GMA Network is at the helm of presenting K-Drama Filipino fans with a more relatable adaptation of the 2020 hit series “Start-Up.”
The Pinoy adaptation will feature celebrated actors Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo. This will be the first time Richards and Alonzo will be paired together on-screen.
“This is my first K-drama adaptation project. I feel grateful and blessed for the opportunity to be able to do something the audience is seeking,” Richards said during an interview on newscast “24 Oras.”
As for Alonso, she revealed that doing the project is one of the reasons she signed with GMA after spending almost two decades with her former network.
“It is one of the reasons why I decided to become a Kapuso,” she said in the same interview.
Set for a 2022 release, GMA-7—in partnership with entertainment company CJ ENM—looks to raise the entertainment bar once more. Taping will begin in April.
“This is one of my favorite K-dramas because of its inspiring story about reaching for one’s dreams, with all the engaging story elements about love—romantic love, filial love, love between friends, set against a modern backdrop which I am sure our audience will find very interesting. What makes this even more exciting is the Filipino cast that we have put together to bring the characters of ‘Start-Up’ closer to the Filipino audience,” said senior vice president for GMA Entertainment Group, Lilybeth G. Rasonable.
“GMA has always been a great partner, and it is great to see them remaking one of my favorite series in the Philippines. Starting with ‘Start-Up,’ which has a well established storyline and unique characters, we are willing to actively carry out more adaptations of dramas with GMA in the future for the fans in Philippines,” said director of CJ ENM’s global content sales, Sebastian Kim.
“Start-Up” was one of the most hyped titles in 2020. It follows the story of young entrepreneurs and their journey in starting their own businesses.
“With its sincere story about growth and passion, ‘Start-Up’ has been loved by many fans not only here in South Korea, but also across the globe. I wish all the best for the successful adaptation of the drama in the Philippines,” said “Start-Up” chief producer, Ryu Sang-won.