Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu topbill the Philippine adaptation of the 2018 South Korean TV series ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’, which is set to stream exclusively on Viu beginning March 18.
Photo from Dreamscape Entertainment’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Is falling in love with a workmate a good idea?

With the Philippine adaptation of the 2018 South Korean hit television series titled “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?”, set to present the idea of an office romance as part of its theme, lead stars Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu have revealed their thoughts on the subject.

In the series, viewers will see Kim as her eponymous character with Paulo portraying her narcissistic boss Brandon Manansala Castillo. Secretary Kim becomes the subject of Brandon’s curiosity after filing her resignation which the latter refuses to accept. The two will later fall in love with each other.

Paulo knows there’s a great chance for romance to bloom in a workplace yet he believes it is best to always stay professional.

“It is always (important) to be professional. I know (that) in some cases, you can’t help but fall in love with someone in your workplace. But maybe, choose an appropriate setting,” said Paulo at the media gathering held recently to drumbeat the Pinoy version of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?” that is set to stream exclusively on Viu  beginning March 18. “But for me, I always want to be professional,” added the actor.

With director Chad Vidanes (in black, beside Kim) and co-stars Janice de Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Jake Cuenca, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, Cai Cortez, Kat Galang, Angeline Quinto, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, JC Alcantara, Brian Sy, Phi Palmos and Kim Won-Shik.
Photos from Dreamscape Entertainment’s Facebook page

Kim couldn’t agree more by saying that she would never let her love life distract her from performing well at work.

“It cannot be helped, especially when you know each other well because you spend more waking time with that person you work with. Pero mas importante siguro mas maayos (‘yung) trabaho kaysa personal na buhay mo. Your work might suffer when you fail to concentrate at work. Mas priority ‘yung trabaho,” explained Kim at the presscon that was also aired live on Dreamscape Entertainment’s Facebook page.

Paulo and Kim initially worked together in the hit Kapamilya series “Linlang” which received rave reviews for its intense scenes and interesting plot twists. The actress shared that Paulo is set to display a character far different from his “Linlang” role.

“He is very professional and funny now. What’s right about Paulo? (It’s) his being himself and that’s what makes him right for the role,” stated Kim.

Paulo affirmed that it would be his first time essaying a funny character and starring in a local adaptation of a K-drama series.

Kim and Paulo with their co-star Jake Cuenca.

“If it wasn’t for Kim, I would probably have second thoughts,” he revealed. “Siguro ano, itong ‘Secretary Kim,’ dahil sa pagmamahal ko bilang ka-trabaho ka, at sa trabahong binigay mo sa ‘Linlang’ so, pambawi sa ‘yo. So, I’m here in ‘Secretary Kim’ to give back.”

The actor also sees “nothing wrong” with Kim. “I think everything is going well with her. It is just one aspect but everything is going well for her. I think she knows.”

“She just has to be more positive. I don’t see anything wrong with Kim. She is beautiful. She has a beautiful career as well,” added she.

(‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’, directed by Chad Vidanes, also stars Janice de Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Jake Cuenca, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, Cai Cortez, Kat Galang, Angeline Quinto, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, JC Alcantara, Brian Sy, Phi Palmos and Kim Won-Shik.)