Veteran actor Louis Koo recently offered insights into his disciplined management philosophy regarding health and professional life while promoting his new film, A Step into the Past. Koo, a respected figure in the Asian cinema landscape, appeared on the online talk show Sister’s Corner, co-hosted by actresses Natalie Tong and Toby Chan, where he discussed everything from resisting sweet temptations to his unique, long-standing camaraderie with co-star Jessica Hsuan.
The interview, captured attention when Natalie Tong, referring to the star by his given name “Tin Lok” (Heavenly Joy), drew amazement from co-host Toby Chan, who noted the unusual familiarity. Koo embraced the use of his name, confirming a genial bond. During a lively segment of the show, which focused heavily on personal health and friendships, Koo articulated a clear distinction between “management” and “abstinence.”
The Philosophy of Personal Management
Koo emphasized the importance of rigorous self-supervision, stating that the ability to manage one’s personal life directly correlates with professional success and business administration. He noted that while excessive sweet consumption can lead to inflammation and health issues, his strategy is not outright prohibition but careful management.
“If you cannot manage yourself, how can you manage your life, let alone an entire company?” Koo posed. He differentiated the concept, explaining, “Things like gambling or drug addiction—those require complete quitting. But sweets? That’s management.” This perspective underscores his pragmatic approach to maintaining peak physical condition for his demanding career.
The session also featured a nostalgic moment when Natalie Tong recalled her debut acting experience with Koo, admitting she was so overwhelmed by nerves that she called actor Kwok-Pong Chan for reassurance—a memory Koo playfully labeled as “silly.”
Dating, Friendship, and A Step into the Past
The conversation shifted to relationships, especially when Toby Chan pressed Natalie Tong about her current dating status. Koo swiftly intervened in defense of his colleague, asking Chan to be more considerate before playfully turning the question on Tong himself, gripping her hand as he asked if she was currently seeing anyone. Tong deftly responded by asking if Koo had any introductions to offer.
Promoting A Step into the Past, an adaptation of the hit time-travel series A Step into the Past, Koo touched upon the depiction of relationships within the film, where his character, Hong Siu-lung, manages three distinct female admirers—each embodying traits like gentleness, humor, and protectiveness.
Koo admitted he does not have a single definitive preference for a partner, believing that personal requirements shift with experience, age, and individual chemistry. However, he specifically highlighted humor and wit as particularly attractive qualities in women, citing comedy icon Sandra Ng as an example of captivating charisma built on humor.
The Kinship with Jessica Hsuan
When discussing his profound professional relationship with longtime collaborating partner Jessica Hsuan, Koo offered one of the most revealing moments of the interview. They first worked together on The Family Squad (1995) and have maintained a strong, non-traditional bond ever since.
Koo described their relationship as uniquely genderless—built on mutual respect rather than romantic tension.
“She is a complete joy to be around,” Koo said of Hsuan. “The best part of our relationship is that I do not see her as a woman, and she does not see me as a man. In each other’s eyes, we are simply… an object, if that makes sense. We don’t distinguish things too much.” This sentiment illustrates the bedrock of professionalism and familiarity that has allowed them to collaborate successfully across decades. The film, which has been highly anticipated by fans, represents a significant chapter in the work of both veteran actors.
