Rakuten Viki Brings Filipino Hospitality to Seoul in New Reality Series ‘Kumusta’

A new Korean-Filipino reality series is putting Filipino food, hospitality, and culture in the spotlight as Rakuten Viki launches Kumusta, bringing celebrities from both countries together in the heart of Seoul.

The series celebrates the growing cultural connection between the Philippines and South Korea through food and shared experiences, introducing Korean audiences to Filipino cuisine while showcasing Filipino talent on an international stage.

Leading the cast is South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, known to Filipino audiences for hit dramas such as The K2 and Healer. In Kumusta, the actor steps away from his action-packed roles and takes on a more playful side as the restaurant’s head server.

Joining him are some of the Philippines’ most recognizable stars, including Jodi Sta. Maria as hall manager, Janella Salvador as sous chef, Francine Diaz as head server, and Arci Muñoz, who takes on both kitchen and front-of-house duties.

At the center of the culinary experience is Michelin-starred Filipino chef JP Anglo, who curated a menu of Filipino dishes designed to appeal to Korean palates. Featured specialties include inasal, kare-kare, bagoong, lechon, pork sisig, and gising-gising.

Adding a unique twist, meals are accompanied by Filipino-inspired versions of Korean banchan or side dishes, including dilis, atsara, and tokwa’t baboy, alongside refreshing calamansi juice.

The series also features special guest appearances from Korean actors Seo In-guk, Kim Myung-soo, and Kim Min-seok, adding more excitement to the cross-cultural reality program.

More Than a Food Show

Kumusta arrives at a time when Korean entertainment continues to enjoy immense popularity in the Philippines. At the same time, the series offers a rare opportunity for Korean audiences to discover the richness of Filipino flavors, traditions, and hospitality.

Through the shared language of food and storytelling, the program highlights how cultural exchanges can create deeper appreciation and stronger connections between people from different backgrounds.

Bringing Filipino Culture to a Global Audience

The launch of Kumusta reflects the increasing global interest in Filipino cuisine and culture. By placing Filipino dishes and traditions at the center of an international production, Rakuten Viki is helping introduce the country’s culinary heritage and warm hospitality to new audiences across Asia.

The series streams free through Viki’s ad-supported video-on-demand service across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.