Actress Kim Chiu is encouraging her supporters to shift their votes to Paulo Avelino after both stars earned nominations in the Outstanding Asian Star category of the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards.
The Kapamilya actress took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge her fans to support Avelino, who is currently among the frontrunners in the international fan-voted category.
“Hello Fam! Let’s vote for Pau naman this time para sya naman maka-experience mag (Korean). Hihihi exciting mag Korean si @mepauloavelino. Salamat po sa lahat ng mga bumoto na,” Kim wrote.
The post quickly caught the attention of fans, particularly supporters of the popular KimPau tandem, who viewed the gesture as another sign of the close bond between the two stars.
Based on the latest rankings released through voting platform IDOLCHAMP, Avelino currently sits at the top of the standings with 57.97 percent of the votes.
Chiu follows closely in second place with 39.66 percent.
The two actors have established a significant lead over fellow Filipino nominees, including Anne Curtis, Kaila Estrada, Amy Austria, and Angelica Panganiban.
Both Chiu and Avelino were nominated for their performances in the hit drama ‘The Alibi’.
Among the Filipino celebrities nominated in the category, Anne Curtis also expressed her excitement upon learning about her inclusion in the list.
“OMG I’m so kilig. I don’t stand a chance against the voting power of Jisoo but I’m so grateful to even be nominated,” Anne posted on social media.
Curtis earned her nomination for her performance in ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ and is competing against several Asian stars, including Jisoo of South Korea.
Kim’s appeal to support Avelino immediately generated excitement among KimPau supporters.
Many fans noted that Chiu had previously won the same award and appreciated her willingness to let Avelino take center stage this year.
The gesture also fueled speculation among supporters who continue to closely follow the pair’s off-screen relationship, although neither has publicly confirmed the status of their rumored romance.
Aside from Chiu, Avelino, and Curtis, several other Filipino stars were nominated for the Outstanding Asian Star Award.
The list includes Joshua Garcia, Dingdong Dantes, Fyang Smith, Kaila Estrada, JM Ibarra, Amy Austria, Angelica Panganiban, Anton Vinzon, Bela Padilla, Carlo Aquino, Charlie Dizon, Gerald Anderson, Ivana Alawi, JM de Guzman, Jake Cuenca, Katrina Halili, Max Collins, Roi Vinzon, Shaina Magdayao, and Zanjoe Marudo.
The Outstanding Asian Star Award recognizes actors and actresses who have made significant contributions to television drama productions across South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Voting remains open until July 14 through the IDOLCHAMP platform.
The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards is scheduled to take place on October 8 at the KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea.
Meanwhile, industry observers are also watching whether Chiu and Avelino will be able to attend the ceremony, as reports suggest they may be busy filming their upcoming project Kopino, which is expected to begin production in July and will reportedly be shot in both South Korea and the Philippines.
