‘KimPau’ on workplace romance, being ‘right’ for each other

Scene from “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?” —PHOTOS FROM DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT/YOUTUBE

It feels weird, but thank you,” said actress Kim Chiu in reaction to comments from netizens trying to match her romantically with onscreen partner Paulo Avelino, especially now that they’re promoting their new series “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?”

The series, directed by Chad Vidanes, is a local adaptation of the Korean hit with the same title. It will start streaming on Viu on March 18.

“Sometimes, we would read stuff about us on X. It’s a happy feeling that, even at our age, people are still trying to ‘ship’ us. To prove their point, they would say things about us that we would just laugh at, but we’re very thankful for their support,” Kim told reporters during a grand media gathering over the weekend. The two first worked together in the dramatic thriller “Linlang.”

At one point in the press con, the duo, collectively known as “KimPau,” were asked to talk about what is “right” about each other, as a play on the show’s title. To this, Paulo said: “What’s right about Kim? Everything. Things are going well for her, career-wise. There’s only one aspect that’s not right,” said the actor, who is most likely referring to Kim’s current lack of romantic relationship since she just broke up with longtime boyfriend Xian Lim.

“I think she knows this. She just has to be more positive about her outlook. Everything’s right with her. She’s beautiful and has a wonderful career, as well.”

“Paulo is perfect—that’s what his character in this series would often describe himself. He’s very professional and is now very funny. He is being himself—that’s what makes him right,” Kim said.

Kim and Paulo were also asked to reveal the unusual things they’ve done for love. Kim jokingly asked Paulo: “What’s love, anyway? I’ve already forgotten. Are you going to remind me?”

Because of love

“Can my answer be something I did for a friend or coworker? I guess agreeing to do ‘Secretary Kim’ is the most unusual thing I did for my love for Kim. This is to repay her for everything she has given us in ‘Linlang.’ As a way to give back to her, I’m here in this series,” he replied.

Kim would later explain that it was a challenge for Paulo, whose forte is heavy drama, to be part of a romantic comedy series. “He is so funny in this show. You will not see the usual Paulo Avelino,” Kim declared. “I think if this was offered to me and Kim [was not the leading lady], I would have had second thoughts. This is because of Kim and Sir Deo (Endrinal, the late business unit head of Dreamscape Entertainment),” said Paulo.

Kim said she has done so many “unusual things” as a way to show her love to people she cares about that she no longer considers them unusual. “I’m such a giving person—it’s my nature. I don’t want anyone feeling left out. I give as long as I can give. I will keep doing things for people because of love.”

They were also asked to reveal what they love about each other. Paulo was the first to answer. “When I was new at ABS-CBN, I already wanted to work with Kim. I was just not given the opportunity until last year when we did ‘Linlang.’ I wanted to work with her not just because Kim is a star, but also because I like working with people who work fast and know what they are doing. We never had any problems on the set.”

Kim Chiu

Same passion

Kim added: “Pau knows his work as an actor. He is very consistent. We share the same passion when it comes to work. We want the same things. It’s nice to have finally found my boy counterpart. We would both say, ‘Let’s work fast, but work well.’”

“I’m her low-batt version,” Paulo interjected.

“Yes, I’m the high-energy version. I was amazed that he agreed to do a rom-com project with me. I admire him because of that,” said Kim. “Now we know that, as an actor, he can do everything. You will be surprised with what he gave us for this show.”

On the other hand, Paulo said he was amazed by Kim’s ability to set the mood on set. “What I noticed when I first worked with her was that when Kim is sad, the set would also be somber and gloomy. If she’s in high energy, the set would be energized, as well. It’s only now that I’ve met a person who is able to set the energy level of an entire set,” Paulo declared.

Professional

The Korean version starred Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-Young. The series is about a workaholic and narcissistic boss, who falls in love with his competent and driven secretary. He eventually asks for Secretary Kim’s hand in marriage but she rejects him repeatedly. This ultimately challenges the overly confident boss.

Asked to give their opinion on office or workplace romance, Paulo said: “It’s always better to be professional. I always want to be professional on the set or when I’m working, but I understand that this happens, especially if you work with the same person everyday, eight hours a day. I guess, one just has to choose the appropriate setting.”

Kim agreed with Paulo, but added: “I know that in some cases this can’t be helped, especially if you work together for long hours everyday. For me, a good work output is more important, because that’s what I signed up for. Ending up with a love life is just a bonus. You don’t want to be accused of failing to concentrate while in the office if you prioritize your heart over your head.”

The series also features Janice De Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Angeline Quinto, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, JC Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, Yves Flores, Cai Cortez, Phi Palmos, Kat Galang and Brian Sy, with the special participation of Kim Won-shik.