Jasper Lai Yuhan speaks out for the first time, responding to the failed 2026 Lunar New Year movie collaboration with Digin on 'Northbound Journey'. He stated frankly that the lack of cooperation was purely a business decision and emphasized there’s no falling out.
At the Astro 2026 Chinese New Year Special Program press conference on Thursday, Lai candidly shared, "I gave way to Digin first. They wanted to make their own movie, while mine is still in the planning stages." When pressed on whether there was a dispute with Digin, he nervously laughed and denied it: "No bad blood!" He again stressed that the broken collaboration was purely a strategic decision.
He didn’t hesitate to give Digin credit, frankly saying they delivered an outstanding performance last year. “They did well last year, so let them keep going this year.” Lai added that this arrangement prevents competing against oneself: “Everyone needs to strategize; the bigger picture comes first.” Asked if there is a chance to work with Digin in the future, he left the door open: “We’ll talk more details when the time comes.”
As for the progress of 'Northbound Journey', Lai revealed it’s still in the casting stage and is expected to have three main leads—two males and one female. When asked if they’re aiming for next year’s New Year release, he replied cautiously: “It’s too early to say—I don’t want to promise too much.”
Compared to last year’s multi-project approach, he joked that this year he’s “focusing on MVs,” having participated in filming nine New Year music video MVs. Regarding reduced program participation, he admitted it was mainly due to timing and schedule constraints. Talking about filming for the second season of 'Home Is Where the Food Is', Lai’s tone turned noticeably more sentimental. He shared that his 88-year-old grandmother and parents appeared on camera together for a rare family reunion, moving him deeply. He even joked that his grandma was “a Hsiao Hui Min (famous host) underappreciated by her times.” During the program, host Chong Mun Kit surprised him by having his parents appear on-site from Singapore—marking their first public appearance since his debut. Lai said that, with his father, he finally opened up about many longstanding issues on camera: “I really put the most private things out there.” The filming experience held great meaning for him.
To celebrate the Year of the Horse lunar new year, Astro is launching a variety of special programs covering variety, food, family, and feng shui themes, including 'Everything All Right: Cool New Year’s Eve Party', 'Just Love to Celebrate—Worshipping the Jade Emperor 2026', 'Chef King’s New Year Banquet', 'Fat Mama’s New Year Cooking Idea 9', 'Cool Power Unlimited Gala', 'Home Is Where the Food Is', and 'Ask the Master 2026'. Meanwhile, the special Cool Channel (Channel 100) will air selected movies, series, and documentaries 24/7 from February 9 to March 11, accompanying audiences throughout the new year.