Remembering Leslie Cheung: A Tribute to the Hong Kong Cinema Legend

In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary icon of Asian cinema and the persona of Hong Kong films, Leslie Cheung, Lee Chan-won shared his long-standing admiration and cherished memories, captivating viewers.

On the evening of the 14th at 8:30 PM, KBS2TV's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret' aired a special segment that delved deeply into the life of the immortal star, the late Leslie Cheung, who continues to live on in the hearts of the public 23 years after his passing.

The broadcast began with the shocking news that felt like an April Fool's joke on April 1, 2003, and the urgent testimony of his manager who witnessed the scene, exploring the many mysteries surrounding his final moments. Editor Joo Sung-chul highlighted Cheung's immense influence on Korean pop culture, from the skits that launched national MC Yoo Jae-suk's career to singer Lim Young-woong's name, leaving the cast in awe.

Lee Chan-won expressed deep admiration while watching past footage of Cheung's concert in Korea, where Cheung practiced signing in Korean for his fans. Declaring himself a 'successful fan,' Lee shared his pilgrimage to Hong Kong, revealing his extraordinary fandom.

Particularly, upon hearing that the iconic phone booth from the film 'A Better Tomorrow' had been dismantled, Lee humorously expressed his frustration to Editor Joo, asking, "Why would they remove it?" Additionally, Lee noted the shared background of debuting through a singing contest, as Cheung did in 1977, highlighting a sense of kinship.

The program also detailed the trials Cheung endured during his dark period before reaching the pinnacle of success. Despite the external pressures and unfair demands from the Triads, a criminal organization that threatened the Hong Kong film industry in the 80s and 90s, Cheung chose to remain silent and instead pursued artistically driven projects like 'Farewell My Concubine,' building a unique filmography.

Lee recalled an anecdote from Cheung's early career when a hat thrown by Cheung on stage was tossed back by the audience, expressing curiosity about this unique interaction while being engrossed in the star's every move.

In the latter part of the broadcast, Cheung's lonely childhood, eight years of obscurity, and the massive financial fraud he faced before his directorial debut were revealed, adding to the poignancy. Guest Choi Yoo-jung empathized with the deep sense of isolation Cheung must have felt after his dreams were shattered, tearing up in the process.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr