Wong Jing Exposes the Star-Making Secrets of the Entertainment Industry: Maggie Cheung “Got Famous with Money”

Hong Kong director Wong Jing has been running a YouTube channel in recent years, maintaining his trademark outspoken style. Recently, he shared insights on the entertainment industry’s "star-making" practices, bluntly stating that many big stars rise to fame by pouring in money. He even directly named Maggie Cheung, winner of 4 Golden Horse Awards and 5 Hong Kong Film Awards, as one of those selected and made famous through financial backing.

Maggie Cheung's subtle acting skills have won her numerous awards; in addition to racking up trophies in Taiwan and Hong Kong, she has also claimed Best Actress at both the Berlin and Cannes film festivals.

Wong Jing said that as long as "capital" wants to promote someone in the entertainment industry, it's actually not difficult. He recalled how, in the early days, the film company Golden Harvest made Nora Miao famous by putting up a giant photo in the corridor of the Star Ferry terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui—a place office workers must pass through on their commute to Central. That billboard stayed up for two months straight, ensuring she became more recognizable with each passing day. This kind of operation turned her into a big star even before she officially started filming. He then mentioned Maggie Cheung, saying she became a household name even before entering the Miss Hong Kong pageant because, at the time, New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui was opening its department store and chose then up-and-coming model Maggie Cheung as the spokesperson. A huge poster of her was placed at the most prominent spot, and a strong soda commercial campaign further amped up her exposure, making all of Hong Kong believe she was the sure winner—proof of corporate maneuvering at work.

To prove his point, Wong Jing said he employed the same tactic with Chingmy Yau. During a movie production, he placed front-page advertisements in six major Hong Kong newspapers, which collectively distributed millions of copies daily. Sure enough, Chingmy Yau shot to stardom overnight. Wong Jing emphasized that these overnight success stories are not because celebrities are innately extraordinary, but are in fact "commercial products" built up through cash and media leverage.

Showing his signature biting wit, Wong Jing added that some of today’s stars don't seem to have any particular traits, yet are able to appear "famous" thanks to overwhelming publicity. He warned that if the public can't discern for themselves, they're easily brainwashed by capital—and then exploited. He believes that “idol-chasing is actually a rather foolish act,” and advised fans not to spend their parents’ hard-earned money to support idols, or to impede traffic just to see them, or to crowdfund gifts. Wong Jing asked: “Can’t you channel your energy into studying, reading, or exercise instead?” He believes it’s fine to like a star, but only in moderation. He’s strongly critical of airport-welcoming and similar behaviors, saying that simply appreciating a performer’s work and offering encouragement is already a strong show of support.