Comedian Jiu Kong Breaks Open 30-Year Piggy Bank, Reveals Surprising Savings on New YouTube Channel
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taiwanese comedian and actor Jiu Kong has launched a YouTube channel titled "Jiu Kong Wants to Be Handsome."
- In his first video, he broke open a 30-year-old piggy bank, revealing only NT$124,264 (approximately $3,800 USD), which surprised him.
- Kong, who previously transitioned to acting in films, was inspired by friend Richie Jen to start his YouTube channel, overcoming initial hesitations about the platform.
Jiu Kong, a veteran Taiwanese entertainer known for his film roles and past impersonations, has officially entered the YouTube arena with his new channel, "Jiu Kong Wants to Be Handsome." In a move that highlights his willingness to embrace new trends, Kong shared the experience of breaking open a piggy bank he had saved for three decades. The anticipation of a substantial fortune quickly turned to surprise when the final count revealed only NT$124,264 (approximately $3,800 USD).
It feels really good!
Kong, who has amassed a significant filmography, acknowledged that younger audiences might not recognize him. He was once famous for his unique impersonations, often succeeding by being "unlike" the celebrity he was mimicking, a style that predated modern internet memes. To generate buzz for his new channel, he even invited the public to shave his head, showcasing his characteristic lack of pretense.
How could it be so little!
Despite encouragement from friends like Richie Jen to start a platform years ago, Kong initially resisted, viewing YouTube as a sales channel rather than a creative outlet. He also worried about repeating jokes and alienating viewers. However, witnessing Jen's continuous pursuit of new challenges, even at an older age, prompted Kong to reconsider. He realized that if Jen could embrace new ventures, he could too, leading to the creation of his YouTube channel.
I used to think of YouTube as TV shopping, like selling things. I'm a filmmaker.
The channel promises to leverage Kong's extensive network in the entertainment industry. Future episodes will feature him cooking for and visiting celebrity friends. He has already announced plans to collaborate with actor Sunny Wang, who will prepare a dish for Kong, allowing the comedian to experience being pampered like a leading man.
If he can do it, why can't I?
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.