Lede: Hong Kong actress Kwok Pak-yin, known for playing sweet and innocent characters over her six-year career, has taken a dramatic turn as a villain in the new TVB drama The Couple’s Game. In a recent interview, the 28-year-old said the role was both a welcome challenge and a learning experience, crediting her co-stars and director for guiding her through the transition.
Body
For years, Kwok Pak-yin was typecast as a “good girl” on screen. That changed when she was cast as a manipulative antagonist in The Couple’s Game, a role she describes as a “huge opportunity.” She admitted feeling immense pressure when she first received the script. “I was afraid I couldn’t do it justice,” she said. “At first, my performance wasn’t good. I couldn’t grasp the character and needed my scene partners to help me.”
Among those who stepped in was co-star High He Ning, who reportedly demonstrated how to deliver key scenes. “She showed me how to act better. Cheung Wing Hong also took care of me – when I was crying and didn’t know what to do, he helped me adjust. I’m truly grateful for their selfless sharing,” Kwok said.
To prepare, she wrote a backstory for her character that spanned over a hundred pages. Yet upon reviewing her performance, she feels she could have been “even more wicked.” “There’s still plenty of room to improve,” she added.
Intimate Scenes and On-Set Comfort
The drama features several intimate sequences, which initially made Kwok nervous. “I’m not used to touching others, especially men,” she explained. “At first I was stiff. But after we communicated clearly, the awkwardness faded. The level of exposure was acceptable – my arms were the most I showed, and the costumes helped a lot.”
Kwok describes herself as a “tomboy” who dislikes being overly delicate. “I solve my own problems. I don’t rely on men for things I can handle myself,” she said. She noted that her character’s values are problematic, adding, “I couldn’t accept that kind of person in real life.”
Addressing Cosmetic Speculation
Kwok also addressed online rumors about plastic surgery. “I don’t understand why people say that. My face looks the same as before – I’ve just aged 10 years,” she said. She credited makeup and the removal of her thick glasses for the perceived change. Before entering the Miss Hong Kong pageant, she lacked confidence in her appearance. “I joined to expand my social circle,” she recalled. Since entering the industry, she has made many female friends but few male ones. “I have zero contact with male co-stars because almost all of them are married. I’ve worked with Ma Kwok-ming, Cheung Wing Hong, and Moses Chan – they all have happy families. I feel very safe.”
Career and Relationship Outlook
Turning 29 next month, Kwok emphasized she is not rushing into romance. Her parents do not pressure her, and she believes in finding the right person. “I’ve had admirers since I started acting, but as soon as I begin filming, I disappear. It fizzles out. I’m too focused – not everyone can accept that. In my free time, I prefer to sleep or watch shows.”
Her ideal partner must be tall and handsome, with the kind-heartedness and career success of Ma Kwok-ming’s character in The Couple’s Game. But she acknowledges such a man is rare in real life. “If he exists, competition would be fierce. Forcing it doesn’t bring happiness. For now, I’d rather focus on my career.”
Broader Impact
Kwok’s willingness to break typecasting signals a maturing Hong Kong entertainment industry that rewards risk-taking. Her story also highlights the importance of mentorship among actors. As The Couple’s Game continues airing, audiences can expect a performance that, while not yet perfect in her own eyes, marks a significant step forward for an actress determined to grow.
(Full interview appears in tomorrow’s Ming Pao entertainment section.)
