Local actress Dawn Yeoh, known for her standout role in the Mediacorp drama "Emerald Hill," has taken a step back from her usual outings since the show's popularity skyrocketed. In a recent interview, she admitted that she hasn't ventured out much lately, especially now that a significant plot twist involving a death has unfolded.

Yeoh, who plays the conniving Kang Si Li—wife to Zhang Jing Quan (Romeo Tan) and mother to the villainous Zhang An Na (Chantalle Ng)—has found herself the subject of mixed reactions from viewers. Despite her character's devious nature, she assured that her at-home retreat has more to do with her natural inclination to stay home rather than a fear of facing the show's fans.

Interestingly, Yeoh once thought her character would embody more virtuous traits during auditions, only to later embrace a more flamboyant and obnoxious portrayal. Her aim was clear: to create a character that distinctly stands out among the rest.

Indeed, the actress's gamble has paid off, with viewers responding enthusiastically to her character's outrageous antics. Yeoh shared that her social media is buzzing with comments about Kang Si Li’s “irritating” yet lovable behavior. One fan even remarked, "You are so irritating. I hate you, but I love you!"—a testament to the character’s captivating complexity.

Even her friends have joined the fun, playfully teasing her with inside jokes about her character. She posted a funny clip on Instagram, showcasing the light-hearted banter among pals.

Feedback hasn't just been local; Yeoh's performance has reached audiences in Malaysia and China, with her character resonating across borders. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” she said, acknowledging that while she has played villains before, none were quite as profound as Kang Si Li.

However, portraying such a heavy character wasn’t without its challenges. Yeoh revealed that it was an emotional endurance test, with both her and co-star Chantalle Ng experiencing emotional tolls from their roles.

As Yeoh basks in the spotlight, discussions of potential award nominations for her work have begun to emerge. Though she humbly noted that she hasn’t focused on accolades before, the prospect of a Star Award nomination—a first for her—has piqued her interest.

"Wow... people have been asking me about this," she reflected, hinting that while her focus has often been on the craft, a nomination would bring her immense happiness.