Kim Chiu’s journey as Juliana in Linlang is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take risks. She has successfully embraced a dark and complex character, and her performance has been met with public support.
Celebrating 17 years in the entertainment industry, Kim finds herself at a pivotal moment in her career, taking on a challenging role in the hit Dreamscape and Prime Video series. In a recent thanksgiving press conference for ABS-CBN’s title, the actress opened up about her fears and the unexpected reception she received for her character.
Kim’s portrayal of Juliana, a married woman entangled in an affair with her husband’s younger brother, marked a departure from her usual roles. It was a risk she wasn’t sure about taking, as she feared the audience’s response.
“The first meeting with the press (during the Linlang mediacon), they asked, ‘What’s your fear?’ I said my fear was that people wouldn’t support it.” However, the actress decided to take the leap, and it turned out to be a decision well worth it.
Since the debut of Linlang on Prime Video, the series has garnered rave reviews and claimed the top spot as the most-watched series not only in the Philippines but also in other territories. Kim couldn’t be happier with the audience’s reception of the show and the separation they’ve made between her and her character, Juliana, whom she described as “the most hated.”
Kim took a moment to address the “Juliana haters” who had generated quite a buzz on social media with their impassioned comments. She shared her amusement at the comments and the love-hate relationship they represent, emphasizing that she’s grateful for this unique kind of attention.
“This is what I can describe as ‘the hate that I love,’ those hate messages that I love,” Kim said in the vernacular. “Because, of course, in my career, on my social media platform, I used to get bashed. Especially in 2020, I really didn’t like it. But I’m genuinely happy with the kind of hate I’m receiving now.”
“I’m thankful to my directors because they make me do it again when I reach ‘Kim Chiu levels,’ saying, ‘Hey, that’s Kim Chiu, let’s do it again!’ They’ve been very patient with me to become Juliana. So, I’m really grateful to the writers, creatives, and our directors. In fact, to everyone involved in Linlang. Because this is the kind of hate that I’ve come to like. Keep them coming! I love it!” she continued.
The suspense-thriller also stars Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman, Kaila Estrada, Maricel Soriano, and Ruby Ruiz.
Completing the stellar cast are Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Marc Mcmahon, Anji Salvacion, and Kice.
Linlang is directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin.