Recently, Hong Kong artist Ekin Cheng, once hailed as the “Fifth Heavenly King of Hong Kong” by the local media, was revealed by his manager of over 30 years, Sandra Lam, to have turned down high-paying opportunities to film in mainland China.
On April 30, manager Sandra Lam appeared on a YouTube program hosted by Hong Kong veteran filmmaker Man Chun, called “Man Chun Talks About This and That.” When the conversation turned to Ekin Cheng, whom they had collaborated with for over 30 years, Lam mentioned that actors like Jordan Chan, Chin Ka Lok, and Eric Tsang, who had also appeared in the “Young and Dangerous” film series, had participated in mainland Chinese variety shows, but Ekin Cheng declined the offers.
Man Chun recalled an incident from about 9 years ago when Chinese investors wanted to reunite the original cast of “Young and Dangerous” for a movie, with Ekin Cheng’s close friend Wilson Yip directing. Man Chun had tried to persuade Ekin Cheng to take part in the project. Initially, the investors offered a salary of 5 million HKD, which Cheng rejected. They then raised it to 7 million HKD for just one day of shooting, but Ekin Cheng still refused.
Reflecting on the outcome of the filming, Man Chun exclaimed, “Ekin Cheng is very smart. As he predicted, the quality of the movie did not meet the standards.”
In recent years, many Hong Kong artists have shifted their focus to mainland China, but Ekin Cheng’s refusal to participate has sparked discussions. Man Chun, who has collaborated with Ekin Cheng on multiple films, noted that Cheng has always been straightforward and advised against reading too much into it, saying, “There’s no specific reason, he just doesn’t like it.”
Sandra Lam explained, “Many artists, including those in the Greater Bay Area, participate in variety shows when they go to the mainland. But that is his (Ekin Cheng’s) weakest link… because after doing it, he felt he didn’t like it.” She further stated, “For example, he can’t stand having the camera following him around, or having a camera film him even while sleeping. If he doesn’t like it, why should he do it?”
Sandra Lam also revealed that Ekin Cheng had previously appeared in a Chinese variety show with Jordan Chan, but both of them ultimately felt they couldn’t adapt to it. She disclosed that Ekin Cheng knew he couldn’t deliver in a variety show setting, which could lead to dissatisfaction for both parties. “He would ask me, ‘Sandra, are we waiting for money?’ I would usually say, ‘Okay, we can handle it,’ and he would respond, ‘If we can handle it, then I won’t take it.'”
Despite having a good relationship with Wilson Yip, Ekin Cheng expressed his dislike for the initial story that Wilson proposed when inviting him to join the project. In response, Sandra Lam said, “He knew that directing was Wilson’s wish, so Ekin Cheng asked Wilson to think of a different story, or they could come up with one together and find new investors.”
Man Chun added, “Something not similar to ‘Young and Dangerous’.” Sandra Lam replied, “Similar to that meaning, very firm and clear.” Man Chun praised Ekin Cheng, saying, “Ekin Cheng is not someone who can be swayed by money. In other words, he wants to live his life the way he desires.”