Ji Chang-wook’s ‘Kumusta’ Tops Viu Philippines for Three Straight Weeks

It has been reported that 'Kumusta,' the Philippine reality variety show starring Ji Chang-wook, has ranked No. 1 on Viu Philippines for three consecutive weeks. The cumulative views of related Shorts videos have also exceeded 65 million, confirming the reaction of Southeast Asian viewers through numbers.

The key lies in Ji Chang-wook's method of appearance. Rather than just briefly showing his face in a local variety show as an actor known for the popularity of Korean dramas, he took on the role of helping run a Filipino pop-up restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul.

'Kumusta' Operating a Pop-up Restaurant in Gangnam

'Kumusta' is a reality variety show that takes its title from a Filipino greeting. Ji Chang-wook, Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, and Chef JP Anglo operate a pop-up restaurant serving Filipino food in Gangnam, Seoul.

The scenes shown first in the official teaser are closer to kitchen work, serving, and welcoming guests rather than a simple star appearance. The program's core consists of bringing Filipino food into the heart of a Korean city and having the cast from both countries accomplish the same tasks together.

Expanding from TV5 and Viu to Viki

'Kumusta' was released on May 24, 2026, on the Philippine TV5 and Viu, and it can also be watched for free on Viki in Southeast Asia. The programming is designed to target not only the Philippines but also Southeast Asian fans who know Korean actors and viewers interested in Philippine content, rather than being confined to a variety show consumed only within the Philippines.

Ranking No. 1 on Philippine Viu for three consecutive weeks, entering the top ranks of popular content on Viki, and surpassing 65 million Shorts views indicate that this encounter was not merely a one-time buzz.

Ji Chang-wook, Creating Intimacy Through Food and Variety

This is a different kind of exposure for Ji Chang-wook. While he has expanded his overseas fandom through dramas and movies, this time he performs everyday, hands-on missions alongside local cast members in a variety show. Rather than his images in works such as 'action actor' or 'romance male lead,' a face adapting to unfamiliar restaurant work and working in step with others is presented.

When a Hallyu star appears on an overseas broadcast, fan meetings, interviews, and promotional schedules easily come to mind first. 'Kumusta' approached it in a way where local culture takes center stage and the Korean star blends into it. As the chemistry between the cast and the fun of operating the restaurant becomes more important as episodes accumulate, attention is focused on whether the rankings and official Shorts reactions will continue in the remaining episodes.