[INTERVIEW] Theo Jang shares his experience on the Philippine-Korean collaborative film Finding Santos
2025-11-27The Philippine-Korean collaborative film, Finding Santos, has been highly anticipated for its unique blend of a road-movie format, historical remembrance, and cross-cultural romance. The film, which features Korean actor Theo Jang (장태오) and Filipino P-pop artist Maeg Medina (YGIG), serves as part of the celebration for the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
The story follows Woo-jin (Theo Jang), a forgotten K-pop idol, who travels to the Philippines to fulfill the final wish of his grandmother: to find the Filipino veteran who saved her life during the Korean War. Along his search, he is joined by Gabby (Maeg Medina), a local fan, and their journey leads them through meaningful encounters that become a path of cultural discovery and personal healing. The film, directed by Son Hyun Woo (손현우), honors the shared history of the two nations, particularly the 75th anniversary of the Philippine military's participation in the Korean War.
In an exclusive interview conducted via email on November 18, 2025, Mr. Jang shared insights into his approach to the role of Woo-jin, his experience working with Filipino talent, and the significance of the film's powerful historical message.
Q: What inspired you to take on the role of Woo-jin, and how did you personally connect with his journey in Finding Santos?
“I accepted the role even before the script was fully completed. The message this film wanted to deliver was already strong enough for me. Finding Santos is a road-trip story, which means I had to absorb everything I encountered on set and stay completely present. I didn’t try to 'prepare' Woo-jin in a typical way; instead, I allowed myself to feel what he would feel and embraced every moment. In many ways, his emotional journey reminded me of my own past struggles, so it naturally became very personal for me.”
Q: How was your experience filming in the Philippines and working with Filipino artists like Maeg Medina?
“Filming in the Philippines was unforgettable. The heat, the long hours in the jungle, and the atmosphere were tough, but they actually helped me embody Woo-jin even more. Filipino artists, including Maeg Medina, were incredibly talented, warm, and generous. People always say Filipinos are kind, and it was exactly like that on set. Maeg and the team made the atmosphere so fun and supportive that we built real camaraderie throughout the shoot.”
Q: The film explores themes of culture, healing, and remembrance. What message do you hope audiences will take away from this story?
“I hope audiences feel the sincerity behind this story: the healing, the humor, the cultural exchanges, and the reminder about a historical truth many people don’t know about. Even Koreans rarely realize that nearly 7,000 Filipino soldiers came to help Korea during the Korean War. At its core, the film is about understanding and appreciating each other, and finding unexpected connections that can change us. If viewers can feel that warmth and maybe shed a tear, I think we’ve succeeded.”
Q: Since Finding Santos also celebrates 76 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, what does this project mean to you personally as a Korean actor?
“It means a lot. Working on a film that honors the friendship between our countries made me appreciate this history even more deeply. Sometimes a film can bring people closer than a formal message can. I truly felt responsible to respect the culture, the locations, and the history while portraying Woo-jin. Being part of a project that bridges the Philippines and Korea is a privilege, and I’m proud that our team created something meaningful for both sides.”
Q: This is SBTown’s first romantic film—how do you think Finding Santos stands out from other romance or road movies you’ve seen or worked on before?
“It’s not just a romance. It’s a historical reminder, a healing journey, and a cultural bridge packaged inside a road-movie format. The comedy, the music, the scenery, and the emotional layers make it unique. It talks about something we should all know. That combination of romance, humor, and real historical meaning is what makes Finding Santos stand out from other films in the genre.”
Finding Santos is still showing in Philippine cinemas, following its first showing on November 19, 2025.
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