‘Tunnel’ director hopes to share Filipino heart with Korean audiences
South Korean director Nam Ki-hoon has an extensive filming history in the Philippines. But while he has always known about the warmth of its people and the talent of local film workers, it wasn’t until his fateful personal trip last year that he truly experienced the true spirit of Filipino hospitality.
During the month he stayed in Cebu, he was struck by how friendly the people were and how easy it was to talk to them. He could be just walking or jogging outside, and his day wouldn’t be complete without someone waving at him and smiling at him—something he says isn’t common in Korea.
Lasting impression
But on one of his usual walks, he was caught in a 6.9 earthquake—the one that devastated Cebu in September 2025—and watched as throngs of people rushed outside their homes. But just when one might expect the instinct for self-preservation to kick in, the people went against it and looked after one another.
“They weren’t just focusing on themselves. They cared for each other, they took care of me,” he tells Lifestyle Inquirer. “That scene left a lasting impression on me.”
Best known for the iconic crime thriller series “Tunnel” (2017), Nam Ki-hoon has used the Philippines’ urban and natural landscapes as a backdrop for his other notable works.
The crime comedy “Confidence Queen” (2025) featured Pampanga’s modern infrastructure and quaint, scenic drives. Meanwhile, the action series “Big Bet” (2022)—starring screen legend Choi Min-sik—was predominantly set in the gritty streets and glitzy casinos of Manila.
Although these titles give Korean and international audiences a fairly good insight into what the Philippines is like beyond its famed beaches, the director feels their genres may be too dark or heavy to properly capture the warmth and kindness of the Filipinos that he has gotten to know firsthand.
A more lighthearted fare
What better way to do that than with a lighthearted romantic comedy? For his upcoming project, Nam is collaborating with Filipino producer Tristan Cheng of Trifecta Brand Lab and Korean producer Lee Il-ho on a film that will star a popular Korean actor and a Filipino actress.
The film follows a burned-out Korean superstar who finds himself reminiscing about the time he spent in a charming town in the Philippines. He remembers the hotel there as a peaceful place. Upon returning, however, he learns that things are no longer what they used to be, after being ravaged by natural disasters.
Confused and unsettled, the jaded actor eventually meets a hotel worker. As they get to know each other, they set out to restore the place to its former beauty. Along the way, heartwarming encounters with the locals remind him of the things that first made him fall in love with the Philippines.
“Now, we’re focusing on the more human side of the Philippines,” the director says, adding that he hopes that this movie will help dispel outside notions that the country is dangerous as well as other negative misconceptions. “We want to show how thoughtful and passionate Filipinos are in how they treat others.”
While his past productions in the Philippines relied mostly on Korean crew members—roughly “80 percent Korean to 20 percent Filipino”—this upcoming film will tip the scale the other way. And if his past experience working with Filipinos is any indication, this upcoming project is in very capable hands.
“‘Confidence Queen,’ for instance—even though we only worked together for four days—I saw how efficient they were and how good they were at solving problems. I also loved that we all ate together,” Nam says.
Enticing tourists
The film—slated for a Philippine theatrical release—is still in the early stages of production, with script and casting being finalized. With a first draft already in hand, the team is also seeking Filipino screenwriters to localize the material.
The lead stars have yet to be confirmed, but three Korean actors—all of whom are said to have “ticket-selling power should they hold a fan meeting in the Philippines”—have already been shortlisted. As for the leading lady, producer Lee says the team has already met with various local networks and companies to discuss potential candidates. If needed, they will hold auditions to find someone “cute, bright, energetic” who, most importantly, has chemistry with the lead actor.
Boracay and Cebu might seem like obvious shooting locations, but this time, the team prefers to showcase lesser-known spots that are equally beautiful and deserving of the spotlight. To help scout these locations, they will be working with the Department of Tourism. Lee, who had done multiple commercials for Korean brands in the Philippines, had previously tapped the agency when he coordinated the Cebu scenes for Blackpink member Jisoo’s Netflix rom-com “Boyfriend on Demand.”
“Hopefully, after they see the movie, more Koreans will be enticed to visit the Philippines,” producer Cheng says.
Indeed, “K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies have played a big role in boosting tourism in Korea,” Nam points out. Through this project, the team hopes to do the same for the Philippines.
“We want to show that our cultures can collaborate like this on an international level,” the director says. “I hope this can serve as a bridge for future opportunities.”
