HONG KONG – Hong Kong performer Karen Kwan yesterday affirmed her commitment to her music career, emphasizing that while current schedules include television dramas and variety shows, she remains hopeful about releasing new songs. Speaking at a charity concert on Tuesday, Kwan addressed her diverse professional engagements, noting that commercial performances fill the periods between larger production shoots.

Kwan, known for her roles in various television series, made clear that her ambition to further her musical portfolio has not diminished, stating an enduring aspiration to release more original tracks. She maintained a pragmatic outlook, however, characterizing the timing of future music releases as largely determined by fate.

The artist also humorously conflated her professional and personal ambitions, expressing an equal desire to both find a romantic partner and produce new music, suggesting the two goals could occur simultaneously. Specifically, Kwan revealed a desire to challenge herself artistically by composing a rap song, a departure from her previous work.

Adding a playful financial note, Kwan jested about the practical benefits of a potential relationship: “If I successfully ‘le[ave] the pool’ [a colloquial term for entering a relationship], I could invite my boyfriend to star as the male lead in the music video. That would achieve two goals and potentially reduce production costs.”

When asked about potential collaborators for a music video, Kwan mentioned actor and singer Keung Cheuk Man. She expressed admiration for his past music video direction and songwriting, confirming he would be a suitable candidate for consideration.

Kwan also commented on her forthcoming appearance at the annual TVB charity show, “Tung Wah Charity Gala,” where she is slated to perform a duet with former suitor Wong Ka Chun. Wong famously declared his affections for her during the reality dating program Goddess Matchmaking Project.

Adopting an encouraging yet light-hearted tone, Kwan remarked on Wong’s distinctive vocal style, drawing a parallel between his singing and that of a prominent charity foundation chairman. She suggested that their unique pairing might prove beneficial for the cause, speculating that their unusual performance style might inspire greater audience engagement and, ideally, higher donation figures.

Kwan’s dual focus on acting and singing reflects a common strategy among Hong Kong artists navigating the competitive entertainment industry. By maintaining visibility through diverse media—from TV programming to live music events—performers can appeal to a broader demographic while actively pursuing personal passion projects, such as her planned venture into writing rap music. Her appearance at the charity concert underscores the importance of community involvement and leveraging celebrity status for philanthropic endeavors within the local entertainment scene.

The celebrated third season victors and finalists of the popular reality singing competition, Mid-Life Good Voice, are set to command the stage for the special television broadcast of their highly anticipated “You and Me” concert, airing this Sunday evening at 8:00 PM on Jade Channel. The broadcast showcases performances by champion Wong Bok, runner-up Chang Yu-Chen, third-place finisher Liu Yang, and numerous fan favorites from the Mid-Life Good Voice 3 Family, delivering a dynamic mix of music, theatrics, and engaging stage presence.

The concert, which was recorded before a live audience, launches with a high-octane rendition of the iconic anthem, “We Will Rock You,” immediately setting an energetic tone for the evening. The performance schedule is packed with standout moments, blending serious musical showcases with lighthearted, dramatic skits.

One notable highlight features third-place winner Liu Yang, who transforms into the fictional “Liu Siu Fung” character for a compelling solo performance of “Without You.” This number is integrated into a humorous but touching sequence titled “The Mid-Life Hero’s Heartbreak,” which also involves fellow contestants Cheng Chun-Sing and Lee Kam-Hoi, showcasing the performers’ versatility beyond singing.

Another segment is dedicated entirely to creative role-playing and collaborative musical mash-ups. Runner-up Chang Yu-Chen, donning spectacles, embodies “Nobita,” while Liu Yang appears with a distinctive short bowl cut as “Giant.” Wang Cheng Chun-Yan completes the trio as the slick-haired “Suneo.” The quartet is humorously rounded out by James Ting Ting, playing a slender version of “Doraemon,” as they unite for a surprising vocal tribute to the legendary Beatles. These Cosplay efforts delighted the audience, emphasizing the show’s blend of mature talent and youthful spirit.

The program maintains momentum with several high-energy dance and music numbers. A collective performance of “A Memorandum of Understanding on Amnesia” features the smooth choreography and professional stage aura of entrants like Chiu Chun-Sing, James Ting Ting, and Lo Yat-Hin. The performers displayed impressive physical conditioning, proving their dedication to professionalism in their rediscovered entertainment careers.

The broadcast culminates in an emotional all-cast rendition of “The Best Is Yet to Come,” serving as a heartfelt finale and reaffirming the camaraderie built throughout the competition. This concert underscores the continuing cultural impact of the Mid-Life Good Voice franchise, which celebrates individuals seeking a second chance at their creative passions later in life. The television event promises viewers a comprehensive view of the cast’s talents, ranging from powerful vocalizations to skillful theatrical comedy, and continues the legacy of a program that has resonated widely with audiences across the region.

The highly anticipated finale of the television drama “Golden Forest” aired last night, culminating in a gripping resolution where protagonist Lam Ching exposed a decades-long conspiracy, leading to a tragic, explosive reveal about the true culprit behind a series of misfortunes. The episode, broadcast on Tuesday evening, centered on Lam Ching’s covert strategy to disarm her formidable adversary, Aunt Cho (Melenie Gung), while navigating personal heartache, successfully delivering a dramatic conclusion that has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its leading cast.

Unmasking the Conspirator

The episode reached its peak as Lam Ching, played by Hera Chan, appeared to turn against her allies, a move revealed to be a calculated set-up to expose the true nature of Aunt Cho. Lam Ching unveiled evidence, including the fact that Aunt Cho was responsible for the fall that injured her grandmother, effectively stripping Aunt Cho of her executor status over the family estate.

The dramatic confrontation escalated quickly, pushing Aunt Cho past her breaking point. Consumed by rage and paranoia, she wildly tore up legal documents, physically assaulted Dr. Yip and Hok Kan, and ultimately attempted to murder Lam Ching. This extreme breakdown underscored the character’s descent into madness. A profound twist provided the devastating context for Aunt Cho’s actions: her years of vindictive plotting, fueled by a desire to avenge her late husband, crumbled when she discovered the actual killer was her husband’s ex-wife, driven to tragedy by a love turned sour. This revelation triggered her complete psychological collapse.

Acclaimed Acting Anchors Tragic End

The episode’s impact was significantly amplified by the exceptional performances. Veteran actress Melenie Gung drew widespread praise for her nuanced portrayal of Aunt Cho’s final moments in custody. Her anguished cries of disbelief—”I don’t believe it!”—were interwoven with desperate self-deception, switching tragically to a tearful smile as she insisted, “My husband loved me dearly.” Critics lauded her “masterful” display of layered emotion, perfectly capturing the complexity and pathos of the character’s tragic fate.

Hera Chan’s performance as Lam Ching also marked a significant artistic milestone. A particularly moving scene involved Lam Ching revisiting a spot she shared with her love interest, Yeung Tin. Tearfully consuming a bowl of spicy fish balls, her choked declaration—”It’s spicy, but it tastes so good”—resonated deeply with viewers. The scene, heightened by flashbacks of shared memories and the accompanying emotional track “One Thing Left Undone,” intensified the dramatic sentiment.

The Final Farewell

The show concluded on a bittersweet and aesthetically pleasing note. A phantom of Yeung Tin appears, gently clasping Lam Ching’s hand and gazing at her with tenderness. Lam Ching responds with a tearful smile, a touching, ethereal moment that provided a perfect emotional cadence to the series. Chan’s ability to vividly convey both the character’s profound love and enduring grief earned her further recognition, reinforcing perceptions that she has successfully transitioned beyond previous “flower vase” roles to become a serious dramatic actress.

The finale not only tied up loose plot threads but also showcased the power of strong dramatic performance in elevating serialized storytelling. “Golden Forest” concluded by exploring complex themes of revenge, distorted love, and ultimate self-destruction, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike.