Hong Kong director Wong Jing recalls actress Gillian Chung’s struggles after leaked private photo scandal

By Nguyen Huong September 16, 2025 | 11:03 pm PT

Veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Jing said singer-actress Gillian Chung endured “heartbreaking consequences” after her private photos were leaked in 2008, despite being a victim of the scandal.

Wong, who recently launched a YouTube channel on Hong Kong cinema history, discusses influential figures such as Wong Kar Wai, Run Run Shaw, Wong Tin Lam, and Chow Yun Fat. In his latest episode on Sept. 15, he discussed the Cantopop duo Twins, formed by Charlene Choi and Chung, as reported by HK01.

He said Twins rose to prominence after debuting in 2000. Reflecting on the 2008 incident, he noted: "It was a sensitive incident, and I do not think it is about right or wrong. But I felt Gillian was so unfortunate to endure such a loss."

"I felt really sorry for her. At that time, people showed me the photos, I only glanced once and brushed it aside. I was not being hypocritical."

Having collaborated with Chung in several films, Wong added: "In my heart, I see her as a younger sister. Seeing her go through that made me very sad."

Hong Kong singer-actress Gillian Chung. Photo from Chung's Instagra,

The scandal began when private photos of Chung and several entertainers were leaked online. The source traced back to actor-singer Edison Chen, whose laptop containing intimate images was copied during a repair. The leak triggered widespread media coverage across Asia and damaged the reputations of those involved, with Chung facing the harshest scrutiny, according to KBIZoom.

During the YouTube episode, Wong recalled that Chung’s projects were suspended in the aftermath. Her scenes in the 2008 film "Forever Enthralled" were cut. He described the situation as "deeply regrettable," noting that the film went on to win multiple awards. Wong added that Chung’s management agency Emperor Entertainment "worked very hard and never gave up on her," which, along with public sympathy, helped her stage a comeback.

Chung, 44, first gained fame in 2001 as part of Twins and later starred in several box-office hits. After the 2008 scandal, she stepped away from the public eye for more than a year.

In 2018, she married Taiwanese gynecologist Michael Lai, but the couple separated in 2020. That same year, she relocated to mainland China, according to the South China Morning Post, and has since continued her career there.