Hong Kong singer and entrepreneur Yumi revealed in a recent television interview that she harbors no fear over the prospect of her long-term boyfriend, lawyer-turned-controversial figure Lam Chok, serving jail time — joking that his spartan diet of potatoes, bananas, and eggs already mirrors prison fare. The candid conversation, aired on the program “放飯ICU,” offered an unfiltered look into their nearly decade-long romance, her departure from the entertainment industry due to depression, and her current life as a beauty brand owner and social media personality.
A Relationship Built on Comfort, Not Convention
Asked whether she worries about Lam’s potential incarceration amid his ongoing legal troubles, Yumi said she remains unfazed. “His daily meals are basically the same as what inmates eat,” she told hosts Lam Pak Hei, Tam Yuk Ying, and Ho Kay Yau, adding that the couple has no plans to have children. She dismissed the importance of marriage, calling it “just a piece of paper” and stressing that mutual happiness matters more than a legal certificate.
Yumi acknowledged that she does not consider herself particularly in love with Lam but rather feels at ease with him. “I’m not head-over-heels for him,” she admitted. “But he makes me comfortable, and he always finds ways to cheer me up. Over time, I learned to let go of my emotions and be my true self.” Reflecting on a past relationship with a foreign boyfriend, she said she learned that physical attraction alone cannot sustain a partnership; communication is essential.
She praised Lam’s high emotional intelligence and intellect, but said his greatest asset is his “thick skin.” Even when she scolds him, he responds by complimenting her appearance. As for his description of her as having low education but good looks, she shrugged it off: “We both know our roles and positions.”
From Child Star to Depression and Escape
Yumi’s career began at age 14 when she won a singing competition and signed with a record label — though her debut was delayed. She gained recognition hosting the TVB travel program “Snow Shadow Moving City.” But the glamour came at a cost. She recalled a grueling schedule of constant dieting, strict company restrictions that barred her from visiting popular districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok, and a growing isolation from friends. Once, she sneaked to Central, only to receive a call from her manager within five minutes demanding to know her whereabouts.
The stress triggered severe depression. For six months, she could barely sleep. It was only when a record label executive noticed her deteriorating condition and personally accompanied her to a doctor that she sought help. “I would rather farm than keep doing this,” she said, describing her decision to leave show business. Emerging from that low point, she transformed from someone too anxious to be seen in public into a woman who now posts unflattering selfies and directly engages with online critics.
Hustle, Haters, and a New Song
Today, Yumi focuses on her cosmetics brand and works as a beauty influencer, occasionally funding her own music releases. She said she does not expect to make money from songs — she simply loves music. “Instead of chasing luxury handbags, I’d rather buy happiness through creativity,” she explained. Her latest single, “Single Bed,” was co-written and produced by Taiwanese musician Siyuan, with Lam also contributing vocals — though his recording session lasted over ten hours for barely 30 seconds of usable material, requiring producer assistance and digital tuning.
On running her business, Yumi emphasized the need for a clear mind and decisive action. She recalled a pop-up event where a customer’s husband drove all the way to buy 12 boxes of her products, which convinced her of their effectiveness. As for haters, she takes a pragmatic view: “Black powder is still powder.” She monitors Instagram analytics, uses negative comments to boost video traffic, and even replies to provocations to keep engagement high.
Yumi’s journey from a constrained child star to a resilient entrepreneur illustrates how she reclaimed agency over her life and career — on her own terms, without apology.
