Who Is Nico Antonio? Meet the Filipino Actor Landing Roles in K-Dramas

Filipino actor Nico Antonio recently rubbed shoulders with Hallyu star Park Min Young on the set of her latest K-drama, Confidence Queen. The show, which shot in the Philippines for its first few episodes, got Nico for a brief scene with the actress and her co-star Joo Jong Hyuk.

Upon the release of episode 2, Nico posted a photo with the series’ two leads on his Instagram. In the episode itself, viewers can catch him wearing a gas mask as he abducts Min Young and Jong Hyuk’s characters in his car by putting them to sleep. Nico’s mother, celebrity lawyer and film producer Joji Alonso, also posted about the opportunity, sharing, “When @welovetolayts got cast for a brief role in Confidence Queen, I didn’t have a clue who the lead actress was. When he told me sobrang sikat nyan, eh di ok, ikaw na!”

Fun fact: This isn’t the first time Nico’s acted alongside prominent Korean actors. Find out more below as we list down five things to know about the Filipino performer.

In the grand scheme of things, Nico’s cameo on Confidence Queen is a tiny thing compared to his vast repertoire. With over two decades of acting credits, he’s appeared in big-ticket titles like FPJ's Batang Quiapo, Mars Ravelo's Darna, On the Wings of Love, and most recently, Sins of the Father starring Gerald Anderson. He even played Andres Bonifacio in the 2016 historical film Heneral Luna.

Confidence Queen isn’t Nico’s first foray into the K-drama scene. He had a more significant role in Big Bet, a 2022 series starring Choi Min Sik and Son Suk Ku. Around 70% of the show was reportedly shot in the Philippines and also featured other known Filipino actors, including Bembol Roco and Epy Quizon. Nico portrayed Mark Flores in the show, a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group officer who works on a case with Suk Ku’s character.

The production company was founded by Nico’s mom, Joji Alonso. Quantum Films is responsible for critically acclaimed titles like English Only Please, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Ekstra, and the recent FAMAS award-winning horror movie Espantaho.

Nico has been recognized for his acting chops on numerous occasions. He particularly took home the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2018 CineFilipino Film Festival for his performance in Delia and Sammy, where he played Roger, a village security guard tricked by two elderlies into driving them to Baguio. He won a similar award at the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival for his portrayal of a gay man in Big Night!, whose partner finds his name in a drug watchlist.

Nico’s hobby started at the young age of 6 when he played the shooter video game Battle City with his mom. He’s since been amassing his own game collection with a penchant for Japanese RPGs and hack and slashers. In an interview, he shared that he was once scolded for playing on the set of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3. “I was caught by my director playing a game while he was giving instructions. Mea culpa…I should not have done it. No excuses. Hi Direk, sorry na,” said Nico.