A Philippine adaptation of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, a well-loved South Korean romantic comedy series, is poised to capture the hearts of Pinoy viewers.
Based on a popular webtoon, the series topped Korean ratings and gained international acclaim when it first aired in 2018.
Here are the backstories of the major players in the cast of the show’s local edition:
KIM CHIU
After winning in the first season of Pinoy Big Brother, Kim Chiu went on to star in a number of teleseryes and movies, among them: Sana Maulit Muli (2007); My Girl (2008); Tayong Dalawa (2009); Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (2010); My Binondo Girl (2011); Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012); Ikaw Lamang (2014); The Story of Us (2016); Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin (2017); Love Thy Woman (2020); Fit Check (2023), and Linlang (2023).
She is currently seen daily as one of the hosts of the ABS-CBN afternoon show It’s Showtime.
In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, she plays the title role opposite Paulo Avelino.
PAULO AVELINO
He started his career in show business as a contestant on the reality talent show StarStruck. Transitioning into acting, Paulo Avelino has become known for his roles in various television series and films, such as Walang Hanggan (2012); Bridges of Love (2015); The General’s Daughter (2019); Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon (2014); Honesto (2013); Kahit Konting Pagtingin (2013); The Promise of Forever (2017); Asintado (2018); Walang Hanggang Paalam (2020); Marry Me, Marry You (2021), and Flower of Evil (2022).
He played the lead male role with Kim Chiu in Linlang, the recently concluded series on Prime Video that will be shown soon as teleserye on Kapamilya channel.
The two are the lead stars of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.
Jake Cuenca began his career playing cameo roles in films and TV series where he showed his acting mettle that ultimate gave him his big breaks in showbiz.
He previously starred in shows such as Click (2003); Encantadia (2005); Sana Maulit Muli (2007); Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos? (2007); Palos (2008); Tayong Dalawa (2009); Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo (2012); Maria Mercedes (2013); Ikaw Lamang (2014); Pasión de Amor (2015-2016), and The Iron Heart (2022).
JANICE DE BELEN
She began her career as a child star and rose to fame with her title role in the soap opera Flordeluna, which aired from 1979 to 1984, making her a household name.
Throughout her career, Janice De Belen has been recognized for her talent, earning accolades such as the Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 18th Gawad Tanglaw Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the 70th FAMAS Awards for her performance in Big Night!
Some of her notable shows include Andrea Amor (1985), Rosenda (1989), where she began her transformation from a teenage star to a serious actress, and Budoy (2011), where she delivered a memorable performance. She also starred in Ina, Kapatid, Anak which aired from 2012 to 2013, and The General’s Daughter (2018).
ROMNICK SARMENTA
Romnick Sarmenta has been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. He began his acting career at the age of four, portraying Peping in the drama series Gulong ng Palad (1977), for which he received a nomination for Best Child Actor at the 1978 FAMAS Awards. He also appeared as Ding, Darna’s sidekick, in Rio Locsin’s 1979 Darna movie.
At the peak of his career in the 1980s, he was paired with various leading ladies, including Jennifer Sevilla, Sheryl Cruz, and Harlene Bautista.
His most memorable love team was with Sheryl Cruz, with whom he worked on projects such as Puso sa Puso (1988), Langit at Lupa (1988), and Pardina at ang mga Duwende (1989). More recently, he played the father of Daniel Padilla’s character in the TV series 2 Good 2 Be True (2022).
ANGELINE QUINTO
Angeline Quinto gained prominence after her grand win in the television talent show Star Power in 2011. Following her win, she released her self-titled debut studio album the same year and received multiple awards, including Best New Artist at the Aliw Awards.
Angeline starred in her first leading role in the romantic comedy-drama film Born to Love You (2012). Her first starring role on television was in the romantic comedy series Kahit Konting Pagtingin (2013), where she played a waitress pretending to be her patron’s fiancée. She also co-starred in the drama series Huwag Kang Mangamba (2021) and appeared as a mentor in the reality talent show Dream Maker (2022).
PEPE HERRERA
Pepe Herrera, expanding his career in theater into television and film, has appeared in noteworthy shows and projects that included Ang Probinsyano (2015). He played the character Benny, who became one of the fan-favorite characters in this long-running action-drama series. He also starred in Deadma Walking (2017) where he played a supporting role and The Hopeful Romantic (2018), a romantic comedy film where he played the lead role.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM: OTHER CAST MEMBERS
Some of the other celebrities who will be joining the lineup are Franco Laurel, Yves Flores, Gillian Vicencio, Kaori Oinuma, JC Alcantara, Cai Cortez, Phi Palmos, Kat Galang, Brian Sy, with special participation of Kim Won-Shik.
