Melai Cantiveros stars in Disney+ Philippines' K-drama campaign

Disney+ Philippines just transported Melai Cantiveros into the K-drama universe in a new campaign featuring several newly released and highly anticipated titles including “A Shop for Killers,” “Flex X Cop,” “Made in Korea 2,” and “The Remarried Empress.” 

The one-minute video posted on Disney+’s YouTube channel put Melai’s comedic personality front and center as she transformed a seemingly ordinary coffee-shop visit into an entertaining way of ordering her favorite K-drama characters.

Instead of asking for the usual coffee, pastries, or drinks, the tv host and actress walked into the shop and ordered what the campaign called “K-drama specials.”

“Kamsahamnida!” she enthusiastically said, which is Korean for “thank you.”

The cashier then greeted her and asked, “Hi, Ms. Melai! Are you here for our K-drama specials?”

Melai responded, “Paano mo nalaman na ’yun ang gusto ko?” The cashier then made the Filipino gesture of pointing her lips toward Melai’s outfit. Melai, dressed in a hanbok, showed off her Korean attire by swaying side to side.

Her first request was rather specific: “I will get a crown prince of the Western Empire with an extra eye contact.”

Almost immediately, a smiling crown prince appeared in front of her, prompting a kilig reaction from Melai. The character was a playful nod to “The Remarried Empress,” the upcoming romance-fantasy series starring Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young.

Melai then switched personalities and costumes as she continued browsing the imaginary K-drama menu.

“Can I have one superhuman with a flying ability?” she asked.

Another oppa suddenly popped in, referencing the sci-fi/action/drama “Moving.”

Her next order came with another Korean term: “Can I have one mysterious samchon?”

Samchon means uncle in Korean. This time, the mysterious figure who appeared was a reference to “A Shop for Killers,” the action-drama series. Melai’s outfit also mirrored the look of the show’s lead actress.

The orders took another turn when Melai asked for someone more calculating. “How about something manipulative like a deputy director of the Korean CIA?” 

That request pointed to the action-crime series “Flex X Cop.”

“Made in Korea 2” starring Hyun Bin, was also part of the lineup, rounding out the upcoming K-drama titles highlighted in the video.

The campaign’s accompanying post captured the concept with the tagline: “From Kilig to Kabog, mapapa-Kamsahamnida ka na lang talaga sa K—the K-drama hits you deserve.”