Hong Kong, SAR – Veteran actress Sonija Kwok (郭羡妮) recently offered a candid glimpse into her mental transformation regarding aging, career nostalgia, and significant family losses during a revealing interview on Fong Kin Yee’s popular YouTube channel. Kwok, a former Miss Hong Kong and Miss Chinese International, spoke openly about the impossibility of recapturing her younger, “pure” screen image, yet expressed deep satisfaction with returning to the franchise that launched her career, calling the experience “full circle.”
Kwok’s acting career is iconic, largely defined by her role in the TV series A Step into the Past (尋秦記). She acknowledged that revisiting the character for the film continuation, opposite Louis Koo, necessitated a different approach, admitting she could no longer replicate the innocent gaze she possessed decades ago. “When I look back at the television version of A Step into the Past, I cannot summon that genuine, pure feeling, that look in my eyes,” she stated. However, she agreed to the reprisal because she views the series as “the most deeply ingrained [in people’s hearts],” making the reunion a profoundly meaningful and complete experience.
Navigating Scrutiny and the Fear of Aging
The conversation shifted to the pressures of maintaining beauty and youth in the entertainment industry. Kwok, who recently turned 50, confessed she once feared the inevitable signs of aging and the public scrutiny that follows. She recalled a period where comments about her appearance deeply affected her.
However, she now views aging with profound acceptance. “When I was 20, I thought 50 was terribly old. But now that I am 50, I don’t feel 50,” she explained. “I feel like I am in my early 40s.”
Kwok argues that maintaining a youthful mindset is key. While recognizing the need for physical self-care, she stressed that internal peace is paramount. Through years of experience and personal growth, she has developed a resilience that allows her to disregard negative media commentary—a stark contrast to her younger self, when harsh magazine stories would lead to intense emotional distress. “Now, I am much more at ease with things. I feel happy and comfortable,” she asserted, realizing that the opinion of strangers holds little weight compared to the knowledge of those who truly matter in her life.
Remembering a Strict But Proud Father
The interview took an emotional turn as Kwok spoke about her late father, who passed away three years ago. Describing him as a “strict father,” she tearfully recounted a moment of unexpected pride that resonated deeply. Despite achieving strong academic results in her A-Levels (1A, 1B, 2C), her father remained unimpressed. It wasn’t until she won the Miss Chinese International pageant that he offered his first explicit praise, sending flowers with a simple note: “I am proud of you.”
This memory underscores a powerful moment of reconciliation and understanding. Kwok shared a poignant moment shortly before his passing, where she massaged his feet and realized their identical bone structure, providing a tangible link to the power of genetic legacy. She revealed that she now wears a ring, a treasured keepsake from her father, viewing it as a symbolic protector in her daily life and work.
Prioritizing Her Daughter’s Wellbeing
Kwok also touched upon her role as a mother, detailing the educational journey of her 13-year-old daughter, Kylie. She revealed they initially enrolled Kylie in a traditional local school, but the ensuing homework demands caused significant stress and anxiety, leading the young child to cry regularly. Seeking advice from fellow actress Jessica Hsuan, Kwok ultimately decided to prioritize her daughter’s emotional wellbeing, transitioning her to an international school. The result has been a happier, more fulfilling learning experience for Kylie, whom Kwok confirms is now enjoying a “very happy childhood.”
Kwok’s openness provides a refreshing perspective on the dual pressures of celebrity and motherhood, demonstrating that personal fulfillment and happiness—for both herself and her children—remain her highest priorities, regardless of outside judgment.
