HONG KONG – Golden Child’s lead vocalist Choi Sung-yoon, professionally known as Y, released his first Cantonese-language single “I Still Waiting” on Tuesday, marking a bold linguistic pivot that drew hundreds of fans to a Hong Kong press conference. The singer confessed to months of grueling practice for the track, which is adapted from a Korean remake of the Chinese film “Us and Them.”
Addressing the crowd in halting Cantonese, the 27-year-old opened with a warm “Hello everyone, I’m Choi Sung-yoon” before admitting that recording in the tonal language—often ranked among the world’s most difficult—proved “a new challenge.” He spent three to four months drilling pronunciations, calling the characters for “ru” (like) and “zui” (most) particularly tricky. The single was recorded entirely on location in Hong Kong.
“I was very nervous to debut here,” Y said through a translator, adding that he finds the city “romantic.” He recalled indulging in his favorite steamed barbecue pork buns—char siu bao—shortly after landing, declaring, “Hong Kong’s food suits my taste perfectly.”
The music video for “I Still Waiting,” premiered at the event, showcases Y roaming neon-lit neighborhoods including Mong Kok, Temple Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, and North Point. He expressed particular fondness for Mong Kok, describing it as “a very romantic place where busy and leisurely crowds mix together.” During the conference, he performed both the new track and his earlier single “Blue Moon.”
The release marks a strategic expansion into the Cantopop market for the K-pop star, who hinted at deeper ties ahead. “I prepared this song for a long time with sincerity,” Y told fans. “I am very happy to sing it publicly for the first time in Hong Kong. Thank you for witnessing this historic moment.”
Eyes on a Permanent Move
When asked about future plans, Y did not rule out relocating to Hong Kong permanently if work opportunities increase. He also revealed an upcoming collaboration with local singer Lin Qianying, though no release date has been set.
The move signals a growing trend among K-pop acts to engage regional Chinese-language audiences directly—a shift driven by both fan demand and the strategic importance of the Greater Bay Area’s entertainment market. For Y, the gamble appears to be paying off: fans lined up hours before Tuesday’s event, waving light sticks and chanting his name.
“I want more Hong Kong listeners to hear my music,” he said. “This city feels like a new beginning.”
The “I Still Waiting” single and music video are available on major streaming platforms as of Wednesday.
— The reporter is a Seoul-based correspondent covering K-pop and East Asian entertainment.
