Beijing – Hong Kong singer-actress Gigi Leung wrapped a grueling 26-show national tour of the stage drama “She Is the One We Have Become,” an adaptation of Cho Nam-joo’s best-selling Korean novel “Kim Ji-young, Born 1982.” The final three performances took place in Beijing, capping a nearly two-month journey through seven Chinese cities. As the curtain fell on the last show, an emotional Leung thanked the audience while choking back tears, saying, “I hope through this play we can voice the feelings of women who are in difficult situations.”
Leung began solo rehearsals in Shanghai in mid-May, dedicating herself entirely to the production before the tour launched in mid-July. The itinerary covered Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, Xi’an, and Beijing. Throughout the run, fellow artists Charlie Yeung, Valen Hsu, and veteran actress Sylvia Chang made special trips to attend performances, offering their public support.
With the Beijing finale now complete, Leung admitted feeling bittersweet after spending more than three months with her castmates. “For over three months, we rehearsed, ate, and performed together from nine to six every day,” she said. “On days off, we’d go see shows. It was a very fulfilling and happy process. I hope we can bring this production to more places in the future. I also want to thank every behind-the-scenes partner for giving me strength and support in this new field.”
A 30-Year Career Embraces New Challenges
Reflecting on her three decades in the entertainment industry, Leung noted that 2024 was originally meant for an album release and concert tour. “When the invitation for this play came, I worried whether I had the ability and time to manage it,” she admitted. “But at this stage in life, why not give it a try? You have to stay curious about life. I wanted to test my limits and see if I could handle such a big challenge. Beyond honing my acting skills, the most important thing was that this play helped me understand myself better and push my own boundaries.”
Next Steps: New Album and Hong Kong Coliseum Show
After wrapping the demanding cross-city tour, Leung said she can now focus on work in Hong Kong. She is set to promote her new Mandarin album, “Gentle Existence,” and prepare for a major milestone: the “Love Gigi World Tour – Hong Kong Stop,” scheduled for late November at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Leung revealed she has mobilized her entire network to invite key figures who have witnessed and supported her growth over the past 30 years to appear as special guests.
“This year is special for both me and my fans,” Leung said. “There’s so much I want to do. I hope to bring more surprises to those who have supported me—whether through music or acting. Thank you for walking with me these 30 years. There are also many seniors and peers who guided me along the way; they will all join me on stage. I believe every performance will become a beautiful, shared memory for the tens of thousands of audience members and me.”
The play adaptation, which tackles themes of gender inequality and societal pressure on women, has resonated deeply with audiences across China. Leung’s commitment to the project—performing in a language-heavy drama despite her Cantonese background—underscores her determination to evolve as an artist while advocating for issues close to her heart.
