Byline: ANSA Entertainment Desk
Rome, October 8 (ANSA) – Hong Kong entertainment stalwarts Choi Yat-chi and Kong Mei-yee returned to the small screen today at the promotional event for their new drama, “The Radiant City,” marking the veteran performers’ first collaboration since the hit series “Triumph in the Skies II.” During the press conference, the duo discussed their challenging new characters, the passage of time in the industry, and the humorous growing pains of being labeled “senior.”
A Fresh Start for a Decades-Old Friendship
Choi, who has been absent from television for several years, confessed that returning to set felt like a “thrill,” though he expressed regret over having no shared scenes with his longtime friend Kong. “Every time the director yelled ‘cut,’ I had to apologize to my co-stars,” Choi said, describing his character as a man who does “everything he normally wouldn’t.” His role involves intimate encounters with multiple female leads, including a scene where he strikes a woman, requiring constant coordination with the action director. “That isn’t the real me,” he joked.
The actor, best known for his work with the band Grasshopper, noted one relatable element: his character has a muscular younger brother, much like his real-life sibling, Choy Yat-kit. “In the show, my on-screen brother, Chow Chi-hong, is also built. It felt familiar and helped me get into character,” Choi said. “But I only know how to dance—martial arts? Not so much.”
Playing the “Villain” and Facing the Critics
Kong, who plays a notoriously vicious and borderline unhinged character, acknowledged that viewers have already criticized her for being “too mean.” Yet she remains unbothered. “Once audiences form an impression, it’s hard to change,” she said with a shrug. “But I’m not afraid of being called nasty again.”
Choi rushed to defend her, stating, “I’ve known her for years. She’s actually very gentle—just a ‘crocodile head with a soft underbelly.’ She only looks intimidating.”
The “Senior” Label and a Viral Moment
The conversation turned lighter when Kong recalled a recent incident on the variety show “Try It For Real,” where singers Ng Yip-kwan and Cheung Chun-long teased her about her age, prompting her to shout on a public street. The clip went viral. “Being called a ‘senior veteran’ sounds terrible,” she laughed. “But it’s a good thing—roles require growth. Maybe next time I’ll play a timid character! I’m not upset; the ratings were good, and it was just for show. The real me isn’t like that.”
Related News: Whispers on Set
In a separate but related development, actors Ron Ng and Kelly Cheung have sparked dating rumors following their collaboration on a different project. Both have praised each other publicly, with Ng even hinting at a desire for a solo date, according to local media reports.
Broader Impact: Changing Faces of Hong Kong Television
As Hong Kong’s entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the return of veteran actors like Choi and Kong signals a shift toward more complex, morally ambiguous roles. Industry observers note that such casting choices challenge traditional archetypes and cater to a more sophisticated audience. For fans, the message is clear: age is merely a number, and a well-crafted character can still surprise and engage. Next steps for the cast include a series of promotional appearances ahead of the drama’s prime-time debut.
