HONG KONG – Hong Kong pop sensation and MIRROR member Edan Lui, also known as Lui Cheuk-on, celebrated his breakthrough appearance in the popular Korean drama Taxi Driver 3 today, detailing the linguistic hurdles, cultural adjustments, and personal milestones surrounding his international acting role. Appearing at a promotional event on Thursday, Lui reflected on the challenges of adapting to a transnational production, confirming his commitment to expanding his acting repertoire, even if it means dramatic physical transformations.
Lui, whose cameo featured in the series’ second episode, revealed the complex demands of promoting the show across various regions. To create localized promotional content, Lui quickly recorded short messages in multiple languages, including English, Malay, Filipino, Thai, and localized South African dialects. “I was listening to the vocal coaching on set and recording the lines within minutes,” Lui stated, expressing relief that most takes were completed swiftly.
The experience marked a significant personal moment for the star. Watching the episode with his family, Lui recounted his mother’s admiring comments and his sister’s astonished “wow” reaction to seeing him on a Korean screen, while he admitted to feeling a wave of excitement and anxiety himself.
Navigating Multilingual Production and Cultural Norms
The biggest operational challenge for Lui was the requirement to perform in English, necessitating dedicated language coaching. He also recounted a distinct cultural shift during the costume fitting process. Unlike local productions, where performers often have privacy, the Korean wardrobe staff remained present throughout the entire process, directly assisting with every aspect of dressing. Lui lightheartedly joked about the intense attention, humorously suggesting that anyone hoping to meet a Korean celebrity should consider becoming a female stylist.
Artistically, Lui noted that a pivotal rooftop scene in his episode appeared to be a deliberate visual tribute to the iconic Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. Looking ahead, Lui expressed a strong desire to take on a villainous role, indicating a willingness to shave his head if the character demanded it.
Despite his polished delivery, Lui admitted that acting in English created immense pressure, stemming from his self-perceived linguistic limitations. “I felt much more nervous facing the camera,” he confessed, highlighting the urgent need for intense preparation and rehearsal. He views this challenge as a catalyst for future development, expressing an interest in acquiring new languages following positive experiences using Thai during a promotional event in Thailand.
Community Support and Industry Future
The promotional event itself had been postponed due to a severe five-alarm fire that occurred in the Tai Po district late last month. Lui affirmed that the delay was a reasonable and considerate decision, allowing the community time to recover. He used the occasion to send a message of encouragement, aiming to uplift anyone facing hardship. Although unable to offer on-site aid in Tai Po, Lui confirmed he made a donation and even recorded a personalized uplifting message for an affected elderly resident. “If I can offer encouragement or lend my support, I will do it,” he stressed.
On the professional front, Lui addressed the absence of MIRROR from the recent MAMA Awards, expressing disappointment after the group had completed preparations and participated in rehearsals, gaining valuable insight into Korean production standards. “We learned a lot and hope to have another opportunity in the future,” he said. Regarding speculation about MIRROR members potentially attending Hong Kong’s Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards, Lui noted he had received no confirmation, citing a scheduled performance in Macau that evening which may preclude his presence, ultimately depending on the agency’s coordination.
Lui also touched upon his dynamic, often humorous banter with Hong Kong fencing representative and close friend Choi Chun-yin during a recent interview, noting the audience’s positive reception to their genuine interaction. He anticipates future collaborations, including potential hosting duties or joint programs with his friend.
