• Global Stars Converge in Hong Kong for Documentary Premiere

    A constellation of Asian cinema stars, led by South Korean actor Song Joong-ki and Hong Kong icon Louis Koo, illuminated Central’s Tai Kwun arts centre on Wednesday for the Hong Kong premiere of the documentary film VERY RALPH. The high-profile screening drew significant attention, bringing together influential figures from the film industries across the region.

    The event served as a major gathering point for regional talent, with attendees including South Korean actress Heo Young and a robust contingent of local Hong Kong stars: Jennifer Yu, Hailey Yu, Fish Liew, Tony Wu, Kelvin Chu, and Kaki Sham. The mixture of top-tier talent underscored the documentary’s international appeal.

    Local Actresses Share Fan Excitement

    Among the enthusiastic attendees were actresses Jennifer Yu and Fish Liew, who openly expressed their anticipation about sharing the venue with two of Asia’s most celebrated leading men. Demonstrating their excitement—and humor—the duo briefly exchanged greetings in Korean, aiming a playful welcome toward Song Joong-ki.

    When asked to choose between the two cinematic powerhouses, the actresses’ playful rivalry emerged. Jennifer Yu admitted the choice was difficult, but Fish Liew quickly interjected, declaring her preference for Louis Koo.

    Liew, however, expressed a humorous caveat regarding their professional relationship. “I choose Louis Koo! But I wouldn’t dare praise him too much in front of my boss, out of fear it might be rejected,” she quipped, referencing Koo’s status as a major industry figure and founder of the production company One Cool Group. Yu revealed that she had, in the past, directly complimented Koo’s appearance. Liew cemented their close relationship by mimicking Koo’s distinctive facial expressions, adding that such impersonations were widespread within their professional circle.

    A Candid Look at Life and Legacy

    Beyond celebrity sightings, the actresses offered insight into their private lives and shared routines. Yu admitted to encouraging Liew to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, pressuring her to declutter her wardrobe. Yu herself applies strict selection standards to her possessions, maintaining only timeless pieces she hopes to pass down to her daughter—a practice Liew confessed she finds challenging to maintain.

    The conversation naturally transitioned to professional matters, particularly related to Yu’s recent work. When asked about her Daughter² co-star Kai Ko, who recently faced controversy regarding military service in Taiwan, Yu offered a measured response.

    “He has already addressed the situation,” Yu stated, expressing hope that the media would give him the necessary space. When reporters inquired whether the controversy might affect the film’s release schedule, Yu remained philosophical, noting she had not specifically asked producers but believed “every film has its own destiny.”

    The international premiere underscores the continued cultural exchange between East Asian entertainment hubs. Song Joong-ki, known globally for hits like Descendants of the Sun, has previously shared his admiration for classic Hong Kong cinema, specifically citing Infernal Affairs, and expressing a desire to collaborate with veteran actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai while also challenging himself with roles in the horror genre. Louis Koo, meanwhile, remains a relentless force in action cinema, recently addressing media questions related to his health and his career in a characteristically candid manner.

    The attendance of such influential figures at the VERY RALPH premiere confirmed Hong Kong’s vital role as a nexus for regional celebrity and cultural events.

  • Karen Mok Lands ‘Home Court’ Hong Kong Concert, Reflects on Early Career

    Karen Mok Lands ‘Home Court’ Hong Kong Concert, Reflects on Early Career

    Global superstar Karen Mok returned to the airwaves and the city she calls home this week, marking a highly anticipated ‘homecoming’ ahead of her limited-edition concert by sitting down for a radio interview, reminiscing about her early days in broadcasting and sharing insights into her balanced life and upcoming Hong Kong performance.

    The award-winning singer and actress recently recorded an episode of the Metro Info Channel program “The Pear Association” with host Sammy Leung, known by his moniker ‘Pui Lei.’ The encounter was particularly emotional for the host, who confessed to waiting over two decades for the opportunity to interview the celebrated artist. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Metro Broadcast CEO Stephen Ma personally greeted Mok, receiving a signed, limited-edition vinyl of her album, Karen Mok & The Masters, as a keepsake.

    From Guest DJ to Global Headliner

    Mok’s connection to the radio station runs deep. She revealed that early in her career, she served as a guest DJ and even recorded four separate radio dramas.

    “When I first started out, I tried everything on those late-night programs,” Mok recounted, highlighting the intense challenge of acting solely through voice. “It is surprisingly difficult; you have to pour all the emotion completely into the sound.” She playfully suggested that if she were to tackle a radio drama again, she would choose a ghost story—a genre the host immediately indicated he would begin script preparations for, much to the excitement of her fanbase.

    After decades of an intense schedule, Mok revealed a shift in her approach to life and work. Asked about her current permanent base given her frequent travel, Mok maintained that “everywhere becomes a home base.”

    “Wherever my work takes me, that is where I am,” she explained. However, she noted that after marrying her German husband, she has gained a better sense of stability. “I slowed down from being a workaholic. I understand how to achieve balance now.” She confirmed that her current trip home is specifically for the upcoming concert, and she plans to remain in the city afterward.

    Mok spoke sweetly about her marriage, gushing that her husband is “so handsome.” She mentioned that one of the couple’s favorite activities is hiking and exploring different trails together.

    Kick-Starting the Kai Tak Era

    The primary purpose of Mok’s return is her highly anticipated concert: THE BIG BIG SHOW Hong Kong Station ‘Home Court’ Limited Edition Concert, scheduled for December 20th at the Grand Main Stadium within the newly completed Kai Tak Sports Park. Mok expressed both excitement and anticipation for the show.

    The upcoming event follows the launch of her current concert series, which debuted on the massive stage of the Bird’s Nest in Beijing—a venue known for its grand scale and ambitious stage designs.

    Mok shared her long-standing wish to perform at the Kai Tak venue, which had been under development for years. She joked about achieving the booking through sheer “willpower.” While the December show is already categorized as an “extra-large scale” production, Mok mentioned that she might consider smaller, more intimate concert formats in the future.

    The concert is set to be a landmark event, not only for Mok’s loyal following but also as one of the first major music spectacles to be held at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak facility, signaling a new chapter for large-scale entertainment in Hong Kong.

  • Actress Shares HK$500,000 Prize with Colleagues After TVB Gala Win

    Actress Shares HK$500,000 Prize with Colleagues After TVB Gala Win

    HONG KONG – Veteran actress Alice Chan secured a substantial HK$500,000 credit limit prize during the annual TVB Anniversary Gala on Sunday evening, electing to immediately share the winnings with a group of 23 fellow performers who had voted for her during the televised event. The unique payout arrangement generated buzz following the festive competition, clarifying that the main winner was entitled to split the prize with supporting colleagues, regardless of the competition’s format.

    The dramatic culmination of the “Thousands of Stars Gala,” a major celebratory event for broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), saw Chan emerge victorious in the evening’s final signature game. The prize—a half-million Hong Kong dollar expense account, essentially a debt-free spending limit—was quickly distributed, turning one winner into 24 beneficiaries.

    TVB Clarifies Prize Distribution Protocol

    Initially, a degree of confusion arose regarding the precise rules of the finale game. However, TVB’s External Affairs Department issued a statement clarifying the procedure. While the ten main celebrity participants, including Chan, were technically playing for themselves, the structure of the prize allowed them to share a portion of the credit limit with those in a concurrent audience voting pool.

    The network confirmed that Chan would share the total HK$500,000 credit prize equally among the 23 artists who cast votes supporting her leading up to the final reveal. This arrangement fostered immediate collective excitement rather than singular gain, transforming the high-stakes game into a broader company windfall.

    Among those who benefited from Chan’s success was Choi Kwok Wai, known as the “Lottery Son,” along with singers Chris Ng and Jenny Chan. The sharing demonstrated a strong sense of camaraderie within the tight-knit industry, often highlighted during these celebratory galas.

    Camaraderie Fuels Collective Win

    Choi Kwok Wai took to social media shortly after the broadcast to express his delight, posting a jubilant photo with the actress. He recounted the evening’s events, emphasizing the spontaneous decision to support Chan.

    “It was great to participate in the Anniversary Gala once again this year,” Choi wrote. “After rehearsing, I ran into Alice [Chan] and our other colleagues. When we learned that she was chosen to represent us in the final draw, we didn’t hesitate—we had to back her.”

    He credited Chan with their collective fortune. “Thanks to sister Alice’s good luck, we hit the HK$500,000 debt-free credit line grand prize! Twenty-three artists get to share in this. We are so happy. Thank you, Alice. We hope the good fortune continues.”

    This high-profile, shared victory underscores the unique corporate culture prevalent in major Asian entertainment studios, where success, particularly financial success on live television, often fuels group morale.

    Implications for Future TVB Events

    While the specific rules of the finale draw sparked minor debate online, the official clarification from TVB confirms that the payout mechanism was designed to distribute large prizes widely. This focus on inclusion and collective reward ensures that major flagship events like the Anniversary Gala are viewed not just as talent showcases but as opportunities to boost morale across the company’s vast roster of entertainers.

    The shared winnings model serves as a generous gesture and reinforces the community spirit integral to TVB’s annual celebration, ensuring that the spectacle benefits more than just the immediate winner. The distribution now serves as a key talking point, overshadowing the competitive nature of the game with an inspiring story of collaboration and shared wealth.