Mirror member Ian Chan of the popular Cantopop boyband marked a significant moment on Wednesday, appearing on Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK) for an interview after a six-month quiet period, an event widely seen as the long-awaited “thaw” in the strained relationship between the radio giant and Mirror’s management company, MakerVille. Chan, whose visit followed months of speculation regarding the rift after several bandmates missed scheduled promotional appearances, used the platform to discuss his new single, “Chili Sauce on a Wound,” thrilling fans and signaling a return to regular media engagement.
The strained relationship between MakerVille and CRHK, often referred to as Commercial Radio, intensified last July following a promotional visit by MIRROR member Tiger Yau, after which other prominent members like Anson Lo, Keung To, and Jer Lau did not secure customary interviews following their new releases. Tensions peaked in January when MIRROR members were notably absent from the prestigious Ultimate Song Chart Awards, fueling media reports of an outright freeze.
Fan Devotion Marks Break in Media Silence
The importance of Chan’s appearance was underscored by the fervent fan support. Over a hundred devoted followers waited overnight outside the radio station’s entrance. Chan acknowledged their dedication, advising them via social media earlier that morning to dress warmly.
Arriving at the station around noon, Chan waved to his fans before being whisked inside by his assistant, citing a tight schedule. When asked by reporters whether his presence confirmed a détente between MakerVille and CRHK, the artist simply offered a wave without comment.
During his segment on the Ultimate Chart program, Chan revealed that his focus on the group’s concert tour last year delayed several solo projects, including the recently released single. He emphasized his ongoing ambition to push musical boundaries, seeking to inject fresh elements into his melodies, arrangements, and lyrics.
Deepening the Cantopop Ballad Tradition
For his first major release of the year, Chan consciously chose a traditional Cantonese pop ballad format to encapsulate deep sorrow. “Chili Sauce on a Wound” features production by Ivan Chan and arrangement by CMgroovy, with lyrics penned by the celebrated wordsmith Wyman Wong.
Wong’s lyrics diverge from the celestial and romantic metaphors often associated with the idol, instead adopting gritty, relatable imagery of heartbreak and, notably, the metaphor of hot sauce to represent sharp pain. The song vividly portrays a desolate Valentine’s Day scene, culminating in a poignant, moralistic line tailored for Chan: “One must possess etiquette when breaking up.” This line, Chan noted, stresses the importance of grace and respect, regardless of whether one is the initiator or recipient of the split.
Chan shared that the single was originally piano-based but was deliberately infused with modern guitar chords and electronic drums—a nod to the soundscape of early 2000s Cantopop—to distinguish it from current pop trends. He also experimented with his vocal delivery, consciously shifting away from his typical light, higher-pitched tenor toward a robust, deeper register to better convey palpable emotional grief.
Looking Ahead: Tours and New Beginnings
Despite his real-life aversion to spicy food, Chan’s accompanying music video features him dramatically consuming chili sauce to embody the ache of lost love, a performance praised by the radio host.
Looking toward the future, Chan hinted at a major musical initiative planned for 2026, promising more than four new songs this year. The singer shared that his recent international travels, including trips to Iceland and New Zealand, routinely catalyze his creative process. He has already completed a new track, temporarily titled “Hold My Hand,” written shortly after attending a wedding, which he hopes to include in his ambitious 2026 project.
While a full-length studio album remains unconfirmed, Chan excitedly projected that 2026 would likely feature his second solo concert, promising a multi-sensory experience for attendees. Following the broadcast, Chan met briefly with his devoted supporters outside the station, accepting their concert Blu-rays for signing and fueling hopes for future fan engagement events.
