THE GUARDIAN

By Rommel Gonzales

A thrilling action spectacle that brings together Korean and Filipino talents is coming your way this September!

The Guardian, directed by Jeong Jang Hwan (Steel Rain, Save the Green Planet!), is top-billed by K-pop idol and Infinite vocalist, Nam Woo-hyun, together with Park Eun-hye, an established Hallyu star best known for the epic drama series Jewel in the Palace. Joining them are Filipino stars Wilbert Ross and Yassi Pressman.

Nam Woo-hyun plays Do Jun, a college dropout who is skilled in Taekwondo. Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming a national Taekwondo player by winning medals at various competitions. But Do Jun had to give up that dream to stay by his mother’s side in the Philippines.

Park Eun-hye plays Mi Jin, Do Jun’s mother who raised him all by herself. She chose to make the Philippines their home to escape the judgment of her fellow Koreans over her life as a single mother.

Through hard work, Mi Jin is now a successful businesswoman who tries to help a friend who has a gambling problem. Unfortunately, she becomes addicted to gambling as well. She’s on the verge of losing her business and home, but that’s not the worst to happen. Mi Jin gets kidnapped by Cha Dong-cheol (played by Han Jae Seok), leader of the largest Korean criminal organization in the Philippines.

Despite his strained relationship with his mother, Do Jun doesn’t think twice about rescuing her from her captors. But he only has 48 hours to do it, so he must act fast before it’s too late.

Filmed entirely in the Philippines, several prominent roles are played by Filipino actors who aced the auditions.

Wilbert Ross, who has built a successful career in both music and acting for the past ten years, proves his versatility once again as he takes on the role of Jason, one of the film’s more complex characters.

Yassi Pressman plays Sandara, an employee at a café who dreams of becoming a K-pop star. She eventually becomes close friends with Do Jun.

Ashtine Olviga also takes part in this film as a K-pop auditionee.

Completing the Filipino ensemble are Eric Ejercito, Billy Villeta, Jacq Yu, Fatima, Yumi, Heart Ryan, Joko Diaz, Katya Santos, and Jeric Raval.

It’s a proud milestone for Filipino artists to collaborate with Korean actors in The Guardian.
Don’t miss this action thriller in cinemas nationwide. Opens September 2, 2026.