Singer Cheng Xiao denies scandal rumors with actor Tony Leung

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 18:20

K-pop

Singer Cheng Xiao denies scandal rumors with actor Tony Leung

Posted : 2023-08-14 15:33

Updated : 2023-08-15 09:42

Tony Leung and Cheng Xiao / Hankook Ilbo file

By Yoo Su-kyung

Actor Tony Leung and former WJSN member Cheng Xiao have been entangled in rumors of an extramarital affair, a claim denied by Cheng's agency as fake news.

On Saturday, multiple Chinese media outlets reported that Cheng Xiao had secretly given birth to an illegitimate child after an affair with Tony Leung, who is 36 years her senior. Speculation surrounding a possible romantic relationship between the pair began last year when they were spotted shopping together, with recent rumors also claiming that Tony Leung had purchased a home in Japan for Cheng Xiao.

Cheng's agency blasted the rumors as fake news and stated, "Such rumors are not even worth paying any attention to." The agency also said it is preparing legal action against the individuals and media organizations responsible for propagating these latest rumors. Tony Leung's representatives have chosen to remain silent and have so far refused to comment on the matter.

Koo Jun-yup, a legendary Korean singer and DJ who married Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu last year, appeared on a talk show recently and blasted the Chinese media for circulating fake news. He said, "There's a lot of fake news and sensationalism out there. I remember there was a story, which claimed that I married my wife because I was broke and that I had stolen her money before fleeing back to Korea."

Koo continued, "There was another article that claimed that we had already signed divorce papers and Barbie was intent on reuniting with her ex-husband. There were so many crazy rumors and one of them even suggested that I was forcing my wife to use drugs."

Tony Leung, 61, made his screen debut in 1983 with the film "Mad, Mad 83" and became an international star with roles in "Days of Being Wild," "Ashes of Time," "Chungking Express," "Happy Together," "In the Mood for Love," "Infernal Affairs," "Hero" and "Lust, Caution." He was also in the spotlight recently after appearing in the music video for "Cool with You" by the rising K-pop group NewJeans.

Cheng Xiao is 25 years old and debuted as a member of the K-pop girl group WJSN in 2016. She suspended her activities in Korea in 2018 due to her schedule commitments in China before leaving the group altogether in March earlier this year.

Yoo Su-kyung (uu84@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.