SBTown Unveils “Finding Santos”: A Musical Film Rooted in History and Heart
Last April 11, 2025, SBTown officially introduced its biggest project of the year—“Finding Santos”, a groundbreaking musical film that blends music, history, and heartfelt storytelling. Select media partners were invited to an exclusive media conference to witness the unveiling of this much-anticipated production.
In his opening remarks, Tatang Robin shared the inspiration behind the film’s creation. While the Philippines and Korea are popularly connected through the Hallyu Wave—K-Pop, K-Dramas, and K-Celebrities—“Finding Santos” delves into a deeper historical bond.
During the Korean War, the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK)—comprising 7,420 soldiers—was deployed between 1950 and 1955 under Republic Act No. 573. The Philippines stood as the only Asian country and the third-largest contingent to offer military support. Tatang Robin, who only learned of this contribution in 2012, was moved to craft a story inspired by this little-known piece of shared history, in collaboration with a Korean writer.
He emphasized that while “Finding Santos” is not a war film, its roots lie in this meaningful past, showcasing how enduring connections between nations can spark powerful stories.
Media Con Highlights
The event kicked off with a performance by SBTown’s all-Korean pop group In A Minute, singing “Where You At”, the film’s official soundtrack—a catchy blend of pop-rock and hip-hop. The song will be released in both Korean and Tagalog, with YGIG performing the Tagalog version.
The highlight of the program was the reveal of the film’s cast. Jang Theo of Single’s Inferno 4 fame stars alongside Maeg Medina of YGIG, exuding chemistry that already has fans buzzing. Also present were the film’s director Son Hyeon Woo and writer Park Chorong, who shared insights into bringing this unique cross-cultural narrative to life.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Aurora province, “Finding Santos” also supports local tourism as part of its storytelling mission.
Movie Synopsis
Once a top K-pop idol, Woojin (Jang Theo) now lives in isolation, haunted by fame’s darker side—relentless online hate and obsessive fans. When his terminally ill grandmother reveals a final wish to find Santos, a Filipino veteran who once saved her life during the Korean War, Woojin is reluctantly pulled into an unexpected journey.
His longtime manager and best friend, Junha (Sungin Park), secretly takes on the mission and convinces Woojin to travel to the Philippines. There, they cross paths with Gabby (Maeg Medina), a devoted fan, and her influencer best friend Lara, who join the search. In return, Woojin agrees to grant Gabby a personal wish.
As they chase a fading piece of history, Woojin is forced to confront not only his past but also the possibility of healing, connection—and redemption.
Finding Santos: Coming Soon this 2025!
Inspired by history, this story unfolds through music and film—brought to life by a strong Korean and Filipino cast. It marks a potential milestone, paving the way for even greater creative collaborations between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines.
Audiences can look forward to the film, “Finding Santos”, set to premiere this September 2025.
