HONG KONG – Chu Pak-Hong, the acclaimed actor who took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in The Cursed Monk, has unexpectedly lifted the veil on his private life. On Wednesday, the 43-year-old took to social media to share a series of intimate photos from a trip to South Korea, seemingly confirming he is in a relationship.
In the images, Chu is seen posing closely with a long-haired woman, his arm draped over her shoulder as they smile at the camera. The actor, known for keeping his romantic affairs out of the spotlight, captioned the post with a playful nod to the passing year: “Time flies… Mid-Autumn Festival again…” The timing of the reveal, just days before the lunar holiday, added a layer of seasonal charm to the announcement.
The post quickly drew reactions from his peers in the entertainment industry. Fellow actor Lok Chun-Wai joked in the comments, urging the mystery woman to “let go of Chu” in a lighthearted quip. Meanwhile, well-wishes poured in from singer-actor Louis Cheung, actress Michelle Wai—Chu’s on-screen sister in The Cursed Monk—and singer Shiga Lin, among others.
The woman, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, also shared a mirror selfie on her own account, showing the pair cheek-to-cheek. The couple’s playful exchange continued in the comments section, with Chu writing “WaaaaWaaaaWaaaa,” to which she responded “HaaaaHaaaaHaaaa,” a whimsical back-and-forth that fans have dubbed “lovey-dovey banter.”
Chu, a veteran stage actor who transitioned to film and television, has long maintained a low profile regarding his personal life. His award-winning performance in The Cursed Monk, a dark comedy-drama exploring themes of life, death, and familial duty, cemented his reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most versatile actors. The film, which also swept several categories at this year’s awards, has been praised for its bold storytelling and emotional depth.
News of his romance has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, many of whom took to social media to express their happiness for the actor. Some noted that the public nature of the reveal suggests a serious commitment, while others simply enjoyed the rare glimpse into his off-screen life.
A career on the rise
Chu’s career has seen a steady ascent in recent years. After years of acclaimed work in Hong Kong’s independent theatre scene, he broke into mainstream cinema with memorable roles in Men on the Dragon and Beyond the Dream. His portrayal of a troubled son in The Cursed Monk earned him critical acclaim and his first major industry accolade.
The actor is currently attached to several upcoming projects, including a psychological thriller and a period drama, though details remain under wraps. Industry insiders suggest his newfound public visibility could open doors to broader commercial appeal, particularly in Greater China and Southeast Asian markets.
Public reaction and next steps
While Chu has yet to make a formal statement about the relationship, his social media post is widely interpreted as an intentional “soft launch.” Entertainment commentators note that such reveals are increasingly common among Hong Kong celebrities, who often balance public interest with personal privacy in a fiercely competitive media landscape.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting further posts from the couple, speculating whether the Korea trip—complete with scenic shots of Seoul’s autumn foliage—signals a more permanent chapter ahead. For now, the actor’s followers are simply celebrating the joy of a well-kept secret finally coming to light.
