When GMA-7 announced that Alden Richards was to portray the role of “Good Boy” in the Philippine adaptation of Start-Up, the show’s fans readily welcomed the idea.
But they wondered why Alden has chosen the character of Kim Seon Ho instead of the show’s original lead?
The original K-drama stars Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do San, an entrepreneur struggling to launch a start-up. As the show's second lead, Kim Seon Ho plays Han Ji-pyeong, a venture capitalist who had a difficult childhood.
When the show first aired in 2020, fans were divided over which of the two men should win the heart of Seo Dal Mi, the female lead played by Bae Suzy. Those who rooted for Kim Seon Ho dubbed themselves "Team Good Boy," in reference to his character's monicker on the show.
Looking at the two characters, Alden felt playing the role originated by Kim Seon Ho would allow him to take on a role that was very different from his last project, The World Between Us.
Alden said in an interview during the TM is the Key Reunion Concert on July 2, 2022, “Yung character ni Nam Do San but Davidson siya rito sa Start-Up Philippines has the same character journey as my character noong past soap ko, e.
He also revealed it was the team’s suggestion that he take on the role of Good Boy.
He continued, “Sabi ng writers at ng management, 'Why not give Alden this role?'
“Kasi noong natapos yung The World Between Us, successful na yung character ko, e.
"Pero yung journey niya kasi, kumbaga kung yung role ni Nam Do San yung kukunin ko, parang same lang. Similar. Very similar.”
Jeric Gonzales is set to play the role of Nam Do San in the Pinoy adaptation.
The characters of Jeric and Alden will be entangled in a love triangle with the character of Bea Alonzo.
Although Good Boy was the second lead in the K-drama, that may not necessarily be the case in the Pinoy adaptation.
Alden assured Pinoy viewers that though the story will be the same as the original, there will be exciting twists and Filipino elements in the adaptation that they can look forward to.
He added, “It’s a K-drama concept and we adapted it. So, adaptation, meaning yung structure ng story is the same, pero may twist siya and yung palaman niya is very Filipino.
“Makikita ng mga audience yan when we air.”
WORKING WITH JERRY LOPEZ SINENENG
In a media conference with the directors of Start-Up in June 2022, director Jerry Lopez Sineneng was all praises for Alden.
Direk Jerry told the press, “Si Alden is so gaan to work with, he’s very professional, he comes to the set already knowing his lines ‘tapos hindi ko alam, e. May magic si Alden, napapasaya niya yung set.
“Napapagaan niya kahit mabibigat yung eksena, kahit malalaki yung eksena, kahit lupaypay na kayo sa pagod.”
When asked for his reaction, Alden quipped, "Gulat po ako," upon hearing Direk Jerry's kind words.
He added, "Very happy naman kasi I’d like to believe na, you know me for so long, nothing’s put on, on me.
"Wala akong pretension and I’m just being myself.
"And if people get that kind of reaction based on how I am around them, ibig sabihin nakikilala talaga nila ako as myself and nothing else."
GMA-7 has yet to announce the airing of Start-Up's Philippine adaptation.