Hong Kong’s entertainment scene was abuzz recently after veteran actor Wong You Nam—a screen and music fixture for two decades—was spotted driving a public bus, prompting widespread online speculation that he had abandoned acting. The 41-year-old multifaceted artist, who began his career in 2001, confirmed that the unexpected visibility behind the wheel was part of an elaborate plan to launch a new passion project, an online series, and not a desperate attempt to transition careers due to financial distress.
Speaking on the Commercial Radio Hong Kong program, Starlight Behind the Scenes, Wong addressed the viral sightings and clarified the motives behind his temporary turn as a driver. He explained that securing his professional bus license—a process that involved a three-month collaboration with a municipal bus company—was necessary to film “Riot Joke” (暴走Joke), a new web channel focusing on unconventional journeys and comedy.
Shifting Focus Amid Industry Downturn
Wong’s shift comes as the Hong Kong cinema industry faces what he describes as a “cold winter,” exacerbated by pandemic-related slowdowns. He lamented the scarcity of film roles, noting that while he once shot four films annually, securing even one project a year is now challenging.
“Driving has always been an interest of mine,” Wong shared, “but the biggest reason for starting this channel is that I do not want to disconnect from the cameras.” This initiative, he stressed, is a proactive measure to maintain his creative output and visibility outside traditional filmmaking structures.
Addressing widespread rumors about his economic stability, which even prompted inquiries from his sister to their mother, Wong was quick to dispel the notion that he was financially strapped.
“It’s quite funny how far the rumors spread,” he remarked. “My finances are stable. I have sustained businesses, including my own brand of sunglasses, and a company dealing in Japanese luxury goods trading.”
High Investment in Digital Content
The creation of “Riot Joke” required substantial initial investment. Wong confirmed he partnered with two friends who operate an auto repair garage, emphasizing the channel is a serious group project, not a simple solo venture.
“Many people believe filming is easy,” he said, revealing the actual scale of production. “We need at least four people to shoot a single video, and the first year’s salaries alone accounted for HK$960,000.” Although the channel incurred a loss in its inaugural year, Wong happily reported that the venture began turning a profit in mid-2024, now allowing the three partners to sustain themselves comfortably.
Personal Sacrifices and Future Hopes
Wong’s personal life, particularly his reputation for filial piety, added another layer to the public’s interest. He recounted a difficult period between 2003 and 2009 when he successfully repaid a staggering HK$7 million debt amassed by his ailing father following a business failure.
This immense financial burden, he admitted, led to a heartbreaking decision: ending a live-in relationship to protect his partner.
“We were cohabiting at the time. Because I had to pay off my father’s debts, I felt my partner deserved a happy life, not one of hardship beside me,” he recalled. To facilitate the breakup, he invented a story about dating someone new. “It broke my heart. I was cruel and deeply hurt her, but I couldn’t see how many years it would take to pay everything back, and I didn’t want to waste her time.”
Years later, they reconciled their friendship. “She is happily married now with two children. Her happiness brings me joy,” he said.
Turning to his future, Wong revealed he has been single for nearly five years and remains hopeful about finding a partner and starting a family. While he once planned to marry by age 30, he accepts that finding the right person takes time. He emphasized that for his future wife, the quality he values most is filial piety, adding that her profession or age is irrelevant.
Looking ahead, Wong celebrated the recent release of his long-delayed film, Goodbye UFO, seven years after its completion, which recently secured Best Film honors from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. He expressed excitement for the opportunity to finally promote the movie, mentioning he hopes to reunite with his co-star, Siu Tin Yau, despite the latter having transitioned careers to become a Reikimaster. Wong remains optimistic about collaborating with all original cast members during the movie’s premiere events.
