So I chatted with KE today regarding my award ticket that I requested refund on 3/25/20
It seems that you have to request the miles to be refunded (even though the first phone rep on 3/25/20 said they would do that), so that they will show up in 24-48 hours. I still have to wait 1-2 months for the credit card to be refunded, but I'm OK with that.