HONG KONG: Actress Elaine Kong has opened up about being ostracised after joining TVB in 2009, revealing that the experience affected her mental health.
The 55-year-old said she struggled to fit in after leaving rival broadcaster ATV, where she had worked since 1997.
"When you returned to the office, nobody would greet you. People would walk straight past you as if you were invisible," she recalled in a recent interview on a web programme.
Kong said colleagues continued to ignore her even when she took the initiative to greet them, leaving her feeling isolated.
She contrasted the experience with her time at ATV, describing a more united workplace where staff shared a common goal despite the broadcaster's limited resources.
"Since ATV was a relatively small station back then, everyone had one goal, which was to do a good job," she said.
The prolonged isolation took a toll on her wellbeing, and she eventually developed panic disorder.
"At my worst, I had to see a psychologist and take medication," said the actress, known for the 2011 drama Lives Of Omission.
Kong said support from friends in the entertainment industry helped her through the difficult period. She also found comfort in Buddhism.
She joined ATV in 1997 and landed her first lead role in Forrest Cat that year.
Her later credits include Beauty Knows No Pain, which earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the TVB Anniversary Awards, as well as Triumph In The Skies II (2013), Get On A Flat (2022) and The Invisibles (2023).
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