Kwok Tsz-ho, fresh off his departure from TVB, has landed his first role at a rival network, appearing in ViuTV’s Hong Kong adaptation of the hit K-drama What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim — and he’s already cleared the intimate scenes with his wife.
In a candid interview, Kwok revealed he discussed the script with spouse Tang Zhuoyin before accepting the part, which pairs him with actress Lin Meijuan as an on-screen couple. The show, a local remake of the popular South Korean series, marks a significant career shift for Kwok after leaving longtime broadcaster TVB.
Navigating Professional Boundaries at Home
Kwok acknowledged the production includes romantic and physically intimate moments. Rather than seeking permission, he described a collaborative approach with his wife. “I will ask for her opinion,” Kwok said. “She won’t forbid me from filming. She believes actors should remain professional — as long as the story requires it, she will support the performance.”
Lin, for her part, said she feels no pressure about the intimate scenes. Even if Tang visits the set while they film, Lin insisted she wouldn’t feel awkward. “I have no baggage at all,” she added.
Dramatic Physical Transformations
To inhabit his character, Kwok deliberately gained 20 pounds. Lin, meanwhile, shed the same amount — a process she described as grueling. “I think the director is really inhumane,” she joked. “He demanded I quit alcohol for two months to lose weight. Now I find myself snapping at people all the time. I have no outlet for my emotions.”
The actress added that her weight loss has been so significant, even Kwok’s chest size now surpasses hers — a lighthearted remark that underscores the physical extremes actors often undergo for roles.
Context and Career Implications
Kwok’s move to ViuTV represents a notable shift in Hong Kong’s entertainment landscape. TVB has long dominated local television, but ViuTV has steadily gained viewership with edgier content and adaptations of international hits. The Hong Kong version of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is among several K-drama remakes produced by the network, aiming to capture younger audiences.
Industry observers note that actors leaving TVB for competitors often seek greater creative freedom and exposure to different production styles. Kwok’s willingness to discuss his marital dynamics publicly also reflects broader cultural conversations about boundary-setting in the entertainment industry, where intimate scenes are routine but require transparency with partners.
Broader Impact
The series is expected to draw attention from both K-drama fans and local audiences curious about the adaptation. For Kwok, the role could redefine his career trajectory. For Lin, the intense physical demands highlight the pressures actors face — from drastic weight changes to lifestyle sacrifices — in pursuit of authenticity.
As the show prepares to air, both actors have expressed excitement about the project, with Lin promising viewers a fresh take on the beloved story. Whether the adaptation resonates with Hong Kong audiences remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the personal and professional negotiations behind the scenes are as compelling as the drama on screen.
