Calvin Chen
Calvin Chen (Chinese: 辰亦儒; born November 10, 1980) is a Taiwanese singer, actor, television host, model, and businessman, best known as a former member of the Mandopop boy band Fahrenheit.[1] He rose to fame in the mid-2000s through his debut in the idol drama KO One and his role in the group alongside Wu Chun, Jiro Wang, and Aaron Yan.[2] Chen's career spans music, acting in numerous Taiwanese dramas and films, and entrepreneurial ventures, including launching his own fashion line.[3] Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Chen pursued higher education in Canada, earning a bachelor's degree from Simon Fraser University and a master's degree in economics from the University of Victoria, where he also worked as a teaching assistant.[3] He began his entertainment career in 2004 by winning the "Sunshine Boyz" talent competition in Vancouver, which led to his recruitment by a Taiwanese media company.[1] Fluent in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Cantonese, with some knowledge of Korean and Japanese, Chen initially studied finance at National Chengchi University in Taiwan but left to focus on his burgeoning show business opportunities.[3] Fahrenheit, formed in 2005, achieved significant success in the Mandopop scene with hits like "Only Have Feelings for You" and albums such as Fahrenheit (2006) and Super Hot (2010), before going on hiatus after 2011; this established Chen as a prominent idol.[2] In acting, he starred in popular dramas including Romantic Princess (2007), The X-Family (2007), and more recently Douluo Continent (2021), as well as the film Ip Man 2 (2010).[1] Beyond entertainment, Chen ventured into business by launching the fashion brand WOW in 2008.[3] On a personal note, he married Taiwanese actress Joanne Tseng on January 23, 2020, after years of dating rumors, and the couple welcomed their first child in early 2025.[4][5]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Calvin Chen was born on November 10, 1980, in Taipei, Taiwan, to Taiwanese parents.[6] He is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, English, and Cantonese.[3] In his late teens and early twenties, after moving to Vancouver, Canada, for higher education, Chen's exposure to a multicultural environment sparked his interest in modeling and entertainment, leading him to participate in local competitions that highlighted his emerging talents.[1] This period marked the beginning of his bilingual confidence and creative pursuits, blending his Taiwanese heritage with international perspectives.[3]Academic pursuits
Prior to high school, he attended elementary schools such as Wugu, Ximen, and Mingde, followed by Taipei Municipal Mingde Junior High School.[1] Calvin Chen attended Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, one of Taiwan's prestigious institutions, where he completed his secondary education before pursuing higher studies abroad.[1][7] In 1999, Chen moved to Canada and enrolled at Simon Fraser University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics.[1][3] He later advanced his studies at the University of Victoria, obtaining a master's degree in economics and serving as a teaching assistant during this period.[1][3][7] Upon returning to Taiwan in 2005, Chen briefly enrolled in the Graduate Institute of Finance at National Chengchi University to pursue further graduate studies in public finance.[1][3] However, he soon took a leave of absence and discontinued the program to focus on his burgeoning entertainment career.[1][3] Chen's academic pursuits intersected with his early professional opportunities following his victory in the 2004 Sunshine Boyz modeling competition in Vancouver, which provided initial exposure to the entertainment industry while he was still studying in Canada.[1][7] This success led to modeling gigs and acting roles, compelling him to balance coursework with travel and auditions, ultimately prioritizing his career over completing additional degrees.[1][3]Career
Music career
Calvin Chen joined the Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit in 2005 as its third member, alongside Jiro Wang, Wu Chun, and Aaron Yan, with the group assembled to support the television series KO One.[8] The quartet debuted musically in September 2006 with their self-titled album Fahrenheit, released by HIM International Music, which featured energetic Mandopop tracks and quickly gained traction across Asia.[9] Fahrenheit followed with successive releases, including Two-Sided Fahrenheit in 2008, Love You More and More in 2009, and Super Hot in 2010, the latter album highlighting their matured sound with the titular lead single "Super Hot."[10] The band embarked on international tours during this period, notably the Fantasy World Tour from 2009 to 2010, performing in cities across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and mainland China, drawing large crowds and solidifying their regional popularity.[11] In 2009, Fahrenheit served as tourism ambassadors for Taiwan, promoting the country through concerts that attracted fans from multiple nations.[12] Amid growing individual commitments, particularly Wu Chun's departure in 2011 to pursue acting, Fahrenheit effectively disbanded in 2012, marking the end of their group activities.[13] Chen ventured into solo music during the band's run, releasing his first solo track "You Are All My Memories" (你是我所有的回憶) in 2007 as part of the The X-Family soundtrack.[14] He followed with a personal rendition of "Really, Really Like You" (超喜歡你) in 2010 for the series Love Buffet, showcasing his vocal style outside group dynamics. Post-disbandment, Chen made occasional musical contributions, including his second mini-album IN Music in 2017, which featured collaborations with producers like Bing Wang and Yen-j, blending pop and R&B elements.[15] While no full solo album materialized from his 2014 announcement, these efforts highlighted his continued interest in music alongside other pursuits.Acting career
Calvin Chen made his acting debut in 2005 with a minor role in the Taiwanese idol drama It Started with a Kiss, appearing as a wedding guest passing umbrellas to the leads, which aligned with his growing visibility as a member of the boy band Fahrenheit.[1][16] This brief appearance marked his entry into scripted television, leveraging the band's popularity to gain initial exposure in the industry. Chen's breakthrough came later that year with the main role of Wang Ya Se, a loyal and humorous sidekick, in KO One, a high school fantasy drama that became a cultural phenomenon and established him as a promising young actor.[17] Building on this momentum, he reprised the character in 2007's The X-Family, a sequel series blending comedy and supernatural elements, where his performance as the supportive Wang Ya Se further highlighted his versatility in ensemble casts. These early successes in idol dramas solidified his reputation for portraying relatable, endearing characters. Throughout the 2010s, Chen expanded his portfolio with leading roles in romantic comedies, including Xing Da Ye in Love Buffet (2010), a lighthearted series that showcased his charm in love triangles. He continued with the central role of Qin Yu Jiang in the family-oriented When Love Walked In (2012) and ventured into film as Perry, one of three friends navigating romance and friendship, in the Singaporean road trip drama 3 Peas in a Pod (2013).[18] In a shift toward more mature narratives, Chen took on nuanced parts in 2019, such as in the romantic film Only Love Is Able to Remedy Us and the action thriller Defiance (released 2020), where he played the determined Wei Kai Xuan in a post-apocalyptic setting.[19] Following his marriage to actress Joanne Tseng in January 2020, Chen's acting output became more selective to prioritize family, including a supporting role as the mentor Yu Xiao Gang in the fantasy epic Douluo Continent (2021), with few projects announced thereafter amid his growing family responsibilities.[4][20]Hosting and media
Calvin Chen entered the hosting scene in 2010 when he signed a one-season contract with MTV Taiwan to host the music program Rì Hán Yīnyuè Fēng (Japan and Korea Music Trend), marking his initial foray into television presenting alongside his bandmate Jiro Wang's similar MTV role.[21] In 2011, Chen expanded his hosting portfolio by serving as one of seven anchors for the live entertainment news show Apple Entertainment News (Píngguǒ Yúlè Xīnwén), which premiered that year and featured daily updates on celebrity happenings. His media presence extended to guest spots early on, including a performance appearance with Fahrenheit member Wu Chun on the Philippine reality singing competition Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2's fourth gala night on July 12, 2008, where they promoted their drama Romantic Princess.[22] Chen later participated as a contestant in the inaugural season of The Amazing Race China (Jísù Qiánjìn), competing in 10 episodes across locations in China and abroad during 2014, showcasing his adaptability in a high-stakes reality format.[23] By 2023, Chen maintained an active role in variety entertainment through participations in ongoing Chinese variety programs and personal live streaming on platforms like Douyin, where he engaged fans with product endorsements and casual interactions, though one notable 15-hour sales stream using an AI-generated avatar sparked discussions on digital authenticity in media. His multilingual abilities in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Cantonese, with some knowledge of Korean and Japanese—honed from his studies in Canada and Taiwan—have notably supported international hosting opportunities, allowing seamless communication in diverse markets like the Philippines and Southeast Asia.Business and publications
In October 2008, Calvin Chen launched his fashion brand WOW, focusing on youthful apparel and streetwear targeted at young consumers.[24] The brand leveraged Chen's image as a member of the boy band Fahrenheit to appeal to fans interested in casual, trendy clothing.[25] WOW expanded internationally through collaborations, including a 2013 partnership with Singapore-based streetwear label Ground Zero, which introduced limited-edition T-shirts combining elements from both brands.[26] This venture marked WOW's entry into Southeast Asian markets, with Chen personally promoting the collection during launch events.[27] On May 21, 2011, Chen released his solo photo book The Incredible Journey of Calvin Chen (逆向旅程：辰亦儒溫哥華留學記), which documented his experiences as an international student in Canada and early career reflections through photographs and personal anecdotes.[28] Following a shift in his entertainment commitments after 2020, Chen ventured into e-commerce, transitioning to livestreaming sales on platforms like Douyin in 2021 to promote products and engage directly with audiences.[29] This move capitalized on his celebrity status to drive online retail, amid a broader trend of former idols entering digital business. In recent years, Chen expanded into real estate with the launch of CASA MONK, a luxury beach villa in Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, promoted via social media as of 2024.[30][31]Personal life
Relationships and marriage
Calvin Chen and Taiwanese actress Joanne Tseng first sparked dating rumors in 2009 after co-starring in the idol drama Love Buffet, where their on-screen chemistry fueled speculation about a real-life romance.[32][33] Their relationship reportedly began around 2010, evolving into a long-term partnership despite initial challenges, including a brief breakup in 2011 attributed to their demanding schedules as rising entertainers.[32][4] As public figures, Chen and Tseng faced persistent media scrutiny and dating rumors over the years, often denying the relationship and describing each other as "good friends" to maintain privacy amid intense tabloid coverage.[32][4] Renewed speculation arose in 2017 when Tseng was spotted at Chen's family home, and again in 2019 during a press conference where she reiterated their platonic bond, highlighting the pressure of navigating romance under constant public observation.[33][34] These challenges tested their commitment, yet they reconciled and continued privately for over a decade, balancing careers in music, acting, and media.[32] On January 23, 2020, Chen and Tseng publicly confirmed their romance by announcing their marriage via matching Instagram posts, revealing they had tied the knot after approximately 10 years together.[4][32] Chen proposed at his home with friends present, and the couple opted for a low-key ceremony without an immediate wedding banquet, marking the end of years of speculation.[32][35]Family and recent developments
In August 2024, Calvin Chen and his wife, actress Joanne Tseng, announced they were expecting their first child together, sharing the joyful news via social media posts that highlighted their excitement about starting a family.[36][5] Two months later, in October 2024, the couple hosted a gender reveal party, confirming they were having a boy, an event that drew warm responses from fans and further celebrated their growing family.[37] The couple welcomed their son in early 2025, with Tseng announcing the birth on February 2 via Instagram during the Spring Festival period following Lunar New Year; she shared a tender photo of the newborn holding a red envelope, expressing her overwhelming love and the challenges of new motherhood.[38][39] Following the birth, Chen and Tseng have adjusted to family life through a shared co-parenting routine, dividing responsibilities into shifts to equally support their son's care amid the demands of parenthood.[40] In September 2025, Tseng opened up about her postpartum challenges, including anxiety, insecurity, and breastfeeding difficulties, noting Chen's supportive role in reassuring her and helping her regain confidence.[41] This shift has led to fewer public appearances as they prioritize bonding and daily routines at home, with Tseng describing the period as one of joyful exhaustion focused on her child.[38] The household reflects Chen's bilingual background, incorporating English from his international exposure and Mandarin from his Taiwanese roots, fostering a multilingual environment for their son.[3]Filmography and discography
Films and television series
Calvin Chen made his television acting debut in the 2005 Taiwanese drama It Started with a Kiss, where he appeared in a bit part as a man passing out umbrellas at a wedding scene.[42] The series, a romantic comedy adaptation of the Japanese manga Itazura na Kiss, starred Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin as the leads, with Jiro Wang also in a supporting role; it was produced by Idol Drama and aired on CTV. Later that year, Chen starred in KO One (2005), portraying Wang Ya Se, one of the central KO fighters in this action-fantasy series set in a high school with supernatural elements.[43] Co-starring Jiro Wang as Wang Da Dong and Aaron Yan as Ding Xiao Yu, the drama was produced by Comic International Productions and broadcast on GTV, marking the on-screen debut of Fahrenheit members.[44] In 2007, Chen starred in the romantic comedy Romantic Princess, playing the main role of Nan Feng Cai, a wealthy heir in a story of mistaken identities and family drama. Co-starring with Wu Chun and Ella Chen, the series was produced by CTS and aired on GTV.[1] That same year, Chen reprised elements of his KO One character in the sequel series The X-Family, playing the dual role of Lan Ling Wang and Wang Ya Se in a story blending family comedy with sci-fi and martial arts themes.[45] The ensemble cast included Jiro Wang, Danson Tang, Aaron Yan, Pauline Lan, and Sunnie Huang; produced by Comic International, it aired on GTV and became one of Taiwan's highest-rated dramas at the time. In 2009, Chen appeared in the youth drama MoMo Love as Xue Zhi Qiang in a supporting role, a story about high school students and their romantic entanglements. Produced by Gala Television, it aired on GTV.[1] Chen took a leading role in the 2010 romantic comedy Love Buffet, as Xing Da Ye, a charming restaurateur navigating love and family rivalries inspired by the Japanese manga Parfait Tic!.[46] He starred alongside Aaron Yan as Hsing Yi-Cheng and Reen Yu as Hu Hsiao-Feng, with the series co-produced by Gala Television and Comic International Productions and aired on FTV. In 2010, Chen made his film debut in Ip Man 2 (also known as Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster), portraying Zhou Guangyao, a martial arts student, in this Hong Kong action film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen. The film was released on April 29, 2010.[1] In 2011, Chen had a guest role as Calvin in the fantasy drama Sunshine Angel, a story involving magical elements and family bonds, produced by CTS and aired on GTV.[1] Chen starred in the 2012 Chinese-Taiwanese co-production When Love Walked In, where he played Qin Yu Jiang, a wealthy heir entangled in a love triangle and family secrets.[47] Co-stars included Victoria Song as Shen Ya Yin and Zhou Mi as Li Shang Lin; the 32-episode drama aired on multiple networks including Hunan TV.[48] In 2013, Chen led the Taiwanese drama Lucky Touch (also known as Love Touch), playing the main role of He Shao Ran (Gregory), a young man discovering family secrets in a romantic comedy. Produced by Gala Television, it aired on GTV.[49] Chen transitioned to films with 3 Peas in a Pod (2013), portraying Perry, a loyal friend in a coming-of-age story about three university best friends facing romance and personal growth.[18] Directed by Michelle Chong, the Singapore-Malaysia co-production featured Jae Liew as Penny and Alexander Lee Eusebio as Peter, and was released on November 14, 2013, by Huat Films and Brainstorminx. In 2016, Chen made a guest appearance in the fashion-themed drama Cosmetic Raiders, contributing to its ensemble cast in a story about the beauty industry. Produced by Eastern Broadcasting, it aired on EBC.[1] In 2017, Chen starred in the fantasy adventure film The Covenant with Dragon, as Yu Kun, a hero battling mythical forces, directed by Fruit Chan. The Chinese production was released in 2017.[1] In 2018, Chen reprised his role as Wang Ye Se in the fantasy drama KO One Re-Call, a main role in this sequel exploring alternate dimensions and school battles, produced by Comic International and aired on iQiyi. That year, he also guest-starred as adult Qin Yi in the romance drama Last Friend.[1] In 2019, Chen appeared in the sequel film The Covenant With Dragons 2, reprising Yu Kun, and led the action drama Jiang Hu as Ma Liu, a martial artist in a tale of rivalry and redemption. Both were Chinese productions released in 2019.[1] That same year, he starred in the romantic comedy Only Love Is Able to Remedy Us, playing Jeffery, an artist who helps heal emotional wounds through unexpected connections.[50] Co-starring Jiang Wu, Li Sheng, and Li Yixuan, the film was a 2019 Chinese release focusing on themes of love and recovery.[51] Chen also led in the 2019 fantasy film Nine-Tailed Fox (TBA as of November 2025), as Mo Chen, a righteous constable who falls for an illusion created by a nine-tailed fox spirit while battling supernatural forces.[52] Directed by Bi Ji, Xie Tianhua, and Luo Lei, it featured He Lan Dou as Luo Rong Er, Ren Shen as the nine-tailed real person, and Liu Dian as Feng Chen Zi; produced as a network movie, filming began in February 2019 in Hengdian World Studios.[53] In 2021, Chen starred in the fantasy drama Douluo Continent, playing the supporting role of Yu Xiao Gang (Grandmaster), a knowledgeable teacher in a world of soul masters, co-starring Xiao Zhan and Wu Jinyan; the series aired on Tencent Video. That year, he also reprised Yu Kun in The Covenant with Dragons 3, the final installment of the fantasy trilogy.[1] Filming for the drama Witch Notes (TBA as of November 2025) began with Chen in the main role of Tang Ke.[1] Defiance (TBA as of November 2025), in which Chen plays Wei Kai Xuan, a survivor in a dystopian world, was filmed in 2019 but remains unreleased.[19] The cast included Carman Lee as the Prophet, Huang Shengyi as Xiao Xi, and Joe Ma as Xiao En; directed by Prince Wang Zi, it was a Chinese production.[54] As of November 2025, Chen has several TBA projects including Witch Notes, Nine-Tailed Fox, and Defiance.[1]Television and radio programs
Calvin Chen entered television hosting in 2010 by succeeding Ken Wu as the presenter of the MTV Taiwan music information program Rì Hán Yīnyuè Fēng (Japan and Korea Music Craze), a weekday show airing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. that featured interviews with Japanese and Korean artists conducted in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean. Over his three-year tenure, Chen interviewed more than 80 groups of East Asian performers, contributing to the program's seventh-anniversary exhibition in 2017. In 2011, Chen joined as one of seven co-hosts for the pilot episode of the live entertainment news program Apple Entertainment News on August 29, marking his expansion into daily news broadcasting.[55] Chen made guest appearances on international variety programs, including a performance alongside Fahrenheit bandmate Wu Chun on the fourth live gala of Pinoy Dream Academy season 2, a Philippine reality singing competition, on July 12, 2008.[22] He also competed as a celebrity contestant in the inaugural season of The Amazing Race China (titled Jí Sù Qián Jìn), appearing in all 10 episodes filmed from July to November 2014.[23] On radio, Chen served as a guest performer with bandmate Aaron Yan at the Sunshine Nation 2008 finale event organized by Fairchild Radio in Vancouver, tied to the network's annual talent competition where he had previously won as Sunshine Boyz champion in 2004.Discography
Calvin Chen's discography encompasses his vocal contributions to the Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit's studio albums released between 2006 and 2012, where he provided lead and harmony vocals on various tracks, alongside his solo endeavors including singles, EPs, and soundtrack contributions. As a member of Fahrenheit under HIM International Music, Chen participated in the group's Mandopop releases, which blended pop, ballad, and R&B elements, often tied to television dramas featuring the band. His solo work, primarily through the same label until 2014 and independently thereafter, focuses on emotional ballads and upbeat pop, with releases emphasizing personal themes and collaborations with drama productions.Fahrenheit Contributions (2006–2012)
Chen contributed vocals to all major Fahrenheit studio albums during the band's active period, often sharing lead roles with members Wu Chun, Jiro Wang, and Aaron Yan. Key releases include:- Fahrenheit (September 15, 2006): The self-titled debut album, featuring Chen on tracks like "Only You Have the Feeling" (只對你有感覺), a lead single that showcased the group's harmonious style. Released by HIM International Music, it marked their entry into the Mandopop scene.
- Two-Sided Fahrenheit (January 4, 2008): The second album highlighted dual vocal dynamics, with Chen leading on "Super Like You" (超喜歡你), an insert song for the drama The X-Family, and harmonizing on "Won't Love" (不會愛). It achieved commercial success in Taiwan and Asia.[56]
- Love You More and More (August 27, 2009): This release included Chen's vocals on "More and More Love" (越來越愛), the title track, and "Super Hot," emphasizing romantic themes with upbeat production. Distributed by HIM International Music.[57]
- Super Hot (July 30, 2010): Chen featured prominently on energetic tracks like the title song, blending pop-rock elements, as part of the band's evolving sound before their 2011 hiatus announcement.
- Want to Love (November 18, 2011): The final pre-hiatus album, with Chen contributing to ballads such as "With All My Heart," reflecting the group's mature phase amid their disbandment in 2012. Released by HIM International Music. [Note: Spotify link approximate based on available data; actual album page confirms release.]
Solo Singles and EPs
Chen's solo career began with soundtrack contributions and expanded to independent releases post-Fahrenheit. Notable works include:- "You Are All My Memories" (你是我所有的回憶) (August 31, 2007): His debut solo single, serving as an insert song for the drama The X-Family, composed by Li Tai-xiang with lyrics evoking nostalgia. Released on the soundtrack by HIM International Music.[59]
- It's Still Summer (還在夏天呢) EP (September 19, 2014): Chen's first full solo EP, an independent release with six tracks including the title song, focusing on summery pop vibes and personal reflection. It charted in Taiwan's top five Mandarin albums.[60][58]
- IN EP (April 28, 2017): A four-track EP under HIM International Music, led by the single "IN," exploring introspective themes with modern pop production. Tracks include "Love-Hate" and "Wish You Well."[61]
- "Magnetic" (磁) (July 15, 2019): A solo single as the theme song for the film Dragon Contract 2: Dragon Refining (寻龙契约2龙炼), blending cinematic ballad elements. Released independently.
Collaborations and Soundtracks
Beyond group and solo efforts, Chen contributed to drama soundtracks, often as lead vocalist:| Release | Year | Role/Track | Drama/Film | Label/Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The X-Family Original Soundtrack | 2007 | Solo: "You Are All My Memories" (你是我所有的回憶) | The X-Family | HIM International Music [Apple Music] |
| Lucky Touch Original Television Soundtrack | 2013 | Solo: "Lucky Seven," "Exchange Lives" | Lucky Touch | Various [Amazon] |
| KO One Return Soundtrack | 2012 | Featured vocals on group tracks | KO One Return | HIM International Music [Generasia, verified via Apple Music equivalents] |