HONG KONG — Hong Kong singer-songwriter Nancy Kwai has released a new single titled How Could You?, a raw exploration of what she considers the most devastating phrase in a breakup: “I hope we can still be friends.”
The track, which dropped this week, tackles a sentiment many listeners will find painfully familiar. In a recent interview, Kwai made her stance unmistakably clear: the worst part of a relationship’s end is not the separation itself, but the wounded attempt at dignity disguised as friendship.
“When it comes to relationships, I’m very resolute. I absolutely cannot accept the idea that we can still be friends after breaking up,” Kwai said. “Even if I really liked that person, the moment they say that to me, I snap out of it immediately. I realize they are not worth my continued heartbreak.”
Kwai, known for her direct and uncompromising personality, explained that the offer of friendship often serves as a hollow gesture meant to preserve the other person’s emotional comfort. She argued that a clean, decisive exit is the healthiest path forward—far better than lingering in ambiguity.
The music video for How Could You? continues Kwai’s tradition of shooting abroad and features actor and heartthrob Jeffrey Wei (Jeffrey) as the male lead. A behind-the-scenes clip posted by Warner Music executives on social media, showing Jeffrey carrying Kwai in a “princess hold,” has already garnered more than 180,000 views in a short period. Fans have dubbed the pairing “the highest-visual MV of 2026.”
Reflecting on the shoot, Jeffrey described a Korean-style back hug as the most memorable scene. “The shooting process was very smooth,” he said. “Everyone’s expressions were spot-on, conveying the emotion from the inside out and then back in again.”
Kwai laughed at his description, responding: “I understand what you’re trying to say—you just didn’t know how to reorganize and express it.”
Jeffrey added that the film’s final scene required a deeply sorrowful conclusion, even tears. “At the last moment, I was looking at you and I already had tears falling,” he recalled. “The emotion—your back view really touched me.”
The collaboration between Kwai and Jeffrey has generated significant buzz, with fans and media alike applauding the chemistry and visual appeal of the music video. The track’s release arrives amid a broader conversation in pop culture about healthy breakup practices and emotional boundaries, offering listeners a bold, unvarnished perspective on letting go.
As Kwai continues to carve out her place in the Hong Kong music scene, How Could You? stands as both a personal statement and an anthem for those who refuse to settle for half-hearted endings. The single is available now on major streaming platforms.
