Hong Kong’s chart-topping boy band MIRROR gathered on Wednesday to promote their upcoming reality series “MIRROR ACE,” with members Lokman Yeung and Alton Wong notably absent. The press event quickly highlighted the group’s diverse individual headlines, including a prestigious film award snub, demanding schedules for high-profile drama remakes, and lighthearted insights into group health and camaraderie.
Award Hopes and Near-Misses
The press conference was heavily colored by the recent Golden Horse Awards nominations. While Anson Kong celebrated his first-ever nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “We Are Nothing,” the spotlight fell on Stanley Yau. He was publicly named a significant omission by Golden Horse executive director Tien-hsiang Wen for his role in “The Age of Farewells.” Facing the snub candidly, Stanley expressed a mix of disappointment and gratitude. “I have never been this close to a major award,” he admitted. “It felt like I was exactly half a step away.”
Shifting focus, he recounted his trip to Japan for the premiere of “KiDnap Game,” where he co-starred with Lee Joon-gi and Kentaro Sakaguchi. Playfully dubbed the “International Dragon” by his bandmates, Stanley remained humble, crediting the experience for broadening his artistic perspective.
High-Profile Drama Remakes
The group’s acting ventures took center stage next. Edan Lui confirmed his remake of the iconic Japanese drama “Long Vacation” is racing toward a strictly scheduled December release, determined by his contractual obligations. Anson Lo is equally committed to the local adaptation of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.” He humorously revealed the romantic scenes with co-star Ivy So are “very intense, with a lot of kissing.” When confronted about leaked wedding photos from the finale, Anson Lo was unfazed. “It’s a remake, everyone knows the ending,” he said, gently deflecting the leak toward the veteran actor who posted the images.
Group Health and Camaraderie
Beneath the professional achievements lies a focus on well-being and team unity. Keung To has committed to a strict fitness routine purely for health reasons, specifically reducing his basketball play to avoid injuries that could sideline him from group activities. The session was lightened by the group’s playful banter. Member Jer addressed his nickname “Vivienne,” referencing a Stephen Chow character. “I can only accept it helplessly,” he laughed. In a more sincere moment, Jer explained his role as the group’s “meal ambassador,” saying he takes charge of ordering food out of a genuine concern for his bandmates’ eating habits.
Life Under the Spotlight
The conference effectively underscored the delicate balance MIRROR strikes between monumental group fame and demanding solo careers—a topic Anson Kong addressed publicly recently when he spoke about their intense lifestyle pressure. The launch of “MIRROR ACE” is perfectly timed to offer fans an unscripted look at this dynamic, capturing the exact camaraderie and tension on display. As the year progresses toward a packed lineup of drama finales and new music, MIRROR continues to define a modern blueprint for Asian pop success, navigating international stages and local production deadlines while maintaining the tight-knit bond that launched them to stardom.
