Kim Chiu was such a vision (!) during her remarkable purple carpet moment at the Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2024. And in her gorgeous frock and look, Kim gave a very emotional acceptance speech that surely moved everyone’s hearts at the ceremony.

As she received her award, Kim thanked her fans, her Star Magic family, and her Linlang team who have been with her throughout her success. Kim won the “Outstanding Asian Star” award for her stellar performance as Juliana in the viral teleserye, Linlang. But in addition to those that the mentioned, Kim declared that she’s dedicating her milestone to former Dreamscape Entertainment head, Deo Endrinal.

“I want to dedicate this honor to the person who is no longer with us, my boss, my mentor, and a dear friend, Sir Deo. He’s the one who always pushed me to do my best. He’s the one who always guides me to do the best that I can be,” the teary-eyed Kim expressed in a clip of her speech uploaded via X (formerly Twitter). Sir Deo passed away in February 2024.

Kim won alongside other Asian actresses, namely South Korea’s Kim Hye Yoon for Lovely Runner, and Malaysia’s Siti Saleha for SeOfis.

Before Kim’s emotional acceptance speech, she had already stunned the SDA crowd with her Francis Libiran gown as she walked through the event’s purple carpet. During her short banter with the SDA purple carpet event hosts, she admitted that she was really nervous, yet she was one happy and grateful celebrity at the global awarding ceremony. “I’m very nervous to be honest. But I’m very happy and grateful to be here,” she told the hosts of the event at the KBS Hall in South Korea.

Kim was also asked to address and greet her Korean supporters. Quite puzzled by the question, she mentioned how unsure she was if she actually had Korean supporters. “Do I have one? I’m not sure [if I have Korean supporters],” the confused but humble Kim said.

Nonetheless, she proceeded to thank all her supporters for voting for her in the said awards competition. “To all my supporters, thank you so much for making this event possible. I am very grateful and honored to receive this award.”

Kim Chiu’s unwavering appreciation for her fans

Since her arrival in Seoul last night, September 24, Kim has been posting about her preparations and some behind-the-scenes moments. Star Magic executive Direk Laurenti Dyogi accompanied her and also attended the ceremony in a barong that matched Kim’s pink and white gown, which looked like a modern take on the Filipiniana.

Minutes before she went on-air for the SDA purple carpet event, Kim revealed her gown via Instagram with a heartfelt caption. She said, “I’m in absolute disbelief and beyond grateful to attend this kind of international award-giving body. It feels surreal, like a dream I haven’t quite woken up from. I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who believed in me, supported me, and helped make this possible. This moment is something I will cherish forever.”

Along with fans and celebrities congratulating Kim, there was her Linlang co-star and now love team partner, Paulo Avelino. The actor congratulated Kim on her milestone. He quoted Kim’s tweet with a simple “Congratulations” and a cute GIF. It was simple but to KimPau fans, it was everything—especially because Kim replied to him!

Kim also quoted Pau’s tweet and said, “Wew nemen! Thank you papi! Ay Pau pala! Hihihi watch ka eto link [insert the SDA live stream link],” she even asked him to watch the purple carpet event live stream, LOL! Cute.

ICYDK, aside from Kim, the “Outstanding Asian Star” award has been given to two other Kapamilya actresses already. In 2022, Belle Mariano was honored as the first Filipina to win the award for her role in He’s Into Her. Then, in 2023, Kathryn Bernardo bagged it for her astounding portrayal as Ali in 2 Good 2 Be True.

Congratulations again, Kim!