Hsu Fu-kai forgoes Broadway for $10 Million USD: 'I want financial freedom!'
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taiwanese singer Hsu Fu-kai is preparing for his "Yi Wu Yi Shi" concert at the Taipei Arena, sharing personal items he cherishes, including vinyl records, a letter from singer Jiang Hui, a gold ring from his father, and fan mementos.
- When presented with a choice between a "Shi Ge" Broadway tour or $10 million USD, Hsu chose the money, stating he wants financial freedom to sing what he desires, even for charity.
- He also discussed his collaboration with the band icyball, his views on love and relationships as a Virgo, and his desire to promote Taiwanese Hokkien language and culture among younger generations.
Taiwanese singer Hsu Fu-kai is gearing up for his "Yi Wu Yi Shi" concert at the Taipei Arena, coinciding with Father's Day. In a recent interview, he revealed the cherished items he holds dear, inspired by a song from his new album, "Weng Zi Wu." These treasures include vinyl records, a supportive letter from fellow singer Jiang Hui, a gold ring passed down from his father, and tokens of appreciation from his fans.
Of course, $10 million USD! 10 million USD can do many things, let's get the money first! See how practical I am!
Hsu playfully recalled childhood antics, like sneaking money from his father's pockets to play with retro metal capsule toys, often resulting in a scolding. During a "cruel choice" game, he was asked to choose between a "Shi Ge" tour of Broadway operas or $10 million USD. Without hesitation, Hsu opted for the money, exclaiming, "Of course, $10 million USD!" He justified his practical choice by saying the sum would allow him to do many things and achieve financial freedom, enabling him to sing whatever he wished, even for charitable causes.
$10 million USD allows for direct retirement, I want financial freedom! I can sing what I want to sing, even for charity is good!
Even if the offer was reduced to $1 million USD, Hsu maintained his preference for the money, emphasizing his desire for early retirement. He admitted his English proficiency is not strong, making a Broadway venture seem too ambitious. Regarding relationships, the Virgo singer described himself as go-with-the-flow and Buddhist-like, finding it difficult to spend extended periods with one person, except his mother. He believes finding a compatible partner who understands his demanding career is challenging.
I probably couldn't say it! Virgos are very reserved people. My current view on relationships is to go with the flow and be Buddhist-like.
Hsu initiated a collaboration with the band icyball for the song "Love You, Dare You Have Hope." He expressed his fondness for City Pop music and sought out the talented icyball, leading to the successful collaboration. This project also allowed him to explore new vocal techniques and expand his artistic expression. He noted that his music has sparked interest among young people in learning Taiwanese Hokkien, a development he actively supports, hoping to preserve and pass on the language through song.
This collaboration was my initiative invitation because I personally like listening to City Pop songs, and my company's best is icyball. So I told my planner, can we make an invitation song like this, because I really like it myself. I didn't expect them to agree immediately.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.