HONG KONG — Former television actor and current media personality Dickson Yu finds himself consistently at the center of public attention, most recently following a tabloid report detailing his dating life, even as he builds a new career focused on social media and radio hosting.
The latest edition of East Week magazine published Monday focused on Yu’s alleged private life, suggesting an involvement with two women described as look-alikes of famous actresses. This scrutiny underscores the high level of visibility Yu maintains, despite his departure from the traditional television circuit. Since leaving the major broadcaster TVB, Yu has successfully leveraged his profile, transitioning into a prominent Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and radio host, a move that has paradoxically amplified his presence in the public eye.
Yu’s visibility comes hand-in-hand with controversy, ranging from criticism over his on-screen comments to ongoing speculation about his personal choices. The intense public interest is often framed against the backdrop of his near-fatal health crisis several years ago.
From Near-Death to New Media Mogul
Yu’s career trajectory fundamentally shifted in 2018 when he collapsed during a soccer game due to unexpected cardiac arrhythmia. He was clinically revived after his heart stopped, defining the experience as a profound second chance at life. Following his recovery, Yu eased back into work, eventually taking a lead role in the 2022 series Forensic Heroes.
However, instead of remaining with TVB, he made the strategic decision to leave, embracing the dynamic world of digital media and radio. This transition has proven successful in maintaining his celebrity status, frequently appearing on other networks like ViuTV and actively engaging his large audience through various social media platforms.
While this new freedom has brought career success, it has also provided fertile ground for public debate.
The Price of Digital Transparency
Yu’s digital content has become a frequent flashpoint for controversy. One notable instance involved a YouTube video where he reviewed a traditional Hong Kong bing sutt (ice room) restaurant. Online critics accused him of being dismissive and disrespectful to the establishment, particularly for comments describing the food as “nothing special” and the decor as overly “nostalgic.” Commenters suggested his critical tone was an attempt to generate clicks at the expense of local businesses.
Adding to the complexity of his public image are remarks about his upbringing. Yu, an only child from an affluent family, has often spoken about his close relationship with his mother, leading to the nickname “mother’s boy” or kwan-gok-jai—a term often used critically in Hong Kong culture. He once publicly mentioned that he hasn’t visited Japan in over a decade due to his mother’s concern about perceived radiation risks, a comment that drew immediate online ridicule.
Addressing the Rumor Mill
Yu has also used his digital platforms to address persistent rumors. Following his 2018 collapse, a story circulated that a self-proclaimed “tycoon’s feng shui master” had intervened, claiming Yu’s mother had pleaded with him to perform a ritual known as “lighting the lamp to extend life.”
Yu publicly dismissed the allegation on his YouTube channel, strongly asserting that he and his mother never knew the individual. This targeted use of his own media channel highlights the role new media plays in allowing public figures to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly counter narratives published by tabloids.
As Yu continues to balance his demanding career change with intense media inspection, his evolution from established actor to digital personality perfectly exemplifies the new, often polarized, dynamic of celebrity in the hyper-connected Hong Kong media landscape.