KimPau, JMFyang, other Filipino celebs nominated for Seoul International Drama Awards

Filipino stars are making their presence felt at the Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2026, with Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, and 21 other actors and actresses securing nominations in the Outstanding Asian Star: Philippines category.

Kim Chiu previously won the Outstanding Asian Star award  in 2024, while actor Daniel Padilla took home the same award in 2025. 

As of this writing, Paulo Avelino, nominated for “The Alibi,” is leading the voting with 47.74% of the votes. He is followed by Kim Chiu, also from "The Alibi," with 26.67%. 

Sofia “Fyang” Smith of “Ghosting" is at third with 13.61%, followed by Anne Curtis of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” with 4.74%, and Kaila Estrada of “What Lies Beneath” with 3.20%.

The rest of the nominees include JM Ibarra (Ghosting), Anton Vinzon (The Fist), Gerald Anderson (Sins of the Father and Blood Vs Duty), and Katrina Halili (The Fist). 

Roi Vinzon (The Fist), Joshua Garcia (Love Is Never Gone), Carlo Aquino (It’s Okay To Not Be Okay), Dingdong Dantes (The Master Cutter), Angelica Panganiban (The Silent Noise), Amy Austria (The Fist), and Bela Padilla (Blood Vs Duty). 

Charlie Dizon (What Lies Beneath), Ivana Alawi (Love Is Never Gone), JM De Guzman (What Lies Beneath), Jake Cuenca (What Lies Beneath), Max Collins (The Master Cutter), Shaina Magdayao (Sins of the Father), and Zanjoe Marudo (The Silent Noise).

Fans have expressed their support for Avelino, with some encouraging others to vote for him. Chiu has also received strong backing, while many fans have chosen to support the “KimPau” "loveteam." Support has likewise been visible for Smith, Ibarra, and Halili.

The Outstanding Asian Star award is held annually to recognize performers who have made a significant impact across six participating countries: Philippines, South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore.

Voting for the Outstanding Asian Star category and the Outstanding Korean Drama OST category opened on June 15 and will run until July 14 through the global voting platform IDOLCHAMP. 

The winner will be determined entirely through fan votes, and the winner’s video advertisement will be shown at the event venue.

Participants will also have the chance to receive various IDOLCHAMP voting rewards, including tickets to the SDA 2026 ceremony.

The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards will be held on October 8 at KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on YouTube and MBC TV.