July 2, 2003

Ekin flew back to Hong Kong to attend a celebration banquet. The banquet was given by the movie company to celebrate the better than expected first week's ticket sales for Twin's Effect.

Ekin talked with reporters, He said that while he was in Singapore he wanted to go and look at the local Red Light District. However when he got there he realized that it was fellows day, and on the street were only men. Ekin was disappointed. He was asked if Gigi would have a problem with his visit.

Why would she have a problem? I only sit in a vehicle to see. The Red Light District is legal and Lam Shan Shan was with me.

Reporters also asked him to comment on reports that Gigi would speak to her record label, Warner Records, for him. Ekin became very agitated but held his anger.

Bottom line, I am the same as you, I work independently. Lam Shan Shan is my agent not Gigi. Shan Shan will help me to make a final decision, but it will be at least September before any decisions will be made.
Ekin spent 6 months working on Twin's Effect and now is about to start filming a new movie Anna in KungFu Land. This will be a collaboration with popular Hong Kong actress Miriam Yeung.

The Sun - article in Chinese
Singtao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese

July 4, 2003

Earlier this week Ekin was in Singapore to publicize the movie The Twin's Effect. Ekin stopped over 3 or 4 days because he had arranged to meet with his longtime fans at a famous local Haianese restaurant, Boon Tong Kee.

There were many fans in the restaurant. The weather that day was blazing hot and when Ekin arrived the first thing he wanted was drinks. The restaurant doesn't have air conditioning and so the door of the restaurant was left open. Also, because it was hot many of the fans wore skimpy Tshirts. One plump fan leaned over wanting to get her idol picture autographed. Of course because Ekin already has a girlfriend, he was not moved by so many pretty girls around him. His eye still didn't go astray even when he posed for a group photograph.

Ekin's manager Lam Shan Shan told reporters that cutting his hair was an entirely happy arrangement, and that short hair was very cool and refreshing. Reporters judged it was a return to the hairstyle from the era of 430 Space Shuttle.

As Ekin was leaving, fans gave him gifts of dried pork and red beans. The red beans to let him know that they would miss him.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese

Pictures taken by fans - page 1— page 2— page 3— page 4

Video from E-Kin.Com

July 7, 2003

A new poster for the movie Heroic Duo was released today. The two main posters, however, only show the two leaing actors Leon Li Ming and Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin. In the posters they both wear handcuffs. The other two leading actors Karina Lin Jia-Xin and Wu Zhen-Yu are not featured on the posters. Karina was not bothered by this but Wu was not happy.

The movie is scheduled for release at the end of this month. The movie company said that they had already manufactured the movie posters and they felt that Leon and Ekin would be the best selling points for the movie. The movie company also feels that Leon Li Ming has a powerful name and last year's success of My Wife Is 18 has made Ekin's name good and much discussed. Leon and Ekin both want to be valued by the movie company.

Also a number of screen shots from the movie are emerging to make people excited to see the movie. Leon and the rest of the cast will begin to promote the movie soon.

The Sun - article in Chinese
Sina Entertainment

July 8, 2003

Last evening Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin and Vicky Zhao Wei the leading actors in the soon to be released movie Dream Girlfriend were guests of Sina.com in Beijing They answered questions from online users in Sina's VIP chat room. The whole interview was conducted in Mandarin.

Sina.com Interview

Ekin revealed that in the next half of the year he would still be concentrating on making movies. He has already accepted 6 movie roles. The renumeration is substantial. Ekin laughed and said he had saved enough to own a wife. He openly discussed his relationship with Gigi. He smiled saying that money is not all that is needed to get married.

Ekin returns to Hong Kong today but his girlfriend at the same time is flying out to America for a performance. Ekin spoke to her before she left by phone.

Ekin will visit serveral other cities to promote Dream Girlfriend including Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese
The Sun - article in Chinese
Takung Pao - article in Chinese
Sina.com

Ekin and Vicky in Beijing

Ekin and Vicky Shanghai

Video footage - E-Kin.Com

July 8, 2003

Early this morning found Ekin on the ocean in posession of a new boat. He bought it as a reward for himself. Reporters rented another boat to meet him out on the ocean, Ekin invited them aboard and even let them taste driving the boat.

Ekin explained that his brother and sister had researched the boat brand and tested it. Unfortunately that day the weather became overcast and windy. Luckily they were almost back at the dock and so returned without problem.

Journalists asked Ekin if in the future he might consider having his wedding on a boat.

Ekin said that he certainly cannot consider it because the ocean wind is very humid. You are all my guests and you can affirm the feel of being on the ocean to make my point, if the ocean winds play chaos then it is not good. The bride would also need to frequently repair her makeup and appearance. Therefore, on land is the place to conduct a wedding ceremony, much more convenient.

According to Ekin, his manager Lam Shan Shan calls buying a boat a very big expenditure. One month's mooring fees are $30,000HK. Laughing Ekin said that to carry this burden he must live his life filming movies. His talent can easily bear this large extra expenditure.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Takung Pao - article in Chinese

July 10, 2003

TVB Footage - Ekin Borrows Office

10/7/2003 Number 5

July 11, 2003

Universal has so far produced two posters for the movie Heroic Duo. Each of the posters has featured the two leading actors Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin and Leon Li Ming. However, there has been much suspicion that Universal did not rate the other leading actors Wu Zhen-Yu, Lin Jia-Xin and Xu Jing- Lei as equally important to the movie.

Universal boss Lin Xiao-Ming explained that the company intended to have a sequence of three posters to publicise the movie.

The first two posters in the sequence used Cheng Yee-Kin and Li Ming the first one facing backward, and the second facing forward to show people. For number three we arranged a merged, spread out lineup. I had intended to wait to launch the release of this poster, but with the opinion multiplying against me, I decided to release the third poster ahead of of schedule.

The Sun - article in Chinese

July 14, 2003

The Movie Dream Girlfriend will be released on July 17th. Ekin plays a design specialist hired by Zhao Wei's father to replace her look. They pass through many appointments and Zhao Wei feels love for Ekin, but he already has another girlfriend.

As everyone knows Ekin has a real girlfriend Gigi Leung, however, at the press conferences he and Zhao Wei openly discuss love. The reporters speculated that this is because Ekin is not afraid of getting his ear twisted by Gigi. Ekin said they only discuss the parts in the movie and it is merely in the film love.

Ekin and Zhao Wei made a whirlwind mainland tour to promote the movie. Many fans turned out to see them. Many of the mainland fans were very crazy, to the extent that they grasped at Ekin causing him to feel some intimidation and fear. As he passed through some of the female fans they grasped at his arm and wouldn't let go. Afterwards Ekin realized that on his arm were the marks of 5 fingerprints. So far he doesn't regard the incident as getting hurt.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Takung Pao - article in Chinese
The Sun - article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese

July 15, 2003

Ekin is still working on final scenes for Heroic Duo, scheduled for release on July 31st 2003. In one scene Ekin punishes one of his men by making him count goldfish from inside the fishtank. The stunt man Liang Jin-Yi, had to practice to be able to hold his breath long enough to complete the scene. The Director Chen Mu-Sheng forbade him to take a breath until the scene was finished. The scene was filmed in one take. Jin-Yi said that it was very difficult and painful. Ekin said that he admired his dedication and hard work to enable the scene to be successsful.

Heroic Duo is also the first movie to be able to film on the Qing Ma Bridge. The movie company had to get permission to close the bridge for filming from ten different government agencies. Ekin is the first actor to ever film on the bridge.

Ekin said, "It was very exciting and the view from the bridge was spectactular. It was an unforgettable experience for me to film a chase scene on the bridge."

Director Chen Mu-Sheng also expressed delight being able to use the bridge and said that such co-operation will help the movie industry be able to film in more locations.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
The Sun - article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese

July 16, 2003

This evening was the Premiere for Dream Girlfriend. Movie boss Lin Xiao-Ming, Vicky Zhao Wei, Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin and other members of the cast attended. Vicky wore a dark skirt and top, she said that earlier a weekly magazione had critized her for lacking dark things. Frankly she said everyone wants to correct your clothing.

Ekin wore light colored baggy pants, a black shirt and leather jacket. Reporters said that this was unexpected, however, he looked comfortable.

Ekin responded, "feel any clothes an actor wears will be thought inferior, suppose work as a singer then must dress up to go on stage, after you don't know how one dresses."
Reporters asked if he thought that his girlfriend Gigi dressed appropriately.

Ekin laughed and said, most people get 8 points, not a perfect score but very satisfied, when you dress up there is always good and bad.

Ekin also revealed that he and his manager Lam Shan Shan have collaborated for more or less ten years. They have an affectionate intimate relationship like with a family member. Ekin said he rejoiced at having such an image guide and that is the reason that he doesn't slip and lose sleep. In September he has already planned a celebration banquet to show his gratitude at this achievement.

Shan Shan laughed and said that getting along with Ekin was the biggest pressure, actually it is not an easy burden. However, they both seem to harmoniously co-exist.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Takung Pao - article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
The Sun - article in Chinese
Sina.com

July 18, 2003

Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin and Leon Li Ming's latest movie Heroic Duo rights have been aquired by American based Arclight Films. For a down payment of $10 million HK the secured the distribution rights worldwide with the exception of Asia, whose distribution rights belong to Universe. The movie centers on the saga of a cop who teams up with a former police hypnotherapist after a heist at the Intl. Diamond Expo. Arclight will introduce the movie to buyers at the fall markets under its new genre label Darclight Films.

The two main characters in the drama produced outstanding acting, because of this the movie is recommended as a contender for this seasons top movie at the Asian Pacific Film Festival.

The Sun - article in Chinese
Variety Magazine

July 20, 2003

Ekin was interviewed by Singpao today, he spoke frankly about his acting, singing and other aspects of his professional life.

Ekin's Interview

July 21, 2003

Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin, Leon Li Ming, Francis Ng and Karina Lin Xia-Jin join to star in Universal's summer blockbuster Heroic Duo. The movie will be released simultaneously across Asia on July 31st. The stars, together with Drector Chen Mu-Sheng will tour Mainland China, Malaysia and Singapre to promote the movie.

The explosive end to the movie has action scenes of a fire explosion. Ekin will save his girlfriend from the fire in a brave heroic rescue.

In the movie both Ekin and Karina suffer much adversity in their relationship, because Ekin's character is excessively arrogant and egotistical, he does not acknowledge or apologize to his girlfriend. When Lin Jia Xin is in a dangerous situation because she falls into a trap, set by the criminals, Ekin arouses himself and bravely rescues her. After that, they find that they do have much affection for each other.

Karina said that they filmed the scene very early in the morning before it was light. She said the when the stunt man ran towards her his whole body engulfed in flames she was frightened and grabbed Ekin to protect her and this actually enhanced the movie.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
The Sun - article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese
official pictures

July 22, 2003

Ekin together with record producer Liu Wei-Jiang and Andy Lau made a short video and recorded a song, Qian Chang Jinxiu, encouraging people to take a look at their surroundings and find strength in the face of adversity. Andy Lau was instrumental in helping to persuade Ekin to look at producing the song. Liu Wei-Jiang said that Roman Tam's song was very positive and the intention was encouragement. He hoped that the entire city would pay attention.

Liu loves the song and said that it's message was also his motto. He was thrilled that Ekin, Roman's student, agreed to sing this song.

Ekin said, " The producer pass me this song because it has a statement. Of course I agree to sing this song."

There are many summer movies being released this week, and fierce competition is expected between them. Currently there is an anime film and Ekin and Zhao Wei's Dream Girlfriend. However there will be 4 more releases this week. In the first few days box office takings have been disappointing in Hong Kong, however, the movie was more agressively promoted on the mainland than in Hong Kong. The box office for Twin's Effect is also beginning to fall off as the new offerings become available.

Heroic Duo will be released at the end of the month on July 31st. There is now an official website with teaser trailers, a making of feature, movie synopsis and information on the actors and their characters.

Mingpao - Article in Chinese

Heroic Duo Official Website

July 23, 2003

Heroic Duo starring Leon Li Ming, Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin, Wu Zhen-Yu and Lin Jia-Xin is the next major release from Universal. It is a lively and fierce movie, but it will face stiff competitition from the other movies released this summer. Will it beat the other big productions? Universal, of course, hopes that it will have a good appearance and they are looking for good ticket sales. The Western launch company Arclight has already paid a 7 figure sum for the movie copyright.

The movie doesn't lack fight scenes, gun battles or explosions. One of the most dangerous scenes was filmed by Ekin and Leon, wearing a leather jacket and a suit respectively, they worked in temperatures of 100 degrees farenheit (38 celsius).

They need to enter a secret underground room in the rescue scene. The only thing available to smash open the door is a heavy 100 pound gas cylinder. Even though the film crew removed the gas from the cylinder prior to filming it didn't help with the weight. Both actors said that working in such high temperatures was hard and laborious.

The Sun - article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese

July 24, 2003

This morning Ekin and his manager Shan Shan took part in an radio interview. The interviewer refered to Ekin's Mandarin saying that is still hasn't progressed very much. He was asked if he asked Gigi's help. Ekin pointed out that Gigi is busy filming and at present is part time in Taiwan. He admitted that his language ability was not good, but that was because he didn't have time to practice.

The interviewer asked him about any serious plans he has with Gigi. Ekin said that the only plans were his company's plans. The interviewer pressed asking him to talk a little about Gigi but Ekin was not very forthcoming.

He said three characters described her, "she made every effort to work hard." But what about her appearance? "good" and the relationship? "stable" and plans? " to finish, everyone first complete their goals."

At this point Shan Shan intervened

Ekin accepts that Gigi's influence is bright, he already told you about his plans, but he feels that regardless he is always under a big pressure. Have to consider 2 people not just one. Ekin always speaks frankly, he doesn't mind arrange his personal life, but he doesn't feel the need.

The conversation turned to movies and CD's. Ekin indicated that he would continue to shoot movies and that this aspect continues to be good. Redgarding a CD he said he still had to figure that out.

Singpao - Article in Chinese

July 25, 2003

In Heroic DuoEkin and Karina Lin Jia-Xin have an affectionate kiss, which becomes more intimate. At the same time as they become affectionate, Ekin's disciple Liang Jun-Yi is soaking in a 4 foot by 6 foot goldfish tank counting goldfish. He is able to watch the whole scene of two people kissing.

Afterwards Lin Jia-Xin said that it was most embarrassing, but Ekin joked that at least she didn't have any gold fish sneaking into sensitive parts. Liang Jun-Yi said that the fish did indeed swim in sensitive parts, so he had to keep moving to get them to swim, also his whole body had wrinkled skin.

The Sun - article in Chinese

July 26, 2003

Yesterday, Ekin, Leon Li Ming, Karina Lin Jia-Xin and Xu Jing-Lei together with Director Benny Chan were in Beijing to promote the upcoming Universal movie Heroic Duo.

Ekin said,"I have always followed Leon, but we don't have the same background, he is much more cultured and refined. I feel it is valuable to have worked with him. We are alike, however, in that we both have interest in high technology.

Ekin was asked what he would like to do to further his career. He responded that if they begin a Stormriders 2 he would like to act as Whispering Wind again, because in the story it would evolve that the character would gradually worsen and that would be a great challenge.

Sina.com
Tom.com

July 30, 2003

Yesterday afternoon Ekin and Leon took part in a publicity event for the movie Heroic Duo. Leon arrived on the helicopter pad of the Peninsular Hotel.

Ekin arrived in his new yacht at Empress Pier. The two leading male stars met in front of a fleet of Porches to drive them to the Jin Zi Jing Square for the event.

There were many reporters all wanting to interview the stars. Ekin's manager Shan Shan discussed the situation with the movie company publicity staff as to whether to accept the interviews because neither star had received any notification. Ekin was relaxed and laughed that they need not be so intense to catch him.

Reporters wanted to know about his singing contract. Ekin was unsure whether he still had the contract, he only knew he had one more part in a movie to complete. His manager said he still had a contract but this year it had been more or less inconvenient. Ekin added that if sign a contract then should honor the spirit of the contract, but neither knew at present what direction the situation would take.

Ekin was pleased that Heroic Duo would possibly contend for the Asia Pacific Film Festival.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Takungpao - article in Chinese
Mingpao - article in Chinese
cnwnc.com

July 31, 2003

Ekin and Li Ming arrived at the JinZhong UA Theater last evening for the premiere of Heroic Duo. More than 40 security guards were on hand to keep order, but more than a thousand people, both audience and fans, assembled outside the theater to await the actors.

The two leading actors arrived together, although there was much security, there was a lot of pushing and some people fell to the ground. The scene was very chaotic. The actors paused for people to regain their feet before continuing to walk toward the theater.

Earlier Lin Jia Xin and the rest of the cast also arrived at the theater. In addition many other celebrities attended the premiere, including Ekin's former girlfriend Maggie and Sheila, a close friend of Li Ming.

After the Premiere Li Ming immediately left to fly to Shanghai to work on his next movie. Ekin will collaborate with Miriam Yeung in his next movie.

The Sun - article in Chinese
Singpao - article in Chinese
Takungpao - article in Chinese
Singtao - article in Chinese

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