05/04/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | APR 5, 2025

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Behind the scene of Wong (left) as Hong Yu.

The Little Nyonya sequel S INGAPOREAN actress Ferlyn Wong is set to captivate audiences with her compelling portrayal of a character o Actress Ferlyn Wong explores journey into depths of dual identity in Emerald Hill

existence, the revelation of her birth name An Ya serves as a catalyst for her quest to understand her true identity and find her rightful place in the society. With her sharp intellect and complex nature, An Ya grapples with the perpetual conflict between understanding what is right and prioritising her own needs. “This reality is profoundly poignant, and I believe many can relate to it,” Wong explained. Preparation In preparation for her role, Wong undertook extensive research, including watching films such as Memoirs of a Geisha to immerse herself in the emotional landscape of her character. She also visited Malacca, the birthplace of the Baba Nyonya culture, where she engaged with the rich heritage and family dynamics of the Peranakan community. “Meeting with Lee Yuen Thien, the fifth generation Baba of Malacca, who Wang’s own personal experiences. Last month, Wang announced Magic Man 2 is set to arrive in 2025 and shared the riveting single High Alone , which explores isolation and self-destruction and introduces the deeply personal themes of the upcoming album. The sequel will continue to build on the evolution of Wang’s Magic Man persona, first introduced in his 2022 Billboard-charting album. Since its release, High Alone has reached number one on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions. A project that Wang produced himself and has worked on for more than a year, Magic Man 2 unfolds across four chapters, each representing a different stage of grief. From manic highs fuelled by denial, to painful reckonings with

navigating the complexities of dual identity in Mediacorp’s blockbuster period drama Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story . Set against the rich backdrop of the 1950s to 1970s Peranakan community in Singapore, the series follows the lives of the Zhang family, showcasing the nuances of Peranakan heritage and the timeless theme of family, love and redemption. Dual identity role At the heart of the story is Wong, who portrays two complex characters – Zhou Hong Yu and Zhang An Ya. This dual identity role allows Wong to delve into the intricacies of human emotion, embodying a deeply flawed yet redeemable character. Hong Yu’s life is an emotional tapestry woven with adversity. As she bravely traverses the challenges of her JACKSON Wang is sending a bold message with the release of GBAD , the new single from his upcoming album Magic Man 2 . With a tongue-in-cheek edge, Wang embraces the reality that setting boundaries may make you the villain in someone else’s story. The song sheds Wang’s people-pleasing tendencies, offering a sharp reflection on the uncomfortable price of personal growth. An unapologetic, alt-R&B cut, GBAD pairs Wang’s vocals with laid-back, jazzy production from Grammy-winning producer Dem Jointz. The accompanying melancholic music video, directed by Rich Lee, shows Wang’s Magic Man alter ego in an idyllic town, where he is repeatedly called on to save the day. The surreal, dark comedy video explores Magic Man’s existential

Wong has spent a day at the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum in Malacca to understand more about the rich heritage of intricate customs.

one must embrace their flaws and contradictions,” she reflected. Wong believes Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story is not just a tale of survival. It is a rich exploration of identity, culture and human experience. She expresses hopes to bring authenticity and depth to this character, allowing the audience to connect with her journey on a personal level. Emerald Hill became the first Mediacorp Chinese drama to hit the number one spot overnight on Netflix Singapore after its premier last month. The series is also available on Malaysia’s Astro AEC Channel and Sooka TV.

evident in her proactive approach as she also engaged a Chinese teacher to polish her script delivery and sought guidance from her acting mentor, actor Christopher Lee, to explore creative interpretations of the role. “I identified pivotal scenes essential to An Ya’s development and worked closely with Christopher to bring them to life,” she explained. Tale of survival Despite the emotional and mental challenges of embodying such a multifaceted character, Wong remains grateful for the opportunity. “I (have) learnt to accept the imperfections and moral convolutions inherent in such roles. To truly shine in a character like this,

Wong as An Ya in Emerald Hill .

is also the vice-president of the Baba & Nyonya Association of Malaysia was particularly enlightening. It helped me understand the refinements of family life within a Peranakan household,” she shared. Wong’s dedication to her craft is

Jackson Wang drops single GBAD as precursor to new album crisis as he feels overlooked and under-appreciated, mirroring

lost identity, to shedding people pleasing tendencies and finally finding peace through acceptance, Magic Man 2 is Wang’s most unfiltered and vulnerable work to date. Magic Man first began as a mask, a way to process his darkest emotions and internal struggles. With Magic Man 2 , the mask begins to slip, revealing a deeper truth about Wang’s inner world, battles with betrayal and his ongoing fight to stay true to himself. Wang has over 100 million followers, making him the most followed artiste in China on Instagram. In addition to his record breaking success as a solo artiste, Wang was recently named creative director for Nike and Jordan. He also serves as a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hennessy. GBAD is available for streaming.

This bold and emotionally-charged release marks yet another breakthrough in Wang’s musical journey, showcasing his evolution in creativity and artistic expression.