Kevin Cheng’s Past Relationships Revealed

A recent interview with the widow of Kevin Cheng (鄭嘉穎)’s music mentor Dai Si Chung (戴思聰) revealed Kevin’s lifestyle before stardom and the relationships he had with actresses Charlie Yeung (楊采妮) and Catherine Hung (洪欣).

A struggling singer with little cash, Kevin signed a contract with Dai Si Chung in 1992 to study music. Dai, a famous music teacher nicknamed the “Godfather of Hong Kong pop music” reportedly added a lifetime clause into the contract, asking Kevin to pay him a commission based on his salary as long as Kevin remains in the entertainment industry. Later, Kevin achieved success in Taiwan and upon his return to Hong Kong, rose through the ranks at TVB. Dai then asked to collect the commission that was due, creating a rift between master and student. After intervention by various parties, Kevin successfully terminated the contract in 2006. In 2010, Dai passed away after a sudden heart attack. Kevin allegedly declined invitations to visit his former mentor during his last days, and Dai’s daughters also refused to let Kevin attend the funeral.

This week, East Weekly published an exclusive interview with Dai’s widow Hui Mui Tak (許梅德), who took the opportunity to expose Kevin’s lifestyle before finding fame. Ms. Hui also revealed secrets about Dai’s other former students, including Andy Lau (劉德華), Leon Lai (黎明), and Barbara Yung (翁美玲).

As one of Dai’s most cherished students, a young and penniless Kevin stayed at the Dais’ home for three years to study singing. During this time, Master Dai treated Kevin to many delicacies, including shark fin, abalone, and various expensive seafood. Wanting Kevin to experience love and romance, Dai played matchmaker several times. “Kevin was very young back then. When girls showed interest in him, the Master would pry him away. This is because the Master feels that his students are there to study singing. If any of them date and get into trouble, the Master would be responsible. [Dai] was really protective of his students. When Kevin grew up, around 17 or 18 years old, Master decided to introduce him to Charlie Yeung”.

Kevin and Charlie dated for a brief period, but ultimately separated due to personality differences. Master Dai did not give up however. Later, he introduced Kevin to actress Catherine Hung. Unfortunately Catherine found Kevin to be dull and the relationship quickly fizzled.

Andy Lau and Leon Lai

Master Dai seemed to have made a habit of matchmaking and has done so for his other students. According to Ms. Hui, Dai also tried to bring together Andy Lau and Anita Mui. Andy was studying music with Dai and met Anita, who quickly fell for the handsome young star. Anita asked Dai to introduce the two, and Dai happily obliged. The Master arranged for his two daughters to accompany Andy and Anita for a night out. Sadly the chemistry was lacking, and the matchmaking was again unsuccessful.

Ms. Hui further revealed that Leon Lai, also a former student, were actively pursuing Dai’s eldest daughter, Candice Tai Wan Wai (戴蘊慧). Prior to competing in the singing contest that introduced him to the world, Leon studied with the Master for three years. He was interested in Candice and chased after her, and was heartbroken when Candice decided to quit the entertainment industry to marry a man from Singapore.

Barbara Yung

The Master’s widow also spoke fondly of the late Barbara Yung, who lived close-by and often joined Ms. Hui in a game of mahjong. Ms. Hui recalled Barbara’s kindness and optimism, saying that Barbara insisted on giving Dai commission whenever he was able to schedule events for her. Ms. Hui also talked about the shock and sadness she experienced upon learning Barbara’s death. She revealed that Barbara has attempted suicide several times in the past. Ms. Hui also claimed that Barbara’s friends had given her alcohol on that tragic night. Barbara became drunk and was too weak to open the door, causing the unfortunate event. “I really blame the person who gave her the alcohol… Out of all of our students who became famous, Barbara was the best. She would never nitpick over price. She was very kind, and got along well with us.”

After Ms. Hui’s controversial interview was published, Dai’s daughter Candice immediately issued a statement saying that Ms. Hui’s claims do not represent her own views. When asked to comment further, Candice stated she is not turning against her family, but only wanted to make it clear that she is not responsible for her family’s views. She shared that she phoned her mother immediately after the article was published. Ms. Hui claimed that she did not speak to any reporters and was not aware of the article. Candice believes that the interview may have been fabricated, and hopes that her mother will let go of any unhappy memories. “They published my photos, and talked about my past with Leon once again. I feel uncomfortable about that. I am no longer in the entertainment industry. I don’t want to be involved in these gossips. I also don’t want my mother to be involved. She is over 70 years old. I just want her to peacefully enjoy the rest of her days.”

Source: East Week #516 via ihktv.com 

This article is written by Katrine for JayneStars.com.