa which is nakakagulat din. But we're thankful. Sa edad namin na ito ang weird na marami pa rin ang sumusuporta. Ang weird ng feeling. Minsan nagbabasa kami ng mga comments sa sa social media pero natatawa na lang kami," said Kim.

(I don't know (why our tandem clicked). In the time we've been in the industry, it's like Paulo and I got to work together just now. After Linlang, we were followed by another project. So we already know each other. It's also amazing that many people support both of us, which is also surprising. But we're deeply thankful. At our age, it's strange that many people still support us. It's a strange feeling. Sometimes, we read things and comments on social media, but we laugh.)

Paulo answered: "I've always wanted to work with Kim, but I was given the opportunity when we did the project last year. She's so bubbly, and she's maturing as an actress. I like working with people who work fast and know what they do. Si Kim ganun. Mabilis siyang kumilos. Alam na niya yung script at alam na niya yung gagawin." (Kim is like that. She acted quickly. She already knows the script and what to do.)

Working with KimPau

Janice De Belen, a big K-drama fan, said working with Kim and Paulo is always a pleasure.

"Na-excite ako when I was told to be part of the series. I remember saying this during the story conference. Ang lungkot ko lang kasi akala ko ako si Secretary Kim. Hindi pala. Mali pala ako. Sayang!" Janice joked. "I've worked with Kim and Pau, and it is always a pleasure."

Jake Cuenca said it's an honor to work with Paulo, one of his best friends in the industry.

"It was fun. Kami ni Paulo, kapag spare time namin, we talk about acting. Matagal na namin tinatanong. Why don't they put us on a project? The series is different from the typical things that Paulo and I do. It's not a drama or action. We helped each other through the sequences. I had lots of fun. But I got nervous because I was acting with my best friend and knew how he was. It was a fun experience," Jake said.

"Jake is very professional. He's always straight to the point with his character. He's like a light switch—he can quickly turn it on and off. It was a big honor for me to work with him again," Paulo said.

Pepe Herrera expressed his excitement about working with KimPau, whom he described as a real-life couple on the set.

"Kung lolokohin nila kami at sasabihin nila na matagal na silang magkasintahan, maniniwala kami. Actually para silang mag-asawa sa set. Parang lang ha," Pepe said as he laughed.

Directed by Chad V. Vidanes, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” follows the story of Secretary Kim, a highly qualified secretary, and her narcissistic boss, Brandon Manansala Castillo, or BMC (Paulo). One day, BMC’s perfect world turns chaotic when Secretary Kim resigns from her position. What follows is a romantic push-and-pull between the two as they discover hidden feelings for each other.

The series also stars Jake Cuenca, Janice De Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Angeline Quinto, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, JC Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, Yves Flores, Cai Cortez, Phi Palmos, Kat Galang, and Brian Sy, with the special participation of Kim Won Shik.