Ekin Cheng Yee- Kin

News -November 2003

November 2, 2003

Ekin and his good friend Jerry Lam enjoyed themselves celebrating Halloween. They wore false hands and teeth to disguise themselves. Ekin picked up a real knife from the table and pretended to stab Jerry's thigh. They said that next time maybe they would make a movie and would call it "Return of the Ghost King".

After the celebration Ekin had to leave for the airport to travel to Chongqing. He will publicize Shisheido's JS skin care line. Ekin has been the Shiseido JS spokesperson for the last three years. Shortly he will also travel to the USA to promote the launch if the JS line in America. At the airport he met his old friend Anthony Wong. They spent time talking together until their flights were called.

Recently a magazine reported that The Twins Effect VCD has just been released in Thailand and many people now recognize Ekin. Ekin said that Chinese movies are expanding worldwide and so people are a little more able to recognize him. Ekin's popularity is certainly in the rise in Thailand. Ekin's manager Shan Shan said that entertainment sponsors in Thailand have consulted to see if Ekin would preform a concert there. However, they propose that he first learn one or two songs to sing in Thai.

Laughing Ekin said: I have alrady been studying Mandarin for ten years. If you want me to study Thai you will have to be patient. However, if there are a lot of young Thai women recognize him then maybe he would study faster.



Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese



November 4, 2003

Ekin is the Ocean Ambassador for the WWF. Ekin is concerned about the threat to the ocean environment around the coast. He has been engaged in sorting out abandoned fishing nets and removing them from the ocean floor. This clearing of the nets has already been the subject of a short film to promote ocean protection.

Ekin's work with WWF and film

Ekin pointed out that in the past there were all kinds of ocean creatures freely able to live in the ocean. Because of the abandoned fishing nets they could be injured or even die. He also mentioned that also ocean life is being destroyed by man made engineering projects filling in the sea, and also by seawater pollution caused by the dumping of garbage.

Ekin appealed to the residents to work together to protect the threatened ocean environment. He asked them not to drop garbage in the sea but to respect and appreciate nature by avoiding causing the ocean creatures further harrassment. Ekin also appealed to people to become members of the WWF in order to help protect the environment.


November 5, 2003

A few days ago Ekin travelled to Chongqing City to promote Shiseido's male skincare line JS. Ekin's popularity caused more than 10,000 fans to turn out to see him. Ekin's car could not get close to the stage in the public square so he had to walk. His own security and more than 50 members of the Peoples Liberation Army protected him from the huge crowd of people to deliver him to the stage.

The organizers of the event were very worried that such a large crowd could easily get out of hand. Originally Ekin was to spend about 45 minutes, singing a few songs and signing autographs. However because of the number of people both of these parts of the program were cancelled. Ekin said that he felt it was a pity. He was restricted to the stage and only lingered for about 15 minutes before leaving to speak to the press.

Ekin as usual was asked about his relationship with Gigi but he skirted the issue saying that he was just an ordinary person and it was invconvenient to talk about it. Reporters then also about whether the salary he received from Shiseido was a 7 figure sum. Reporters also wanted to know how he felt about the cancellation of the program.

Originally I had planned to be there for 45 minutes but the organizers cut down the time to 15 minutes when they see the audience appear. It was a pity because everyone will think it was not enough time. I have been the spokesman for Shiseido for 3 years. Each year the reward increases. Stop with the 7 figures. The reward is paid in Japanese yen, however, it is reasonable. later I will go to America to promote JS and next year in January I will go to Japan again to make more advertisments.


Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
The Sun -Article in Chinese

November 10, 2003

Yesterday Ekin was invited to present awards to cancer survivors at the 7th election of their support group. This was the first time Ekin had been in contact with survivors of the disease and their bravery and struggle couldn't help but leave him deeply moved.

Listening to their stories of struggle makes me feel that I am truly blessed but I know that health is not certain. Each person's fate has a script, the key is how you confront adversity. I have also in the past has encountered low ebb periods but compared to the struggles of these survivors it is a trifle, however I learn from experience that health is most important.

I remember when I was about 10 years old I unexpectedly contract rheumatism in my joints and suffer inflamation in my knee. I had to go and spend one week in the hospital so that they could draw out blood to test. Fortunately, I grew up and am able to run, jump and swim. Even now, whenever the weather is windy sometimes there is still pain, so I dare not let it drop and I regularly use Chinese medicine to recuperate.

Actually, my father and older brother both suffer from Diabetes. This illness is hereditary so I specially emphasize health. In my work I often have to participate in action scenes. Because the action is continuous through the filming period, I currently already see Chinese Medicine doctor to recuperate my body health.

Health and life is important to cherish and so besides work I want to be able to enjoy life while I can.

This year Ekin's girlfriend Gigi has been named the most popular female singer. Ekin said he was happy for her but there were other female singers with equal ability. Ekin is no longer recording with EEG, he said that even though the choice is up to him it is not workable. But as to the male singer aspect, this year he only bought Eason's CD but he sees EEG offering Eason the same fate. Ekin indicated that next year he would once again enter the music circle.


Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Singtao - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese



November 16, 2003

Ekin Cheng was in Los Angeles, USA a few days ago for the promotion of Shiseido? JS series skin care products for men into the American market. Ekin joked that they asked him to promote the JS line because he was a handsome macho man.

Reporters asked him about his current plans. Ekin told then that he hopes to release a new album early next year. He had not yet decided whether it will be Cantonese or Mandarin. He gave no information on the style of his new songs. Ekin also said that he was working on a new film but again, he gave no details of the title, plot or his costars.

Ekin felt that strengthening the Asian film market was most important, however, he did not rule out the possibility of working in America if the right opportunities presented themselves. He is considering that he may chose to be a director in the future, as he already had some experience.

As always reporters asked him about his marriage plans. Ekin said quite emphatically that he would not consider marriage at this time. He feels that now is the best time to develop his career. He was also asked what he thought of Japanese women. Ekin, always diplomatic, said that he believed Japanese women were trend settters and they knew how to present themselves well.


 

Interview with Ekin in LA. - Thanks to Mimosa for the translation

 

R: What do you think of JS products? As the first male artist representing skin care products in US, what do you feel?

Ekin: In fact, JS has been in the market for 3 years. It has evolved from a small plant offering only facial cleanser and toner into an international company having a complete range of skin care product lines including shampoo, hair gel, perfume, etc. I feel honored to be the first male artist representing the products. I think they are very bold in the marketing concept. I like to try new things, so I am very interested to take the endorsement

R: Recently you filmed quite a few movies and you have tried many new roles. What do you feel about that?

Ekin: Comedy is very popular nowadays. It can be said that I have tried many different roles. But to be frank, I feel I am more suitable for action movies.

R: in My Wife Is 18, you developed love with Charlene who is much younger than you. Will you accept love from different age groups in real life?

Ekin: I believe love is purely a matter between the two persons. As long as they are happy being together, what other people think of them is not really important.

R: Gigi used to say that she must have at least one child in her life, and that she would like to be a full-time mother even if it means retirement from the entertainment industry. As her boyfriend, what do you think?

Ekin: The words spread so fast!

R: Haha. Of course. Answer it!

Ekin: I think every woman wants to have children and a happy family. It is normal that she thinks so.

R: Do you also like children?

Ekin: Certainly. But it is too far away. To be a man is not that simple, and we ourselves need to do well before giving birth to the next generation. My elder brother just had a baby, and I will take advice from him.

R: I haveinterviewed Gigi twice. She is a very capable woman, able to design, compose, sing and act. Do you like this type of women? Do you feel that your girlfriend is more superior than you?

Ekin: She is indeed smart! I don't mind. I like her being so capable.

November 21, 2003

Ekin together with Charlene and Gillian of the Twins,and other cast members, attended the start filming cermony for Twins Effect 2, Warriors of Black Rose yesterday. Ekin was dressed in a long black raincoat, reporter's asked him whether he thought he might be mistaken for the Rainy Night Killer. Ekin explained he was acting as a member of American Cartoon Supermen's Association and that the costume was because in the film he has to dig a tunnel to rescue the Twin's characters. He also laughed and said it was unlikely he would be mistaken for the Rainy Night Killer but he said was brave enough to be fearless of any misunderstanding. He also said that said the most difficult part of shooting this film was to act with robots, because of which there had been many retakes because they did not control properly.


Takungpao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese
Sina.com


More photos

November 25, 2003

Ekin is working for the first time with with Miriam Yeung and Denise Ho in a the movie Anna in KungFu Land. In the movie Ekin's character organizes a martial arts tournament. He invites Miriam, who plays the part of a Japanese traffic cop, to come and take part. She of course falls in love with Ekin, but he already has a girlfriend played by Denise Ho. Now during the competition Ekin must take care of two girlfriends at the same time in the same room. This produces many very funny scenes.

Ekin talked about his co stars, he said that before starting to film he was anxious because of Miriam's reputation of often laughing and influencing the time for filming, but actually she is very serious and was nervous of working with me and didn't want to make mistakes. As for Denise she was 100% able to cause me to feel falling in love with a soft and gentle young girl.


Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese


November 26, 2003

Ekin hasn't released an album in three years, but he he explained to Singpao that he was preparing to re-enter the music circle. Ekin already announced that his association with EEG had come to an end, he plans to use his freedom to set up his own music company. Ekin said that he intended for this company to conform to his own demands for music and produce a high quality albums. In this venture he will collaborate with his long time partner Chen Guangrong.

Although it has been a long time since Ekin produced an album, he is not at all eager to leap back into a singing career. He said his only hope was to make good songs and a high quality album. He also said that in recent years it is fashionable to sing, and simulataneously compose, sing in concerts and play an instrument.

Ekin's personality makes him want to make a special recording. Working hard to develop his talent Ekin feels that to be a good singer is his duty, however temporarily he plans not to develop all facets at once. The interviewer asked him if the three years without an album was due to negligence, laziness or a give up attitude.

"You can't use the same status to look at the business. If you listen to the music can see needs to be more distinctive to make the music circle."


Nowadays Ekin is more often a guest at a concert when he sings in performance, but Ekin said that it his mood is not different and it is not significant. Ekin was asked if he felt some distance from the current music circle.

"On the contrary, this is a good opportunity, I have been able to save sufficient to develop my heart, I am not afraid that too late. Presently my achievement opportunities have allowed me to be absorbed in films, this has given me an even better record. Right now I understand myself, in order to be an apprentice of the art I can't make a mistake, I want to reach for a genuine work of art. I have a few concentrated ideas for songs. This is an authentic goal."


This year Ekin has made many movies including My Dream Girl, Twins Effect, Heroic Duo and Anna in KungFu Land. Next year he plans to seriously work on his singing career. He thinks he may be able to reduce his movie output in order to put more time into his music.

Ekin is still working hard at his English and Mandarin. He said that is was a hard work, but he follows his teacher in study and hopes to continue to make progress.

Recently Ekin became an uncle. At the beginning there was no change in how old he felt, but the first time he picked up camera to record the baby he was surprised at an unexpected sense of his own maturity. Ekin's good friend Jerry Lam also became a father recently. Ekin laughing said that he was not considering marriage, temporarily he felt happy and didn't miss not having a baby, as his friend and his sister in law both have babies.

A few days ago Ekin was in Korea to publicize Heroic Duo. He seized the opportunity to go to the center of Seoul to search for a small gift for his nephew. He was content with his purchases. He also took the opportunity to taste the well known Korean iron pot beef. He explained that beef is a rare food and of course he wanted to try this well known delicious food.


e-kin.com
Singpao - Article in Chinese



November 27, 2003

Ekin travelled to Shanghai and Xijiang to film a commercial for the Canon Digital ixus i camera. In the advertisment several locations and different images are used. Among them is a boxing scene. The boxer is a South African four times boxing champion. Originally the director considered arranging for Ekin to box with the champion. Unfortunately, the difference in their body shapes was too great. Ekin laughed, "It is a good thing it was not me he hit, otherwise I would certainly have been punched out flat."

Later Ekin went to a place in Shanghai where there are some very old buildings. Inside there was an antique elevator. The image is of a man and woman in the elevator and a hot kissing scene. Ekin said that he rarely does these kind of close, sexy hot scenes. It means that he has to be very professional.

Soon afterwards Ekin arrived in Xinjiang, after 3 hours of driving they arrives at flaming mountain of Tu Lu Fan. This is an area that people rarely visit. For the advertisment a Lamborghini sports car was brought in. The sports car was to race very fast towards Ekin and then very quickly stop in front of him. Even though this was dangerous Ekin insisted on doing it personally. He had to repeatedly try positons so that the film team could calculate how to film safely but still get an optimum clear result.

At the hotel in Urumqi Ekin found that the manager of the hotel was a friend of his elder brother and younger sister. The manager took special care of him seting aside the top two floors of the hotel for his use.


Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
The Sun -Article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese

Canon Digital ixus i commercial

November 27, 2003

Yesterday Ekin attended the top ten health inventions competition award ceremony. Ekin was invited to be present the awards. He was personally very iunterewsted in the clever design of a walking stick for the elderly. Ekin has always been very interested in science and technology.

He talked about when he used to have lots of ideas for inventions especially for the video game machines. He thought it would be a good idea to have eyglasses that the game would appear on, but now could not accomplish that, it is too late.

Within the last few days Ekin has together with Miriam Yeung been recording the theme music for the movie Anna in KungFu Land. Although he has already finished with his former recording company EEG he has not yet signed any new contract. He said that he has already decided that next year he will go back into the studio to record another album. He said that to sign with a record company would depend very much on what kind of restrictions they wanted to put on him.


Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese
The Sun -Article in Chinese
Sina.com


TVB Interview

11/28/03 #2

more pictures

November 27, 2003

Today Ekin and Miriam promoted their new movie Anna in KungFu Land. The movie is due to be released in Hong Kong on December 24th. Ekin was asked if he was confident of the box office as in recent years it seems that his movies have not done so well.

Ekin said that he felt that his recent lead actor movies have received favorable reviews. This movie builds on a new firsts phenomenon following his first time collaboration with Zhao Wei in Dream Girl and more recently with Li Ming in Heroic Duo.

Sina.com