Hong Kong girl group COLLAR gave fans an intimate look into their grueling schedule and sky-high ambitions during a signing event for their new album PERSONA on Tuesday. The session saw member Candy Wang moved to tears while interacting with the crowd. Beyond the emotional fan service, the group addressed plans for concerts, individual projects, and a potential dream collaboration with Canto-pop icon Sammi Cheng.
Hectic Schedules and Personal Sacrifices
The event came just one day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, a major holiday traditionally reserved for family reunions. The members admitted to spending the holiday rehearsing for the signing. Member Marf Chiu revealed she faced complaints from her family for missing the traditional dinner. Fellow member Winka Chan skillfully sidestepped personal questions about her relationship with actor Chu Yu Bun, instead redirecting praise toward his dedicated work ethic.
Concert Hopes and Surprises
When asked about live performances, the group confirmed there are no concrete concert plans on the books. They playfully urged their fanbase, known as AICCOLLARS, to “collect energy” and rally to help make it happen. Adding further intrigue, Marf and Winka teased a joint work surprise coming soon, leaving fans speculating about what the duo has in the pipeline.
A Potential Supergroup with Sammi Cheng
The most buzzworthy moment of the afternoon centered on veteran superstar Sammi Cheng. The legendary singer previously stirred internet buzz by joking about forming a supergroup called “Millar” with the members. At the signing, COLLAR reciprocated the excitement, expressing a strong desire to have Cheng as a guest at a future concert or even launch a limited-edition project group.
“Sammi has always been incredibly supportive of newcomers,” the members stated. They playfully proposed the moniker “VILLAR” for the hypothetical union, a mashup inspired by Cheng’s iconic “V” character from the film Night King. The group admitted they will likely rely on member Ivy So, known for her close rapport with the star, to help convince her to join.
Solo Careers and Variety Show News
Balancing group promotions with individual projects remains a constant theme. Ivy So, currently starring in ViuTV’s adaptation of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, revealed filming is wrapping up imminently. She will pivot immediately toward preparing a brand-new solo single with no break in between. Day Yip is gearing up for the stage play Ghost to the End in October. Though she claims to have no superstitions, Day confirmed she will participate in a traditional blessing ceremony before stepping on stage for the first time. She also cheekily pitched a third season of the variety show Day Day Ching alongside Candy Wang, ideally filmed on location in Australia.
The group is currently filming a new variety show together. Marf noted that while it is most enjoyable when all eight members are present, coordinating their packed schedules remains a significant challenge. In a playful twist, Gao and Ivy filmed a food show in the UK back in May that has yet to air. The members joked about which of the two programs will make it to screens first.
The Bottom Line
Tuesday’s event underscored the high-stakes balancing act facing modern C-pop groups. COLLAR is simultaneously trying to maintain an emotional connection with its fanbase, cultivate individual stars across acting and music, and reach toward the industry’s highest echelons through spectacle collaborations. Securing that long-awaited concert tour or solidifying the VILLAR project with Sammi Cheng will serve as a defining test of their staying power in an increasingly competitive landscape.
