If there’s one thing that Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s tandem proves, it’s that they’re a match made for different stories about love

Even before they stepped into the roles of Secretary Kim Liwanag and Brandon Manansala Castillo, both had their fair share of portrayals in adaptations. From film to television, Kim Chiu starred in Always and My Girl, respectively. Meanwhile, Paulo Avelino played Jacob Del Rosario in the country’s version of Flower Of Evil. And now that the most-awaited Filipino adaptation of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is finally premiering on our screens this coming Monday, March 18, MEGA Entertainment couldn’t let the opportunity pass to score an exclusive revelation from the lead stars. Before we see them portray the beloved pairing originally played by Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon, read ahead to find out their thoughts on taking on a romantic-comedy series this time around.

^{What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim premieres on Viu this Monday, March 18; Photo: DREAMSCAPE, Poster Design: JUSTIN BESANA (via Instagram)}

From the desk of Secretary Kim

Before filming the series, the actors worked together in Linlang. The stark themes of their back-to-back projects—from thriller-drama to romcom—made Kim Chiu feel like she was starting fresh, unfamiliar with a genre deemed uncomfortable.

“Shucks! This is my comfort zone. How come I’m not getting into that role anymore? I’m having a hard time going there,” the actress shared. Through their sustained partnership however, she and Paulo agreed to help each other for their new series. “Sabi namin, ‘Tulungan na lang tayo.’ Good thing, nagtulungan naman kami ni Paulo.”’

^{Kim Chiu admits having to rediscover her romcom self before their upcoming series}
The It’s Showtime host also pointed out their reversal of roles for their upcoming series. “Nagpalit nga kami, e. ‘Yung Linlang is not my comfort zone. Ito namang What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, not his comfort zone,” she observed.

No doubt, Kim knew romantic comedy like the palm of her hand. But being the hard worker that she is, Kim didn’t settle for anything else, especially with this project. Explaining her own process of accepting the part, she elaborated, “I watched it twice, lalo na nung nalaman kong I’d be doing it. I watched it [the first time] during the pandemic. Nung sinabi sa akin, sobrang happy pero nakakapressure in a way. May pressure din for us, especially for me, kasi alam ng mga tao na I do romcom. So, kinakabahan ako. May pressure, of course, because merong pagbabasihan. May original version. But [with this] adaptation, gusto ko rin may sariling touch ng Pinoy, may sarili ding Kim Chiu touch.”
^{Even with a lighter story, the actress takes her roles seriously}
Ending the exchange about the show, Chiu concluded the interview with praises for Paulo. “Abangan talaga nila si Paulo dahil ibang-iba siya. Funny siya,” she affirmed.

From the company of Brandon Manansala Castillo

Unlike Kim, Paulo’s role trajectory always had a shade of complexity or darkness to it. While he also had his fair share of kilig projects from the past, the “Oppa Effect,” which he embraced as Brandon, was different. “I haven’t done a romcom or comedy series or movie in a long time,” the actor pointed out. “There were quite a few adjustments that I had to do. But I’m thankful that, you know, I get to work with Kim again.”
^{Paulo is ready to bring out the funny man inside of him as Brandon}
Back in 2011, Paulo was already vocal about wanting to work with the ASAP mainstay. It was more than a decade after, through Linlang, that they were given a chance to finally share a project. For the actor, it seemed to be worth the wait, as he did not only work with Kim once—but twice—right away. From playing a married couple who had to deal with the consequences of their decisions, they had to do a 360-degree turn for their upcoming show. This time, he was the boss, she was the assistant, and they were still coming to terms with their love for each other.
^{The actor is all smiles as he gets help and inspiration from co-actors like KimFor Paulo, Kim’s bubbly personality was a source of inspiration while doing What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim. “[Working with people like Kim,] you just get their energy, and you just get inspiration from them,” he said}