If Korean tourists love frolicking the wonders of the Philippines, then the reel-world isn’t all-too far from that. Counting Filipinos' affinity for Korean dramas, several series have also set their sights in the country by making it the backdrop of their stories. From Choi Woo Shik’s Navotas-spotted series to a Julia Barretto-starring project, below, see five K-dramas that were actually set and shot in the Philippines.
1. A Killer Paradox
Watch it on: Netflix
The internet was abuzz when Choi Woo Shik was spotted in the streets of Navotas, and now, we know the answers. In the drama A Killer Paradox, Woo Shik portrays Lee Tang, who, after an accidental killing, discovers his uncanny ability of distinguishing the immoral among a crowd. In one scene, the character takes shelter in Navotas, where he works in a fish port.
2. Big Bet
Watch it on: Disney+
Now settled in the Philippines, Korean mogul Cha Mu-sik (Choi Min Sik) transforms into an imposing figure in Big Bet’s cutthroat world of gambling. Soon enough, he finds himself entangled at the center of a murder case, where he becomes a walking target of Filipino and Korean authorities. The Philippine setting isn’t just a blink-or-you’ll-miss it moment–most of the show is set in the country, so expect familiar locales featured throughout.
When it comes to talent, it’s the best of both worlds. The drama stars veteran Korean actors like Choi Min Sik, Son Suk Ku, and Squid Game’s Kim Joo Ryoung, while it also features Filipino acts including Nico Antonio, Bembol Roco, Ronnie Lazaro, and Epy Quizon.
3. Forest
Watch it on: Viki
Emergency service worker Kang San Hyeok (Park Hae Jin) is troubled by the hazy memory of his childhood. During a rescue mission, he crosses paths with surgeon Jung Young Jae (Jo Bo Ah), where they’re both drawn to a mystical forest that, little by little, crystallizes forgotten pasts. While much of the forest scenes are filmed in South Korea’s Gangwon province, a work trip sees them take a detour to the capital of Manila, where the two visited sites like Intramuros and Manila Cathedral.
4. The Fugitive: Plan B
Once upon a time, our local land was blessed by Rain–the actor-slash-singer, of course. The Hallyu icon found himself in Nasugbu, Batangas for the production of the 2010 action drama The Fugitive: Plan B, where he played Ji-woo, a cunning private investigator recruited by an heiress in hopes of finding the suspects of her family’s murder.
5. Secret Ingredient
Watch it on: Viu
Serving up a cross-cultural romance, the Philippines’ very own Julia Barretto top-bills Secret Ingredient as the hardworking Filipina chef Maya. The budding culinary artist jet-sets to Indonesia to fulfill her gastronomic dreams, where she enters a romantic entanglement between Korean expat Hajoon (Sang Heon Lee) and Indonesian head chef Arif (Nicholas Saputra). Helmed by K-drama director Cho Young Kwang of Racket Boys and Hyde Jekyll, Me, the upcoming drama sees a chunk of its story in Indonesia, but expect it to be peppered with Philippine spots, too!
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