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MANILA, Philippines — There’s no denying the anticipation and excitement everyone felt when Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu were revealed as the stars of the VIU Original Adaptation “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” (WWWSK) in November 2023.
Now that our own version of the hit K-Drama finally premiered last March 18 on VIU, the hype is totally real. As Filipinos can finally stream it for free, they’re in for one unforgettable and relatable show.
This is what the whole cast, creatives and producers promised at the WWWSK media con held at Gateway Mall in Quezon City.
“It was adapted into our culture. . . How we are, how we talk, how things happen here in the Philippines,” shared Paulo, who plays Brandon Manansala “BMC” Castillo, or simply the Boss of Secretary Kim.
Kim, who is of course Secretary Kim, added, “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 ‘yong mga more comedy side. . . ‘Yong story namin is more Filipino and mas makaka-relate ang karamihan.”
The kilig factor
Even before WWWSK’s premiere, many Filipinos have already been observing the chemistry between Paulo and Kim. The two have recently starred together in another online series, which is on the heavy drama side.
Nonetheless, fans continue to ship the pair who they now fondly call “KimPau.” And how lucky as they now star in their first-ever romcom.
Asked what they think made them click as a pair, Kim didn’t have a specific answer. But what she’s certain of is that they know each other better since their first project together.
“Sa tagal namin dito sa industriya, ngayon lang kami nagkasama. Mas kilala na namin yong isa’t isa and nakaka-amaze naman din, may sumusuporta sa aming dalawa,” she said.
“I like working with people who works fast and knows what they’re doing. Si Kim ganon, mabilis siya kumilos, alam na nya yong script [kaya] walang nagiging problema,” Paulo responded.
To this, Kim agreed and said, they both have the same passion for work.
In WWWSK, fans and future fans alike would enjoy KimPau even further as they portray lighter and lovable characters.
Their chemistry will be in full display in the narcissistic Boss BMC and dedicated Secretary Kim. How after nine years of not being appreciated, the competent secretary suddenly resigns. This is when the boss realizes her worth as a secretary, and even more.
What ensues is a push and pull between the two—that will bring out the ultimate kilig factor of WWWSK.
Very family oriented
In “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” Filipino family values will also be on the spotlight.
Secretary Kim’s family is the Liwanag family, composed of fellow actors Romnick Sarmenta who is dad Felix, and Cai Cortez and Kat Galang, her sisters.
“I have a great family, there’s Cai, Kat, Kim . . . and I am playing something that’s very close to my heart, being a father,” Romnick shared.
Kat added, “I feel like ang common denominator namin apat ay very family oriented. So masarap yapusin ang character ng Liwanag family kasi gano’n sila e. They got each other’s back.”
But not all family are as loving and perfect; some have their troubles too, and this is Boss BMC’s people. Joining Paulo in the Castillo Family is Franco Laurel, the dad, Janice de Belen, the mom, and Jake Cuenca, the older brother.
“Sa totoo lang, what makes this show special for me is that I get to work with stellar artists, sila Janice, Jake and Paulo. Yong dynamics as the Castillo family, punong-puno ng puso. Makikita nyo yong takbo ng kwento namin,” Franco hinted.
In fact, Paulo and Jake are brothers who would be rivals—in life and in love? That’s something we should also watch out for.
#Barkadesk
Lastly, director Chad Vidanes related that the workplace dynamic would also be distinguished from the original Korean version.
“I tried to veer away from the K-Drama feels. The overly polished clean feel, mas humanized,” the Chad noted in his overall direction.
The #Barkadesk cast include Angeline Quinto, Phi Palmos, Kaori Oinuma, JC Alcantara, Yves Flores and Gillian Vicencio and Brian Sy.
Pepe Herrera completes the cast as the best friend of BMC, with the special participation of Korean celebrity Kim Won-Shik, who also sings one of the soundtracks for the series.
Summing up the series, Kim said, “It’s a combination of kilig, romance, family, friendship, about ambition and dreams. After you watch the show, feel-good lang. Something to smile about. We promise them [the viewers] na hindi sila mabibigo.”
The local adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” is a partnership between ABS-CBN Studios and VIU, and is produced by Dreamscape Entertainment.
This is the third adaptation of a top rating international format between ABS-CBN and VIU, following “The Broken Marriage Vow” and “Flower of Evil.”
Stream “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” first and exclusively on VIU by downloading the app or visiting www.viu.com. New episode drops every Monday to Wednesday. Enjoy advance episodes by upgrading to a 3-month premium subscription for only P349. — Euden Valdez
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Credit belongs to: www.philstar.com
