HONG KONG — Former TVB actor and current media personality Dickson Yu (余德丞) is once again dominating headlines in Hong Kong, following a local tabloid report detailing his dating life while he simultaneously navigates public controversies surrounding his digital content and past actions. The latest issue of East Week magazine alleges that Yu has been romantically involved with two women, described as look-alikes of actresses Lily Lee and Sally Yeh, casting a spotlight on his personal affairs as his career shifts from traditional acting to becoming a prolific social media influencer and radio host.
Yu’s public profile has surged since his departure from TVB, maintaining high visibility through frequent social media updates and appearances on various platforms, including ViuTV. However, this increased exposure has amplified scrutiny, with the celebrity consistently finding himself at the center of public debate, ranging from criticisms of his YouTube conduct to accusations regarding his personal image.
Navigating Career Shifts and Health Challenges
The intense public interest follows a significant and life-threatening medical event in 2018 when Yu collapsed during a football match due to sudden cardiac arrhythmia, an incident where his heart briefly stopped. After recovering from what he himself described as a near-death experience, Yu returned to work, albeit with a noticeably reduced workload initially.
His career demonstrated resilience when he secured his first male lead role in the 2022 drama Be-sides, earning critical acclaim for his performance. Yet, instead of continuing with TVB, Yu made a decisive move, announcing his departure to pursue new avenues as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and radio presenter, a decision that has kept him relevant in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Content Creation Sparks Public Backlash
Yu’s transition into content creation has not been without incident. His foray into YouTube has triggered several rounds of online criticism. Most recently, a video featuring a visit to a traditional Hong Kong bing sut (ice café) drew significant backlash. Critics argued that Yu’s comments on the food—which he described as “nothing special”—and the “extremely retro” decor were disrespectful to the legacy establishment. Many viewers accused him of adopting a high-handed, “food critic” persona merely to generate clicks and public debate at the expense of local businesses.
Furthermore, Yu has attempted to address long-standing rumors, including an unusual claim related to his 2018 health crisis. On his YouTube channel, Yu publicly denied a rumor that a self-proclaimed “tycoon’s designated geomancer” claimed Yu’s mother had begged him to “light a longevity lamp for free.” Yu firmly stated that neither he nor his mother knew the individual making the claim.
The “Mama’s Boy” Allegation
Beyond his professional content, Yu’s personal image has also been a continuous source of public discussion, particularly the perception that he is a “mama’s boy.” As an only child from an affluent family, Yu frequently mentions his mother during his radio show, Gossip Boy.
One notable instance involved him revealing that he had avoided traveling to Japan for over a decade because his mother expressed concerns about radiation. This admission led to widespread mockery online, with many netizens deriding him as overly dependent.
Despite the continuous cycle of tabloid speculation and social media controversies, Yu remains determined to shape his post-TVB career. His ability to generate high engagement, whether positive or negative, highlights the power dynamic between established celebrities and the unfiltered demands of the digital media age. As Yu continues his entrepreneurial journey through new media, his every personal and professional move is likely to remain under the intense scrutiny of the Hong Kong public.