HONG KONG—Acclaimed television personality and member of the popular Cantopop group ERROR, Guo Jia-jun (known publicly as “193”), recently addressed escalating speculation regarding his personal life and a recent collaboration, emphasizing his dedication to professional endeavors over publicizing private relationships. The focus intensified following the release of his new single, Your Name, My Hymn, and conspicuous social media interaction with singer Candy Wong Ka-ching, a member of the group COLLAR, sparking widespread rumors of a clandestine romance.
While the brief public exchanges and joint promotional video fuelled media frenzy, 193 firmly stated that the visible chemistry was strictly for promoting the song, acknowledging the difficulty of managing professional promotion amidst intense public scrutiny. He expressed concern about the potential negative impact on Ms. Wong, maintaining that he would generally prioritize discretion should he enter a relationship, a common practice for artists seeking to maintain a boundary between their artistic life and personal privacy.
Balancing Business Ventures and Show Business
The multifaceted performer, who once humorously claimed extensive relationship history, clarified that his genuine romantic experiences totaled only a few significant relationships spanning his university years and professional career, countering exaggerated figures often cited in the press. While affirming his heterosexual orientation, 193 thoughtfully discussed the nature of attraction and unsolicited romantic interest, including previous advances from men, stating he remains open-minded about life’s possibilities but currently prefers opposite-sex partners.
Despite asserting readiness for a new romance, 193 highlighted the rigorous demands of his current career. Managing his entertainment schedule alongside operating a restaurant, a fashion brand, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic consumes significant time. He suggested that achieving greater financial and professional success is his immediate priority, reasoning that such stability would naturally attract compatible partners, postponing active dating until he can dedicate sufficient time.
Regarding the collaboration with Candy Wong, 193 emphasized that numerous artists participated in the promotional efforts, underscoring that the joint short video was merely one component. He detailed the complexities of being a public figure in a relationship, stating that any future decision to confirm a romance would be heavily influenced by his partner’s preference and the professional advice of his management team, not solely his own desire.
The Weight of Public Opinion
193 openly discussed the intense pressure of digital media, specifically the enduring nature of public records. He voiced apprehension about the lasting negative narratives that often follow celebrity breakups, fearing headlines that could stigmatize both himself and his partner. “If I eventually date, I will keep it as private as possible,” he stated, arguing that an artist’s body of work should remain the primary focus, treating personal emotion as a private matter unnecessary for external consumption.
Leveraging the current media attention, which resulted in a magazine cover feature, 193 jokingly embraced the “on-screen couple” status with Ms. Wong, offering to star in advertisements together, perhaps even challenging established celebrity couple endorsements. He also humorously suggested trying to create further scandalous headlines, demonstrating a savvy understanding of media cycles. However, he drew a firm line against engaging in real-life drama, particularly infidelity, asserting the importance of ethical conduct.
In other news, an upcoming seven-year anniversary event for ERROR was canceled out of respect following a devastating structure fire in Tai Po. 193 noted that artists bear a responsibility to provide cheer and distraction during times of public distress, expressing hope for the community’s swift return to normalcy. While the group explored the possibility of donating proceeds to affected residents, they found that the event’s budget was too tight, with the group members contributing their time pro bono. Despite the unforeseen cancellation, 193 confirmed that ERROR plans to release new group music early next year, possibly featuring a high-profile, unannounced collaborator, and is developing an overseas variety program, though production details remain tentative.
