Shiga Lin
Shiga Lin (Chinese: 連詩雅; born 29 June 1988) is a Hong Kong singer, actress, and former model. A Cantopop artist of Japanese descent, she debuted in the music industry in 2010 with her first EP, Moment, released under Warner Music Hong Kong, which featured her breakout single "Earl Grey".[1] Known for her versatile vocals and emotive performances, Lin has released several subsequent albums, including Movin' On (2012)[2] and Another Me (2017),[3] establishing herself as a prominent figure in Hong Kong's entertainment scene.[4] Transitioning from modeling to acting, Lin has appeared in numerous films and television projects, including the romantic drama Lan Kwai Fong (2011), the action thriller The Infernal Walker (2020) where she portrayed a police officer, and the variety show 12 Summers (2019) alongside her future husband, actor Carlos Chan. Her career highlights also encompass collaborations, reflecting her influence in both music and media. In her personal life, Lin married actor Carlos Chan on 24 April 2023 in a lavish ceremony at Rosewood Hong Kong, following their engagement in June 2022.[6] The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Camila, in July 2024, after which Lin briefly paused her professional commitments before resuming work in October 2024, including a new single in June 2025 and a musical role.[7][8]Early life and education
Family background and childhood
Shiga Lin was born on 29 June 1988 in Hong Kong and holds Japanese citizenship through her mother, who naturalized in Japan after studying and residing there for 20 years; her Japanese name is Shiga Taguchi.[9] She is the only child of her parents, both originally from Hong Kong, and grew up in an affluent family in Kowloon Tong, where her father was a businessman and her mother was a translator at the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong.[10] This privileged environment provided a stable childhood until her parents' frequent disagreements over their joint business ventures began to strain their marriage. When Lin was 16 years old, her parents divorced amid her father's business failure and bankruptcy, leading to a significant decline in the family's financial situation; she subsequently moved with her mother from their Kowloon Tong mansion to a smaller apartment in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island.[11][12] The separation also resulted in Lin losing regular contact with her father over time, though she has expressed lingering nostalgia for their shared family moments, such as dinners together.[13] Following the divorce, her mother took on extensive work to support them, leaving Lin to often feel lonely despite living together, which shaped her early sense of independence.[13] During her teenage years, Lin gained initial exposure to the entertainment industry through part-time modeling work starting at age 15, including photoshoots for magazines that highlighted her emerging poise and beauty. She also made minor television appearances as a child, including roles in educational programs around age 10, which provided early on-camera experience but did not immediately lead to a full career in acting or music. These formative experiences amid family changes fostered her resilience, setting the stage for her later professional pursuits without delving into formal education or career beginnings.Schooling and early influences
Shiga Lin attended King George V School, an international school in Hong Kong, during her formative years, where she enjoyed a relatively carefree childhood despite family challenges.[14] Her multicultural background, including Japanese heritage through her mother's naturalized citizenship, exposed her to diverse cultural influences alongside the vibrant Hong Kong pop culture scene.[15] This blend shaped her early interests in performing arts, complemented by her family's support amid the difficulties of her parents' divorce.[13] Prior to her professional debut, Lin engaged in modeling as a teenager and appeared in a minor role in the 2007 ATV youth drama Teen Waves.Career
2010–2016: Debut and breakthrough
Shiga Lin signed with Warner Music Hong Kong in 2010, marking her entry into the Cantopop industry as a promising new talent. Her debut single, "Earl Grey" (灰伯爵的忌廉遐想), was released as part of her first EP Moment later that year, showcasing her versatile vocals and establishing her initial fanbase through promotional activities and music awards circuits.[1][4] In 2012, Lin achieved a significant breakthrough with the release of her EP Movin' On, which featured the breakout hit "The End" (到此為止). The emotional ballad resonated widely with audiences, garnering millions of views on platforms like YouTube and solidifying her position in the Cantopop scene through strong streaming performance and live performances. This period also saw her experimenting with bolder themes in her music, aligning with her evolving public image.[16] Lin made her acting debut in the 2011 film Lan Kwai Fong (喜愛夜蒲), portraying a central role in the youth-oriented drama that explored nightlife and relationships in Hong Kong. The movie's commercial success led to her nomination for Best New Performer at the 31st Hong Kong Film Awards in 2012. She followed this with leading roles in Lan Kwai Fong 2 (2012) and a supporting part as Ping Ho in the action thriller Blood Money (2012), while making early guest appearances on Hong Kong television series to build her on-screen presence.[17][18][19][20] By 2016, Lin expanded her musical endeavors by co-forming the all-female band Dear Jane with fellow artists Janice Vidal, Jill Vidal, and Yumiko Cheng.[21], releasing singles like "K.O.L." that highlighted their collaborative energy. That same year, she held her first solo concert, Shiga vs. Shiga Live, on August 13 at the Hong Kong Coliseum, drawing thousands and marking a milestone in her rising popularity as both singer and performer.[22]2017–2019: Label transition and musical exploration
In June 2017, Shiga Lin terminated her contract with Warner Music Hong Kong amid a contractual infringement dispute between the label and her management agency, Starz People, which had entered legal proceedings.[23] She subsequently signed with the newly established HMV Music label, founded by her manager, marking a shift toward greater artistic autonomy following her breakthrough hits like "I'm Still Loving You" from earlier years. This transition allowed Lin to explore more personal themes in her music, departing from the commercial Cantopop formula of her Warner era. Under HMV Music, Lin released the EP Another Me in June 2017, featuring four tracks that delved into introspection and emotional reflection on past relationships and personal growth.[24] Songs such as "Old Street Corner" (舊街角) evoked nostalgic reminiscences of lost love, while "Let Me Go" (一走了之) addressed themes of moving on and self-liberation, signaling a maturation in her songwriting. Lin continued issuing singles that built on this direction, including collaborations and follow-up releases echoing the heartfelt ballad style of her earlier work, with subtle incorporations of contemporary pop elements. In December 2018, she signed with The Voice Entertainment, further solidifying her independent path.[25] During this period, Lin balanced her music career with minor acting roles and an emphasis on live performances. She appeared in supporting capacities in the 2017 TV series Line Walker: The Prelude as Cheung Yuk-huen and in 2019's Sexy Central as Annie, alongside guest spots in web series like Liza's Online Season 2 and Do Did Eat Season 3.[15] On stage, she headlined the SS 2017 Live Concert with Stephanie Cheng and performed alongside Dear Jane and Phil Lam at events such as the 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open concerts, showcasing her vocal range in live band settings.2020–2023: Television roles and personal milestones
In 2020, Shiga Lin took on her first leading role in television as Fong Shu-man in the TVB romantic melodrama Life After Death, portraying a complex character entangled in themes of accident, redemption, and family tragedy. Her performance was praised for its natural emotional depth, marking a significant step in her acting career following earlier film experiences.[26] That same year, Lin appeared in a supporting role as Lam Sin-yeung, a dedicated anti-triad police officer and the fiancée of the protagonist, in the action thriller film The Infernal Walker, which explored undercover operations and moral dilemmas within law enforcement.[27] She continued her television work in 2022 with a guest appearance as Yip Fo-wan / Florence in episodes 17–18 of the supernatural drama Barrack O'Karma 1968, collaborating with co-star Hubert Wu in a storyline involving mystery and romance at a haunted mansion. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lin maintained her musical output under HMV Music, releasing singles such as "Little Lies" in June 2020 as the theme song for Life After Death, which captured introspective themes of deception and lingering affection.[28] Subsequent releases included "The Things We Do For Love" in 2021 and "Always with You" in 2022, demonstrating her resilience in producing music despite industry disruptions.[29] On a personal note, Lin announced her engagement to actor Carlos Chan on June 7, 2022, after two years of a private relationship that began during a travel program collaboration; the proposal occurred during a surprise yacht outing, balancing her rising professional visibility with selective publicity about her private life.[30] In 2021, Lin starred as the lead in the musical micro-film A Hundred Miles Song (瑪莉亞的悔改), depicting a singer grappling with captivity, memory loss, and moral reckoning, for which she received a Bronze Acting Award at the 8th Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) awards ceremony.[31]2024–present: Motherhood and recent performances
In July 2024, Shiga Lin and her husband, actor Carlos Chan, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Camila, born via caesarean section on July 18 and weighing 5.9 pounds at birth.[32][33] The couple shared the joyful news on social media, expressing their excitement about starting a family, with Lin later revealing her daughter's Chinese name in August.[34] Following a period of maternity leave, Lin made her postpartum return to public activities in October 2024, appearing at a brand endorsement event where she showcased her post-pregnancy transformation and discussed the challenges of early motherhood.[35][7] In interviews during this time, she opened up about balancing her career with parenting, emphasizing the support from her husband and family while prioritizing her daughter's well-being.[35] By early 2025, Lin expressed intentions to focus on professional commitments before considering expanding her family further, stating a desire to resume work fully after her maternity hiatus.[36] In June 2025, Lin expanded into theatre with a lead role in the jukebox musical 38·28·18 (also known as The 18, 28 & 38), performed at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District from June 13 to 18.[37] Co-starring alongside actor Raymond Wong Ho-yin, the production explored themes of women at different life stages—18, 28, and 38 years old—through a narrative centered on personal growth and relationships, earning praise for its emotional depth and Lin's versatile performance.[38][39] Friends and colleagues, including actress Priscilla Wong, attended the final show and commended the cast's delivery.[38] Lin also marked her musical comeback in 2025 with several single releases, including "人生使用說明" (Life Usage Instructions) on June 24, her first original song in four years, followed by "限量版" (Limited Edition) in October and "Still Wanna Believe You," the ending theme for the drama Anonymous Signal in March.[40][41][8] These tracks highlighted her ongoing evolution as a Cantopop artist, with themes reflecting personal reflection and resilience, while she continued to integrate her new role as a mother into her creative process. In November 2025, Lin performed as a guest artist at the CarlsCrib concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 14–15.[42][43]Personal life
Marriage and family
Shiga Lin began her romantic relationship with Hong Kong actor Carlos Chan around 2020, following their collaboration on the TVB variety show 12 Summers in 2019.[30] The couple kept their relationship private initially but went public with their dating status in 2021 amid growing media speculation.[44] Lin and Chan announced their engagement in June 2022 after two years of dating.[45] They married on April 24, 2023, in a lavish ceremony at the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, estimated to cost around HK$3 million and attended by prominent industry figures including Leo Ku, Yoyo Chen, and Tony Hung.[6][46] The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Camila, on July 18, 2024, via caesarean section; Camila weighed 5.9 pounds at birth.[32] Lin and Chan have shared parenting updates through social media posts reported by entertainment outlets, highlighting their adjustment to family life.[47] Throughout Lin's pregnancy, Chan provided significant support, including returning from a filming commitment in Malaysia to be present for the birth and taking a break from work to care for his wife.[48] Postpartum, Chan has been involved in hands-on parenting, learning baby care routines alongside Lin during her recovery period.[7] This family milestone led Lin to pause her professional commitments temporarily to focus on motherhood.[49]Public image and interests
Shiga Lin cultivates a vibrant public image through her active engagement on social media, particularly Instagram under the handle @shi_ga, where she boasts over 700,000 followers and shares authentic glimpses into her daily life, fitness routines, and uplifting messages to connect with fans. Her posts often highlight motivational themes, such as self-improvement and resilience, including captions encouraging followers to "work on yourself" and embrace personal growth amid challenges. This approachable online persona has helped her build a loyal community, emphasizing positivity and relatability beyond her professional endeavors.[50] Lin's personal interests reflect a balanced lifestyle centered on fitness, travel, and her Japanese heritage, which she occasionally weaves into her public narrative. She frequently documents her exercise habits, like completing a 6 km run to prepare for work or quick morning workouts to energize her day, promoting physical well-being as a key to mental clarity. Travel appears in her experiences at international events, such as participating in the Oslo Marathon, showcasing her adventurous side. Drawing from her Japanese roots—acquired through her mother's naturalization—Lin expresses subtle appreciation for aspects of Japanese culture, though she primarily channels this through her multicultural identity in Hong Kong's entertainment scene. Following her 2024 pregnancy, she has openly discussed post-pregnancy body changes, humorously referring to herself as a "milk-maker" while embracing weight gain as part of motherhood, contributing to conversations on body positivity.[7][51] In philanthropy, Lin actively supports causes through performances and events, demonstrating her commitment to social good. She performed at the Pok Oi Charity Show in 2024, even while pregnant, to raise funds for community welfare. Additionally, she joined the Langham Pink Run in 2025, a 2 km charity walk marking the hotel's 160th anniversary and supporting breast cancer initiatives, and collaborated with Oxfam Hong Kong on a 2024 Christmas campaign alongside other artists to aid those in need. Regarding career challenges, Lin has publicly addressed her struggles with anxiety in 2020, revealing how it exacerbated physical ailments like sinusitis and a herniated cervical disc, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and encourage seeking help during tough periods. Her candidness has resonated with fans, portraying her as a resilient figure who balances vulnerability with strength.[52][53][51]Musical career
Debut and style development
Shiga Lin made her debut as a singer in July 2010 under Warner Music Hong Kong, releasing the single "Earl Grey," an upbeat track that blended Cantopop with R&B and pop elements to highlight her youthful energy and sweet yet powerful vocals. The song's lively rhythm and accessible melody established her initial style as vibrant and engaging, drawing on contemporary Hong Kong pop traditions while incorporating smooth R&B influences for a fresh, energetic sound. Over the years, Lin's style evolved from these early upbeat numbers to more introspective emotional ballads, particularly after her label transition to HMV Music in late 2017. This shift is evident in her post-transition releases from 2018 onward, where she explored deeper personal themes through piano-driven and electronic arrangements, allowing her vocals to transition seamlessly from gentle to intense expressions of emotion.[54] Lin's artistic influences include J-pop, reflecting her Japanese heritage from her father, alongside the iconic Hong Kong idol scene that shaped her pop sensibilities. Her experience collaborating with the band Dear Jane, including joint concerts and performances, honed her live vocal delivery, emphasizing dynamic range and stage presence in her Cantopop work.[55] These elements contributed to thematic shifts toward introspection, as seen in her output after 2017, where she delved into personal growth and resilience.Key albums and singles
Shiga Lin's discography features a series of EPs and albums that showcase her evolution in Cantopop, with releases spanning emotional ballads and upbeat tracks. Her debut EP, Moment, released in 2010 under Warner Music Hong Kong, introduced her vocal style and included the single "Earl Grey," marking her initial foray into the Hong Kong music scene.[56] In 2012, Lin achieved breakthrough success with the EP Movin' On, which topped sales charts and featured the lead single "The End" (到此為止), a poignant breakup ballad that became one of her signature hits and solidified her popularity among Cantopop listeners. The track's commercial impact highlighted Lin's ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes of closure and reflection. Another notable single from this period, "I'm Still Loving You" (2011), peaked on regional charts, contributing to her rising profile.[57] Lin released Once Said in 2014, an EP blending introspective lyrics with pop arrangements, followed by One Year Older (大了一歲) in 2015, which explored maturity and personal growth and received positive reviews for its polished production. Her 2017 EP Another Me represented a transitional phase under Warner Music Hong Kong, incorporating diverse influences.[56] Following her brief time with HMV Music (2017-2018) and subsequent signing to The Voice Entertainment (later Starz Track Limited), Lin maintained steady output with singles like "Passerby" (過路人) in 2019, focusing on themes of transience and resilience. In 2020, the single "Little Lies" (小謊言), serving as a thematic tie-in to personal narratives, garnered attention for its melodic depth and emotional delivery, further demonstrating Lin's versatility. Post-motherhood, Lin made a comeback with the 2025 single "Life Instructions" (人生使用說明), featuring reflective themes on family and renewal, released under Starz Track Limited amid renewed interest in her catalog. Overall, her key releases have collectively achieved strong digital performance, with EPs like Movin' On driving sales milestones in Hong Kong's competitive market.[58]| Key Albums and EPs | Release Year | Label | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moment | 2010 | Warner Music Hong Kong | "Earl Grey" |
| Movin' On | 2012 | Warner Music Hong Kong | "The End," "Movin' On" |
| Once Said | 2014 | Warner Music Hong Kong | "Gotta Be With You" |
| One Year Older | 2015 | Warner Music Hong Kong | "Old Corner" |
| Another Me | 2017 | Warner Music Hong Kong | "Let Me Go," "Old Corner" |
| Notable Singles | Release Year | Chart/Streaming Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| "I'm Still Loving You" | 2011 | Early hit, regional airplay success |
| "The End" (到此為止) | 2012 | Commercial breakthrough |
| "Little Lies" (小謊言) | 2020 | Strong digital reception post-2019 releases |
Acting career
Film roles
Shiga Lin made her film debut in the 2011 Hong Kong comedy-drama Lan Kwai Fong, directed by Wilson Chin, where she portrayed Jennifer, a flight attendant entangled in the vibrant nightlife of Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong district.[17] Her performance as the outgoing and flirtatious character marked a shift from her initial bright public image to a more provocative on-screen persona, showcasing her ability to blend humor with sensuality in ensemble scenes involving party dynamics and romantic pursuits.[59] This role, which highlighted her transition from modeling to acting, earned her a nomination for Best New Performer at the 31st Hong Kong Film Awards in 2012.[18] Lin reprised a similar nightlife-themed role in the sequel Lan Kwai Fong 2 (2012), playing Summer Lui, a character navigating complex relationships and social escapades in the same urban party scene. The film built on the original's success by expanding on themes of youthful indulgence, with Lin's portrayal emphasizing emotional depth amid comedic elements. In the same year, she appeared in the action-thriller Blood Money (2012), directed by Gregory McQualter, as Ping Ho, a supporting character involved in the film's international drug cartel intrigue.[60][20] Her role contributed to the narrative's high-stakes tension, portraying a figure caught in the crossfire of criminal alliances between Hong Kong triads and Colombian operatives.[20] Lin took on a lead role as Ya-Shi in the 2015 black comedy When Geek Meets Serial Killer, directed by Remus Kam and Jianhe Zheng, where she played a woman who forms an unlikely bond with a vigilante killer while dealing with personal loss and moral ambiguity.[61] The character's arc explored themes of friendship and redemption through dark humor, demonstrating Lin's versatility in handling psychological depth within a genre-blending plot. Her role in the 2020 crime thriller The Infernal Walker, directed by Ally Wong, saw her as Lam Sin-Yeung, a police officer entangled in an undercover operation exposing triad infiltration, marking a progression toward more intense dramatic characters.[62] In this first installment of a planned trilogy, Lin's performance as the determined yet conflicted officer added layers to the film's exploration of loyalty and betrayal in Hong Kong's criminal underworld.[63] The movie achieved modest box office returns, grossing approximately US$100,000, reflecting its niche appeal amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic release.[64]Television and web series
Prior to 2020, Shiga Lin made several guest appearances in Hong Kong television series, including a minor role in Line Walker: The Prelude (2017) as A Lun in the premiere episode.[15] She also starred as Annie, one of five young women navigating love and career challenges in the bustling Central district, in the ViuTV web drama Sexy Central (2019), a 12-episode series often compared to Sex and the City for its focus on female friendships and urban life.[15][65] Lin achieved prominence in traditional television with her lead role as Dr. Fong Su Man (also known as Sherman), an obstetrician entangled in family estrangements and supernatural elements involving rewritten destinies after a tragic accident, in the TVB romantic melodrama Life After Death (2020).[15][66] The 25-episode series, which aired from June to July 2020, explored themes of loss, redemption, and otherworldly interventions, earning Lin a nomination for Best Actress at the TVB Anniversary Awards.[26] It averaged 27.4 rating points and peaked at 31.9 in its finale, placing it among TVB's top-rated dramas of the year.[67] Her performance drew praise for blending emotional depth with the series' mystical undertones, marking a breakthrough in serialized broadcasting.[26] In 2022, Lin appeared in the TVB supernatural drama Barrack O'Karma 1968, portraying Yip Fo Wan (also Florence) in episodes 17 and 18, contributing to the storyline's exploration of reincarnation, memory loss, and karmic cycles within a haunted mansion setting.[15] The 20-episode sequel to the 2019 series emphasized themes of fate and rebirth through its ensemble cast, with Lin's guest role adding layers to the romantic and eerie narrative.[68] Following her 2023 marriage, Lin took on fewer leading roles but made cameo appearances in specials and series, including a guest spot in episode 4 of the 2024 TVB variety show And They Lived Happily Ever After? and participation in the 2023 Super Trio: TVB Anniversary Special.[15] These digital and broadcast platforms highlighted her versatility in short-form content amid personal milestones like motherhood.[69]Awards and honors
Music awards
Shiga Lin's music career has been marked by several notable recognitions in Hong Kong's competitive music scene, particularly highlighting her debut success, breakthrough singles, and sustained popularity through streaming platforms. Her early accolade came shortly after her 2010 debut with Warner Music, where she was honored for her fresh entry into Cantopop. Subsequent awards for her 2012 hit "The End" (到此為止) underscored her ability to connect emotionally with audiences via heartfelt ballads. During her tenure with HMV Music from 2017 to 2018, she received regional recognition that affirmed her growing regional appeal. In the post-2020 era, amid a shift toward digital consumption, her work tied to television themes earned streaming-based honors, reflecting her adaptability to modern listening habits.| Year | Award | Category | Work | Ceremony | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Metro Radio Hits Music Awards | Best New Debut Female Singer (勁爆新登場女歌手) | N/A (debut recognition) | Metro Radio | http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/entertainment/20101230/00282_012.html |
| 2012 | RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards (35th) | Top Ten Chinese Gold Song (十大中文金曲) | "The End" (到此為止) | RTHK | https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/entertainment/20130122/00282_011.html |
| 2012 | Metro Radio Hits Music Awards | Best New Media Song (新城勁爆新媒體歌曲金獎) | "The End" (到此為止) | Metro Radio | https://www.lemonmusic.com.hk/9972012.htm |
| 2018 | ViuTV Music Program Award | Asia Pacific Female Singer (亞太區女歌手獎) | N/A (overall recognition) | ViuTV | https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E9%80%A3%E8%A9%A9%E9%9B%85%E7%8D%B2%E4%BA%9E%E5%A4%AA%E5%8D%80%E5%A5%B3%E6%AD%8C%E6%89%8B%E7%8D%8E-222016193.html |
| 2020 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation | Gold Song Award (勁歌金曲獎, Top 20 Songs) | "Little Lies" (小謊言) | TVB Jade Solid Gold | https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202101/18/AP6004a08ce4b0093c7f26d076.html |