“Finding Santos,” a Filipino-Korean co-production, is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines. The film tells a moving story that blends contemporary drama with musical moments, celebrating friendship, personal growth, and a shared history between the two nations.
The film stars Jang Theo of Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno” season 4”as Kim Woo-jin, a former K-pop idol whose career collapses under pressure from obsessive fans and harsh online commentary. Living in isolation, Woo-jin is forced back into the world when his grandmother asks him to search for Santos, a Filipino war veteran who once saved her during the Korean War.
Woojin travels to the Philippines with his long-time manager Jang Jun-ha, played by Korean actor Park Sung-in. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they cross paths with Gabby, portrayed by YGIG member Maeg Medina, a longtime fan who offers to help with the search. She is soon joined by her best friend Lara, played by Filipino content creator Hans Galendez, turning the mission into an unexpected road trip across the country.
As the group follows clues to find the elusive veteran, Woo-jin begins to confront old wounds and slowly regains confidence through the companionship and sincerity of his Filipino guides. Moments of shared music — including a song written by Gabby — play a central role in Woo-jin’s emotional recovery, highlighting the film’s message about connection that transcends language and culture.
Beyond its character-driven narrative, “Finding Santos” is also positioned as a tribute to Philippine veterans who served during the Korean War and a celebration of more than seven decades of friendship between South Korea and the Philippines.
The film’s blend of history, music, and multicultural casting has drawn attention from both fan communities and viewers looking for stories rooted in cross-border collaboration.
“Finding Santos,” which opened yesterday, is presented by SBTown and GV Entertainment.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on info from SBTown, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.