Dissect Edison

Edison Chen, 20, started his career in showbiz two years ago and became the heartthrob of many in Hong Kong. He raised people’s eyebrows when the police flick Gen-Y Cop starred him in the leading role last December. He also released an EP entitled Love Myself So Much. He said this time in his life is the best so far. “At least I know what I’m doing and what I’m gonna do,” said Edison.

By Dennis Chong

Past

Edison Chen got his high school education in Hong Kong, New York and Vancouver. In high school, he was not sure about himself.

Said Edison: “I went to many places, but I was lost. At that period, I didn’t know what I would do next.

“I just knew that I needed to go to school and I wanted to, but I didn’t know what I would do in college,” said Edison.

He told Varsity that when he was about Grade 3 or 4, he once cut his finger with a knife just to show people the knife was really sharp.

“Once I did fool around, but not now,” said he.

Though he lacked clear goals in high school, he did have a lot of dreams. He said he wanted to be Janet Jackson’s backup dancer, an NBA player or a fashion designer.

Present

Now he is in showbiz. He said his success and popularity are not without reason. Said Edison: “Being hard working, young and dedicated are my strengths.

“Once I start doing something, I strive for the best. Watch my movies and listen to my album and you will see.”

Edison said that before releasing his first album, he would only sing in the bathroom and in his car.

“I had never held a microphone before. In eight months, I could sing.

“I want to prove to people that I am capable,” said Edison.

However, there have been critics saying that he is just a playboy. Reports say he has seven girlfriends. He said that he didn’t care about these reports.

“I am here not only for fun.

“I have told many magazines that I put my family in the first priority. I even don’t have time to meet my family. How can I have seven girlfriends?” asked Edison.

It was also said he did not act like a super star and he has bad gestures on stage. For example, it is said that he doesn’t stand straight up enough when performing.

“If you say it’s bad to speak foul language on the street, I agree and I’ll change. But my gestures are my style. It doesn’t mean that I’m rude. Why should I have to change?

“I’m an ordinary person just like every one else. I want to be myself. That’s why I still dine out and go to shopping malls,” said he.

He did not agree that magazines should bring up such issues and condemn him. But he said he was not annoyed.

“I don’t know Chinese, nor do I buy Chinese magazines, so I don’t know the reports in detail.

“Reporters write in this way because there is demand in the market. Readers like to read these because they were brought up with this kind of culture. How can I blame them?

“I know I’m so popular because of much negative coverage. But I want to ask people their feelings about Edison two years later.

“Time will see,” said Edison.

Edison said that he changed a lot after he started his career in showbiz.

“I know where I am now. I have got directions and I have plans.

“I am sure what I have done this year was much more mature than what I did before.”

Future

Asked about his plans, he said that wanted to be a good father 10 years later.

“Few days ago, I reviewed my notebook from high school. I found that people once asked me, ‘Twenty years from now, what do you wanna be?’ I said, ‘A good father with a good wife, two kids and a dog in a happy house.’ I want to be a good person and a good father.”