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Korean director Nam Ki Hoon is bringing a major K-star to the Philippines for his next film
Korean director Nam Ki Hoon is bringing a major K-star to the Philippines for his next film
South Korean powerhouse director Nam Ki Hoon didn't just visit the Philippines — he fell in love with it. Trip after trip, vacation after vacation, he kept coming back, drawn by something he couldn't quite resist. His Filipino friends say it best: Nam isn't just a Korean director — he's a Korean with a Filipino soul.
And now? He’s taking that love to the big screen. Director Nam is gearing up to shoot a full-blown feature film right in the heart of the Philippines — bringing together a beloved Filipino actress and a Korean actor who has taken the entire world by storm. This is the collaboration no one saw coming, but everyone has been waiting for.
During the press conference held at Tryst and Co. in Katipunan, Quezon City, Director Nam said, "I've been to the Philippines several times, and every time I visit, I'm happy and have new experiences. Previously, I've done dark projects, but while in the Philippines, I experienced firsthand how warm, kind, and bright Filipinos are.
"So the project we are preparing will focus on the human side, the good side of the Philippines, and how the main characters can experience the warmth and passion of the Filipinos when they treat other people. I am excited to see how we can express these positive emotions from the Philippines.
"By the way, thank you for coming here to the press conference, even if I am not well-known," Nam said, as he spoke through a translator.
Director Nam and Korean producer Ilho Lee were welcomed by Filipino producer Tristan Cheng, of CMB Films and Trifecta Brand Lab.
"We must admit that the Korean film industry has really set the standard so high, not just for the Philippines, but globally. That is something that we want to be part of. So we are starting a good partnership with a good Korean company," said Tristan.
In the story, Nam said, "It starts with a male superstar from South Korea. Through the schedules he has been working, he has experienced burnout. Then he remembers these special childhood memories he had in the Philippines. He flew to this special place in the Philippines, which was devastated by a typhoon. The Korean star will help rebuild the place with the assistance of a woman who owns the resort."
The lead stars of the still untitled movie will be announced soon. They have met with popular broadcast networks in the Philippines and have finally made a list of potential actresses. For the Korean actor, negotiations are still ongoing, but they have promised that the male lead will be a major Korean star. "It's as if ever the male star were to have a fan meet in the Philippines, the tickets would be sold out."
"This film will show the sunny side of the Philippines. We expect something fun and light. Regarding the cast, I am sorry, but we cannot share it at the moment as we are still finalizing it. Rest assured that we have been working to bring the best to the silver screen," Tristan also said.
The team also plans to coordinate with the Department of Tourism to identify key destinations across the Philippines that the film can spotlight.
"We will meet with the DoT for advice about the places in the Philippines. We will not seek financial assistance from the government. Just guidance about the places," said the Filipino producer.
Director Nam shared a memory from his month-long stay in Cebu in 2025 — one that left a lasting mark. While there, he found himself at the epicenter of an earthquake that shook the province
"I was walking toward the hotel when the earthquake came, and the people were running towards me. But I noticed that while they were running away, they were helpful with one another. They also helped me. Unfortunately, in South Korea, we are not close to one another.
"So when I experienced how helpful the Filipinos were, that started my positive impressions of the Philippines. To be honest, the Philippines is often portrayed elsewhere as dark. There were creepy moments for other people.
"But I want to tell everyone that the Philippines is a beautiful place. And Filipinos have big hearts. That's one of my experiences being in the Philippines," the director also said.
For Tristan, the partnership between the two countries holds promise well beyond the screen — he sees it as a meaningful driver for local tourism.
"Hopefully, after they see the movie, the Koreans will be enticed to visit the Philippines and vice versa. This will be a big boost in local tourism," the Filipino businessman said.
Director Nam, meanwhile, sees the project as something larger than a single film. For him, it is proof that the Philippines and South Korea can build something meaningful together — and a stepping stone toward greater international collaboration for Filipino cinema.