Hubert Wu
Hubert Wu (Chinese: 胡鴻鈞; born 27 March 1990) is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actor renowned for his emotive Cantopop ballads and supporting roles in television dramas.[1][2] Wu first entered the entertainment industry by winning the New Talent Singing Awards in 2010, which led to his signing with Voice Entertainment and subsequent debut single release.[2][3] He rose to national prominence as the first runner-up in the second season of The Voice of Hong Kong in 2010, earning widespread recognition for his vocal talent and songwriting abilities.[2][3] Often dubbed the "Prince of Love Songs" for his focus on heartfelt romantic themes, Wu has released multiple albums and singles that have topped Hong Kong music charts, including the 2020 album Are You Happy?, which achieved sales championship status for two consecutive weeks and featured music videos surpassing 10 million views.[3] Notable tracks include "A Journey Here" from 2017, which won the Most Popular Episode Song at the Thousand Stars Award Ceremony and amassed over 10 million YouTube views, and "Mortals Don't Know Love," a self-composed theme for the drama Demons 2.0 that dominated charts in 2020.[3] He has received the JOOX Favorite Artist Award for four consecutive years and contributed original soundtracks to numerous TVB productions.[3] In acting, Wu transitioned from music in 2015 with guest appearances before securing main roles, such as Pang Jie in the 2016 horror-comedy series Zombie and Shi Gandang in the 2017 fantasy drama Demonished.[3][2] His filmography expanded with leading parts in The Exorcist's Meter (2017), Hello Missfortune (2021) as Chan Pak Ho, and A Love of No Words (2021) as Man Cho, alongside more recent guest appearances in Speakers of Law (2023) and a role in the film Hybrid Storm (2025).[2][4] Wu signed with TVB in the mid-2010s, solidifying his presence in Hong Kong's television landscape.[2] Beyond music and acting, Wu has engaged in live performances, including a 2024 concert sponsorship for "GROW WITH THE FLOW" alongside James Ng and a June 2025 show in Malaysia with Ng and Moon Lau.[5][6] In early 2024, he faced legal scrutiny when fined HK$5,000 for attempting to import over 120 banned heated tobacco products upon returning from mainland China, an incident that drew media attention but did not derail his career.[7] With over 392,000 Instagram followers as of late 2024, Wu remains an active figure in Hong Kong entertainment, blending music composition, performance, and on-screen work.[8]Early life and education
Childhood and family
Hubert Wu was born on March 27, 1990, in Hong Kong.[9][2] Public information regarding Wu's family background remains limited, with few details available about his parents' professions. He has at least one sister. His family originates from a business-oriented environment, where there were expectations for him to pursue a career in the family enterprise rather than entering the entertainment industry.[10][11] From a young age, Wu developed a passion for music, particularly singing, which became a defining aspect of his early interests and laid the foundation for his future career. This early exposure to music fostered his enthusiasm for performing, though specific anecdotes about his childhood experiences in this area are scarce in public records.[12]Academic background
Wu began his formal education at Lam Tin Methodist Primary School in Hong Kong.[12] He continued his secondary education at the prestigious Diocesan Boys' School, known for its rigorous academic program.[12] Following secondary school, Wu attended Hang Seng School of Commerce for post-secondary studies. He later pursued higher education at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he majored in management and graduated in 2013.[12][9] Wu's passion for music emerged during his early school years, allowing him to balance academic pursuits with developing artistic interests through school-related engagements.[12]Career
1990–2011: Early interests and singing competitions
Hubert Wu developed a passion for music during his childhood, often singing privately despite growing up in a traditional family that prioritized academics over artistic pursuits. His interest deepened in secondary school, where he participated in singing competitions, achieving runner-up in Form 2 and ultimately winning the championship in Form 6, which solidified his commitment to music. While pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Wu balanced his studies with his growing musical ambitions, secretly practicing and performing to nurture his vocal talents amid familial expectations for a stable career.[13] In 2010, Wu made his breakthrough by entering TVB's singing competition Super Voice 2 (超級巨聲2), where he impressed judges with his emotive performances and steady vocals, securing the first runner-up position. This achievement marked his first major public exposure and led directly to a contract with TVB as a contracted artist, as well as a signing with Voice Entertainment, paving the way for his professional entry into the music industry. Wu's runner-up finish highlighted his potential as a versatile singer capable of handling Cantopop ballads, earning praise for his improvement throughout the show.[14][15] Building on his domestic success, Wu represented Hong Kong in the 2010 TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship (TVB全球華人新秀歌唱大賽2010), competing against talents from around the world in the finals held on January 9, 2011. Delivering a composed and vocally strong performance, he clinched the championship with a score of 1,372 points, narrowly defeating Malaysia's Zhang Yibo by six points and outperforming other regional contestants under the scrutiny of judges including Chen Huanren and Chen Qiuxia. This victory, often regarded as the pinnacle of the New Talent Singing Awards series, affirmed Wu's status as a rising star and further entrenched his decision to pursue music full-time after graduation.[16][13] Following his competition triumphs, Wu began making minor television appearances to build his profile, including a guest role as a singer in episode 129 of the TVB sitcom Be Home for Dinner (誰家灶頭無煙火) in 2011, where he performed a musical segment that showcased his vocal abilities to a broader audience. This early exposure helped transition him from competition contestant to emerging entertainer, setting the stage for his formal music debut.[17]2012–2015: Music debut and television hosting
In February 2012, Wu signed a recording contract with Stars Shine International and released his debut studio album Couple Getaway on September 14, 2012, which topped Hong Kong music charts and featured the hit single "Shuang Fei" (雙飛). After Stars Shine International went bankrupt, he signed with Voice Entertainment in 2013, releasing his second album The Butterfly Lovers later that year and third album Knowing in 2015, both emphasizing romantic Cantopop themes. During this period, Wu contributed original soundtracks to several TVB dramas and began hosting duties. In July 2014, Wu co-hosted the music program Jade Solid Gold on TVB alongside 11 other artists, gaining experience in television presenting and increasing his visibility in the entertainment industry. He also made his first substantial acting appearance as Henry in the 2015 TVB series Young Charioteers, a supporting role that bridged his music career with on-screen work.[18]2016–2020: Acting breakthrough and album releases
In 2016, Wu took on a supporting role as Pong Kit, a vampire character, in the TVB supernatural drama Blue Veins, marking a step up from his earlier guest appearances alongside established stars like Kevin Cheng and Kay Tse.[2] This appearance, coupled with his prior music success, positioned him for more prominent opportunities in the industry.[19] Wu achieved his acting breakthrough in 2017 with the lead role of Shek Gam Dong, a 3,000-year-old righteous stone spirit, in the TVB series The Exorcist's Meter, a supernatural comedy that aired from October to November and garnered positive reception for its blend of humor and fantasy elements.[2] In addition to acting, he performed the theme song "I Was Here" (到此一遊) for the series, which highlighted his dual talents as singer and performer.[20] That same year, on December 19, Wu released his fourth studio album, I Was Here, under Voice Entertainment, featuring ten tracks including the titular theme song and singles like "Friend Zone," which further solidified his presence in both acting and music.[21] Building on this momentum, Wu reprised a starring role in 2020 as Mok Wai-ho (Ho Zai), a complex soul with a darker edge who becomes an ally and mentor to the protagonist in The Exorcist's 2nd Meter, the sequel to his breakthrough series, which aired from May to June and explored deeper themes of redemption and supernatural conflict.[2] For the drama, he contributed the interlude song "Mortals Don’t Know About Love" (凡人不懂愛), which he composed, and it became one of the top-streamed Cantopop tracks of the year on the Joox platform, ranking second overall in 2020.[22]2021–present: Film roles and music collaborations
In 2021, following the end of his contract with TVB, Hubert Wu signed with Shaw Brothers Pictures, the sister company of TVB, transitioning his focus toward expanded acting opportunities in film and television while continuing his music endeavors.[14][23] Prior to fully integrating into Shaw Brothers projects, Wu fulfilled lead roles in two TVB series from earlier commitments. In A Love of No Words, which premiered on November 22, 2021, he portrayed Man Chor, a character navigating family bonds and personal growth in a story centered on sibling relationships and resilience.[24][25] Later that year, in Hello Misfortune, Wu took on the role of Chan Pei-ho, a food delivery worker plagued by bad luck but finding unexpected connections, earning positive feedback for his portrayal of a timid yet endearing protagonist.[26][27] On the music front, Wu released his album ex:CHANGE in December 2021 under The Voice Entertainment Group, featuring tracks like "整親" and "愛是帶種缺陷的美" that explored themes of personal transformation and relationships, marking a reflective phase in his songwriting.[28] The 2020 single "Are You Happy?" from his prior album continued to resonate, with a re-release as a standalone track in 2022 that sustained its popularity among fans for its introspective lyrics on emotional well-being.[29] Transitioning to Shaw Brothers productions, Wu appeared in supporting roles in films such as OPM (2022), a comedy-drama, and Speakers of Law (2023), a legal thriller highlighting his versatility in ensemble casts.[30] In 2024, he collaborated with fellow artist James Ng for the "Grow with the Flow" concert at Macpherson Arena on December 8, sponsored by Hong Kong Life Insurance, where they performed hits reflecting their shared career journeys and growth in the music industry.[31] This event underscored Wu's ongoing commitment to live performances and musical partnerships. As of 2025, Wu appeared in a supporting role in the TVB action series Prism Breakers (Zhi Fa Zhe Men), which aired in May under Shaw Brothers, further solidifying his presence in Hong Kong television, while preparing for additional concert appearances, including the "Hey June Music Party" in Malaysia alongside James Ng and Moon Lau on June 28.[30][32] These endeavors highlight his balanced pursuit of acting roles and music collaborations amid evolving industry opportunities.Personal life
Relationships and public image
Hubert Wu has been the subject of ongoing rumors regarding a romantic interest in actress Sisley Choi, with media reports noting their frequent sightings together and suggestions of a low-profile relationship. In October 2023, Choi addressed the speculation by confirming she remains single while describing their bond as a strong friendship, though she expressed openness to future announcements if circumstances change.[33][34] Wu maintains close friendships with co-stars from the television series The Exorcist's Meter, including Mandy Wong and Anthony Ho, with whom he shares a collaborative rapport stemming from their on-screen dynamics. These relationships have contributed to a sense of camaraderie within the cast, highlighted during promotional events for the show's sequel.[35] Publicly, Wu is viewed as a versatile entertainer adept at balancing music and acting careers, earning comparisons to established idols for his multifaceted talents in singing, songwriting, and dramatic roles. Fans and peers perceive him as approachable, often praising his bright, cheerful personality and caring nature, which enhance his relatable image in the industry.[36][37][38]Legal matters
In January 2024, Hong Kong singer and actor Hubert Wu was detained by customs officers at the West Kowloon high-speed rail station upon returning from Guangzhou in mainland China, where authorities discovered 129 heated tobacco products and vaping devices concealed in his luggage and coat pockets.[7] He was charged with contravening Hong Kong's Import and Export Ordinance, which prohibits the importation of alternative smoking products banned since April 2022 to protect public health.[7] On April 25, 2024, Wu appeared via his legal representative at Kowloon City Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court fined him HK$5,000 (approximately US$638), a penalty far below the maximum of seven years' imprisonment and a HK$2 million fine for such offenses.[7] In court, Wu explained that he had purchased the items to assist a friend and was unaware of the import restrictions, expressing remorse for his actions.[7] Following the incident's disclosure in mid-February 2024, Wu issued a public apology on social media, stating, "First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologise to each and every one of you. It is indeed a grave mistake on my part, and I deeply disappoint my friends, colleagues, and all my fans."[39] He took full responsibility, emphasizing his disappointment in himself and committing to better compliance with regulations to avoid future errors, while accepting any professional repercussions.[39] The matter was resolved with the fine, and no further legal actions have been reported.Discography
Studio albums
Hubert Wu's debut studio album, Couple Getaway (雙飛), was released on September 14, 2012, by Stars Shine International and consists of nine tracks spanning 36 minutes.[40] The album achieved chart-topping success in Hong Kong, marking Wu's breakthrough as a recording artist following his appearance on The Voice of Hong Kong. Its themes center on romance and relationships, with songs like the title track evoking intimate couple escapes and emotional connections.[41] His second studio album, The Butterfly Lovers (化蝶), followed on October 2, 2013, also under Stars Shine International, featuring nine tracks over 36 minutes.[42] Inspired by the classic Chinese legend of the Butterfly Lovers, the album incorporates elements of tragic romance and transformation, blending pop arrangements with narrative depth in tracks such as the titular song.[43] Wu's third studio album, Knowing (明知故犯), arrived on December 2, 2015, via Voice Entertainment, with ten tracks totaling 40 minutes.[44] It topped the HMV and iTunes album charts in Hong Kong, reflecting strong commercial reception.[43] The introspective content delves into themes of self-awareness, regret, and emotional resolution, highlighted in the lead single and title track.[45] The fourth studio album, I Was Here (到此一遊), was released on December 19, 2017, by Voice Entertainment, comprising ten tracks in 35 minutes.[46] Tied to Wu's burgeoning acting career, particularly his roles in TVB dramas, the album captures themes of presence, legacy, and personal journeys, with promotional ties to series like Exorcist Meter.[47] Wu's fifth studio album, Are You Feeling Blissful (妳幸福嗎), was released on August 28, 2020, by Voice Entertainment, featuring ten tracks over 40 minutes 54 seconds.[48] It achieved sales championship status for two consecutive weeks in Hong Kong and includes hits like the title track, focusing on self-reflection and relationships.Singles
Hubert Wu's singles career gained momentum in the late 2010s, with releases that showcased his songwriting and vocal style while achieving commercial success in Hong Kong and mainland China. His 2017 single "Imperfect Me" (Chinese: 情人自寃), released on March 9, marked a pivotal moment as his first major solo track outside collaborative projects, blending pop ballad elements with introspective lyrics about personal flaws in relationships. Produced by TVB Music Group, the song quickly climbed charts, reaching No. 1 on various Chinese music platforms shortly after launch.[49] Following its success, Wu released "Friend Zone" (Chinese: 朋友身份) on June 28, 2017, another standalone single that explored unrequited love and emotional boundaries through upbeat yet melancholic melodies.[50] Composed and arranged by Larry Wong, it further solidified Wu's reputation for relatable, youth-oriented pop, garnering strong streaming numbers and radio play in Hong Kong.[51] In 2020, Wu returned with "Are You Happy?" (Chinese: 妳幸福嗎), released at the end of July as a lead single from his album of the same name.[52] Wu directed and starred in the music video himself for the first time, emphasizing themes of self-reflection and post-breakup contentment; the track topped charts across multiple platforms, reflecting its broad appeal during the pandemic era.[3] Wu's contributions to television soundtracks also produced standout singles, particularly for the Exorcist's Meter (降魔的) series. His 2020 insert song "Mortals Don’t Know About Love" (Chinese: 凡人不懂愛), featured in The Exorcist's 2.0, captured the drama's supernatural romance with haunting vocals and orchestral arrangements by Johnny Yim.[53] The track ranked No. 2 among Hong Kong's most-streamed songs of 2020 on JOOX, amassing millions of plays and highlighting Wu's versatility in tying music to narrative media.[22] Subsequent releases include the EP ex:CHANGE on December 22, 2021, by Voice Entertainment (7 tracks, 27 minutes), featuring songs like "Today Not Open for Business."[54] In 2023, the EP Moods (在幕) was released on October 25 by Sony Music Entertainment (5 tracks, 18 minutes), including "Give Me A Chance" and "Love is."[55] Recent singles as of 2024 include "Anchor of Heart" and "City Light."[56]Filmography
Television series
Hubert Wu's television career primarily features roles in TVB dramas, where he progressed from guest appearances to leading parts in supernatural and romantic series.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Be Home for Dinner | Singer | Guest appearance (Episode 129); early minor role marking his acting debut. |
| 2015 | Young Charioteers | Dai Ga Ho / "Henry" | Supporting role.[2] |
| 2016 | Blue Veins | Pong Kit | Supporting role in this vampire-themed drama.[2] |
| 2017 | The Exorcist's Meter | Shek Gam Dong | Lead role as a modern-day exorcist partnering with a soul reaper; earned a nomination at the 2017 TVB Anniversary Awards for Most Improved TV Actor.[2] |
| 2017 | My Ages Apart | Poon Wing Hang / "Henry" | Supporting role.[2] |
| 2018 | Stealing Seconds | Law Sui Nam / "GG" | Supporting role.[2] |
| 2018 | Wife Interrupted | Lee Yan-long / "C Long" | Main role.[2] |
| 2020 | The Exorcist's 2nd Meter | Shek Gam Dong / Mok Wai Ho | Returning lead role in the sequel, continuing the exorcism adventures.[2] |
| 2021 | Armed Reaction Season 5 | Chun | Guest role (Episode 1).[2] |
| 2021 | A Love of No Words | Man Cho | Lead role in this romantic drama about unspoken affections and family ties.[2] |
| 2021 | Hello Missfortune | Chan Pak Ho | Lead role in this fantasy series exploring misfortune and afterlife elements. |
| 2022 | Barrack O'Karma 1968 | Siu Ching | Supporting role (Episodes 17-18).[2] |
| 2023 | Speakers of Law | TBD | Guest appearance.[2] |
Films
Hubert Wu first appeared in films with cameo roles in the early 2010s before transitioning to more substantial parts following his 2021 signing with Shaw Brothers Pictures. His early film work includes minor appearances in comedy anthology films.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | I Love Hong Kong | Neighbour | Cameo role.[57] |
| 2012 | I Love Hong Kong 2012 | Citizen | Cameo role.[57] |
| 2022 | Look Up | Flighty adult son | Supporting role in the "Up and Up" segment, set during the 2003 SARS outbreak, navigating family tensions and personal growth. The anthology film, directed by Daniel Chan, Tim Poon, Elvis Hau, and Sunny Yip, commemorates the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China with four interconnected stories on resilience and identity. Produced by Sil-Metropole Organisation, it received mixed reviews for its nostalgic but sentimental tone.[58][59] |
| 2025 | Hybrid Storm | TBD | Supporting role in this crime thriller directed by Terry Ng. Co-starring Kevin Cheng as ICAC Chief Investigator Ching Tak-ming and Bosco Wong, the film follows an anti-corruption probe into a cigarette smuggling ring that uncovers deeper conspiracies involving underground chess boxing matches. Wu's character contributes to the ensemble dynamic, highlighting interpersonal conflicts within the investigation. Produced by Mandarin Motion Pictures, it was released theatrically on November 13, 2025.[4][60] |
Awards and nominations
Music awards
Hubert Wu has garnered recognition for his vocal performances on theme songs for television dramas, earning wins at the TVB Anniversary Awards for his contributions to supernatural series soundtracks. These accolades highlight his ability to blend emotive melodies with narrative themes, boosting his profile as a Cantopop artist. In 2017, Wu won the Most Popular Drama Theme Song award at the TVB Anniversary Awards for "到此一遊" (I Was Here), the opening theme for the drama The Exorcist's Meter. This victory marked one of his early breakthroughs in music recognition following several years of providing theme songs for TVB productions. He repeated the success in 2020, securing the same award for "凡人不懂愛" (Mortals Don't Understand Love), the theme song for The Exorcist's 2nd Meter, which resonated widely with audiences for its poignant lyrics and delivery. Wu has also received multiple Most Popular Male Singer awards at the Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation, winning in 2017 and 2018, and sharing the award with Pakho Chau at the 2020 ceremony (held in January 2021). Additionally, in 2020, he won the JOOX Top Music Awards for Most Loved Artist based on fan votes.[61][62]| Year | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | TVB Anniversary Awards – Most Popular Drama Theme Song | "到此一遊" from The Exorcist's Meter | Won |
| 2017 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation – Most Popular Male Singer | Overall musical contributions | Won |
| 2018 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation – Most Popular Male Singer | Overall musical contributions | Won |
| 2020 | TVB Anniversary Awards – Most Popular Drama Theme Song | "凡人不懂愛" from The Exorcist's 2nd Meter | Won |
| 2020 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation – Most Popular Male Singer | Overall musical contributions | Won (shared with Pakho Chau) |
| 2020 | JOOX Top Music Awards – Most Loved Artist | Overall musical contributions | Won |
Acting awards
Wu received his first major acting recognition at the 2020 TVB Anniversary Awards for his portrayal of Mok Wai-ho in the supernatural drama The Exorcist's 2nd Meter. He earned nominations in three categories: Best Actor, Most Popular Male Character, and Best Onscreen Partnership (shared with Kenneth Ma).[63] In 2021, Wu garnered further acclaim for his leading role as Man Chor in the romantic drama A Love of No Words, securing nominations at the TVB Anniversary Awards for Most Improved Male Artiste and Most Popular Male Character.[64] These nods highlighted his growth as a leading man in TVB productions. His performance as Chan Pak-ho in the youth-oriented Hello Missfortune also contributed to his rising profile, though it did not yield additional major award nominations in Hong Kong.[26] No further acting awards or nominations were reported for Wu in TVB's annual ceremonies from 2022 to 2025 as of November 2025, nor did he receive recognitions at international film festivals for his limited screen roles.| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actor | The Exorcist's 2nd Meter | Nominated | [63] |
| 2020 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Most Popular Male Character | The Exorcist's 2nd Meter | Nominated | [63] |
| 2020 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Onscreen Partnership (with Kenneth Ma) | The Exorcist's 2nd Meter | Nominated | [63] |
| 2021 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Most Improved Male Artiste | A Love of No Words | Nominated | [64] |
| 2021 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Most Popular Male Character | A Love of No Words | Nominated | [64] |