The stars of TVB’s hit drama The Radiant City laid bare their most vulnerable and humorous behind-the-scenes moments during a candid interview on the entertainment talk show One Week Stars. Hosted by Au Wing Wai, the episode featured Julian Cheung (Chilam), Ron Ng, Kao Hailing, Krystal Zhang, and Kong Mei-yi, who discussed the intensity of their new series, including an unforgettable villain turn, an emotional collapse, and good-natured ribbing about off-screen romance.
A Villain with a Smile
Julian Cheung surprised viewers and colleagues alike by stepping into the shoes of Guan Xiaoxian, a thoroughly unpleasant antagonist who does his evil deeds with a disarming grin. The cast quickly agreed that his character is the most sinister in the drama—even worse than the ruthless father played by veteran actor Chiang Davy. Kong Mei-yi described Cheung’s performance as “creepy and insidious,” while Kao Hailing, who plays his on-screen wife, joked that she is careful what she says around him, even off set.
Cheung himself remained humble. Critiquing his own work, he admitted he felt he had “too many reactions” and could have toned it down. Kong Mei-yi immediately disagreed, reassuring him that this role would define his career for the next ten years, following his decade-long trademark role of Cool Mak.
Breaking Point on Set
The conversation turned somber as Kao Hailing recalled being so overwhelmed by a scene that she retreated behind a curtain to cry. Cheung remembered the moment clearly: after the director yelled “cut,” he saw her curled up in a corner and went to check on her. Her response was sharp and immediate: “Don’t touch me.” Worried that his intense performance had caused genuine distress, he gave her space and left. The anecdote gave viewers a raw look at the emotional sacrifice actors make and the trust required among cast members.
Romance Rumors Add Fuel
One Week Stars devoted its “Fact Check” segment to persistent speculation that Ron Ng and Krystal Zhang are a real-life couple. Cheung playfully teased Ng throughout the interview, and Zhang responded each time by coming to his defense. When pressed to list Ng’s positive qualities as her fictional husband, Zhang gave a sweet but vague answer: “There are too many to count, and we only have two episodes left of One Week Stars anyway.” Her coy response left viewers wondering if there’s more than friendship between them.
A Lasting Impression
Such unfiltered honesty from the The Radiant City cast only heightens the drama’s appeal. The interview offered a rare glimpse into the emotional demands of television production, while also highlighting the lighthearted bonds that keep the team together. As the series continues, audiences can anticipate even more gripping performances from a cast unafraid to show their true selves—both in front of the camera and behind it.
