Hong Kong singer and actor Ronald Cheng has publicly disclosed his struggles with depression and alcoholism, following his recent decision to step away from the entertainment industry due to health concerns. The 52-year-old star’s announcement, which came on August 3 via social media, has stirred considerable attention as he prepares to take a hiatus following his scheduled concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, later this month.
Cheng’s revelation is accompanied by his decision to sever ties with his management agency, attributing his departure to dissatisfaction with his manager Ho Hing Sheung’s professional conduct and ethical standards. This move was further detailed in a Facebook post on August 6, where Cheng expanded on his personal challenges.
The Cantopop icon, known for hits like “Your Eyes Betray Your Heart” (1996) and “Never Say! Love You” (1997), has also achieved critical acclaim, winning Best Supporting Actor at both Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards (2012) and the Hong Kong Film Awards (2013) for his role in the film “Vulgaria” (2012). Despite his professional success, Cheng has struggled with significant personal issues.
In his August 6 post, Cheng candidly addressed his internal battles. “On the surface, everyone sees me as the wacky guy who makes movies, produces videos for my online channel, and holds concerts,” he wrote in Chinese. “In fact, over the years, I have been an immature person who does not know how to face pressure.”
Cheng recounted a tumultuous period in 2000 when he was involved in an incident on a flight from Los Angeles to Taipei, which led to physical altercations with crew members while under the influence of alcohol. He also reflected on a short-lived marriage to Hong Kong-Canadian singer-actress Charlene Choi, which ended in 2010. Their relationship, which began on the set of the 2004 film “Hidden Heroes” and saw them married in 2006, remained private until their separation was made public.
He described his current marriage to former TV news anchor Sammie Yu, whom he wed in 2011, as a transformative period in his life. They share two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. Despite this, Cheng admitted that he continued to grapple with unresolved personal issues, impacting his ability to manage stress and interpersonal relationships effectively.
Following advice from friends, Cheng sought medical help and was diagnosed with depression, for which he received medication. However, he acknowledged a relapse into alcohol use as a misguided attempt to escape his reality. “I made another wrong decision by returning to drinking to escape from reality,” he admitted, reflecting on the detrimental impact of his actions on his family.
Cheng expressed remorse for his failures and disappointment towards his family, particularly his wife and children. “I feel that I have let down my family, especially my wife and children. I am sorry,” he stated. He emphasized his commitment to personal growth and betterment, vowing to demonstrate his dedication through actions.
To address his addiction, Cheng plans to travel to the United States for treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation center, accompanied by Yu. “I am over 50 and I have to figure out how to face myself before I can face everyone else,” he concluded. Cheng expressed hope for personal improvement and a return to Hong Kong as a better version of himself.
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