Samantha Ko Reveals She Had Only RM309 During Early Showbiz Years

Hong Kong actress Samantha Ko has revealed she had only about HK$600 (RM309) in her bank account during her early showbiz years, struggling financially while competing in the 2008 Miss Hong Kong pageant. The 39-year-old TVB star, who won Best Supporting Actress in January 2024, said the hardship nearly made her quit acting. Ko, who debuted in 2010 and starred in dramas like Outbound Love and The Queen Of News, relied on her parents for support during the pageant. She recalled feeling embarrassed when she could only withdraw HK$600 for a wedding gift, which was all she had at the time. Beyond financial struggles, Ko faced fabricated rumours about breast augmentation and being supported by a wealthy businessman. A reporter later apologised personally, admitting the stories were invented to boost magazine sales, and Ko said her father blamed himself for lacking connections to protect her.