HONG KONG – A premiere event for the new TVB drama The Couple’s Gambit on Monday night brought together a cast including former network actor Cheung Wing-hong, along with Kwok Pak-yin, Ho Pui-ka, Yumi Chung, and Lee Tung-tung. The gathering, held in the city, offered insights into the actors’ latest projects and personal developments.
Cheung, who recently departed TVB, made his first public appearance under new management, confirming he has signed with Eric Tsang’s talent agency, Tiger Star Culture. Speaking to reporters, Cheung explained the connection came through a casual game of golf. “I got to know Mr. Tsang through playing golf,” he said. “He’s like an older brother to me, always looking out for me.” The actor also disclosed he is currently filming a new series, Hunting Lies, alongside mainland Chinese star Cheng Yi and Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai. Cheung praised Cheng Yi’s humility, noting, “He has no airs about him at all, and he’s incredibly sharp. When we work on set, he attracts a lot of fans.” Regarding Wai, who sustained an injury during filming, Cheung expressed admiration for her professionalism. “I didn’t see the accident clearly, but she’s very dedicated. She was eager to return to work despite her injury,” he said. “She has a doctor husband and a medical team to care for her. I hope she focuses on recovery. The filming of her scenes can wait.”
In The Couple’s Gambit, Cheung plays a villainous character, leading to numerous intimate scenes with co-star Kwok Pak-yin. Cheung jokingly admitted he once hoped to reduce the number of kissing scenes due to the physical demands. “I don’t enjoy them at all,” he said. “You’re constantly trying to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and cover up sensitive areas.” He added that his wife, Megan Lai, trusts him completely and never visits the set. Kwok said she maintains a close relationship with Cheung’s family, including his wife and daughter. Cheung expressed no fear of backlash from Kwok’s fans for his role. “Playing a villain is meant to make people dislike you,” he explained. “It gives you satisfaction to do things you wouldn’t dare do in real life.”
Co-stars Ho Pui-ka and Lee Tung-tung revealed they bonded during filming through frequent sauna sessions. When asked about their colleague Yau Ka-yan, who recently flew business class to the United States for the World Cup and a trip to Mexico—sparking speculation about sudden wealth—Ho defended her. “Yau has always had high standards for life and works hard,” Ho said. “Seeing her life improve makes me happy for her.” Lee agreed, adding that Yau deserves her success. When queried whether Yau deserved a wealthy suitor, Ho praised her appearance. “She looks great in swimwear. There’s no reason she wouldn’t have suitors. I’d even want to pursue her,” she joked.
The event also touched on a related story involving actress Samantha Ko putting pressure on Yumi Chung to play a younger version of herself. Chung emphasized that she and Chiu Yiu-fei remain good friends, a statement she reiterated in separate remarks.
The Couple’s Gambit is expected to air in the coming weeks. The series explores themes of betrayal and ambition, with Cheung’s character expected to generate significant audience reaction.
