Actress-host Kim Chiu has been named the Outstanding Asian Star at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024, an awards event held annually in South Korea.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 25, at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, where photos captured the actress walking the purple carpet in an elegant blush-pink gown by Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran.
Four Outstanding Asian Star awardees were recognized at the event with Chiu representing the Philippines, Desmond Tan from Singapore, Win Metawin from Thailand, Siti Saleha from Malaysia.
Kim’s recognition was driven by fan support, with the actress garnering the highest number of votes in an online poll conducted via the IdolChamp app.
Her fellow nominees included her on-screen partner Paulo Avelino, Nadine Lustre (Road Killers), Bea Alonzo (Love Before Sunrise), Rhian Ramos (Royal Blood), Krissha Viaje (Safe Skies Archer), and Jerome Ponce (Road Killers/Safe Skies Archer).
Pinoy stars Dingdong Dantes (Royal Blood), Jane Oineza (Cattleya Killer), Dennis Trillo (Love Before Sunrise), Andrea Torres (Love Before Sunrise), Arjo Atayde (Cattleya Killer), Bodjie Pascua (Road Killers), at Sid Lucero (Love Before Sunrise) were also nominated for the category.
The accolade adds to a growing list of Filipino celebrities honored at the Seoul International Drama Awards, with Kathryn Bernardo winning the same award in 2023, and Belle Mariano taking home the trophy in 2022.
In her acceptance speech, Kim turned emotional as she expressed her gratitude to the people behind all the opportunities she has received throughout her career, especially to the late Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal.
“I want to express my gratitude to these incredible people who made this moment possible. First, my company, ABS-CBN, Star Magic, Direk Lauren who is here tonight, thank you for always believing in me,” penned Chiu.
She also shared her honor with the team behind her thriller-drama series “Linlang” and Dreamscape Entertainment for their “guidance”, “passion”, and “vision”.
Kim also thanked her fans in her speech, stating, “And to my ever-loving, supportive fans, this award is also for you. Your unconditional love, efforts, and belief in me have always been my source of strength and for that, I am truly grateful.
Chiu was brought to tears as she paid tribute to Edrinal whom she regarded as her boss, mentor, and friend in her final statements.
“I wouldn’t be standing here tonight without your trust and guidance and opportunities you gave me. Thank you so much, sir.”
Kim concluded her speech with pride, saying, “This is a dream come true for me to represent ABS-CBN and my country, the Philippines.”
