71-year-old actor Jiang Houren fires back at critics comparing him to So Ji-sub: 'Ask your mother how popular I was!'
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Veteran actor Jiang Houren, 71, held a press conference to address rumors about his girlfriend and financial disputes.
- During the conference, Jiang responded to online comments comparing him to Korean star So Ji-sub by defiantly speaking English and asserting his past popularity.
- He emphasized that his appearance was to defend his girlfriend against false accusations and threatened legal action against further defamation.
Veteran Taiwanese actor Jiang Houren, 71, directly confronted recent controversies surrounding his girlfriend and alleged financial disputes in a press conference on Friday. Jiang, who recently confirmed his relationship with his girlfriend Tong Xin, 24 years his junior, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny. During the conference, Jiang addressed allegations of "scamming cancer insurance claims" and a debt of tens of millions. However, the press conference took an unexpected turn when Jiang, responding to comparisons with Korean heartthrob So Ji-sub, unleashed a barrage of English, asserting his past fame. "When I was popular, where was So Ji-sub? Ask your mother how popular I was!" he declared, drawing laughter from the audience. Jiang also humorously retorted to netizens who commented, "You'll never be So Ji-sub," with "You'll never be me!" He later softened his stance, acknowledging different eras of fame and even referring to himself as the "Taiwanese version of old So Ji-sub," expressing gratitude for the renewed attention. Despite the lighthearted moments, Jiang stressed that his primary motivation for speaking out was to defend his girlfriend against baseless accusations. He stated this would be his final public response, warning that his legal team is prepared to take comprehensive legal action against anyone continuing to spread false rumors. The outcome of any legal proceedings will be left to the courts, he added.
When I was popular, where was So Ji-sub? Ask your mother how popular I was!
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.