Hong Kong movie star Ekin Cheng on Young and Dangerous and latest film Last Song for You

For nearly four decades, Ekin Cheng Yee-kin has been an energetic presence in Hong Kong cinema, effortlessly transitioning from playing charismatic triad leaders to nuanced dramatic roles.

His accomplishments were recently recognised with the Star Asia Award at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), honouring his contributions across film, television and music, and his impact on Hong Kong’s popular culture.

“This time around, New York really surprised me. I really like it. If I had known, I would’ve brought more athletic outfits to run around and exercise,” he says.

For this interview, we meet Cheng at the Film at Lincoln Centre before the award ceremony. The actor, dressed in black, is polite but reserved at first. This is his second visit to New York, but he plans to return more frequently.