Zeny Kwok & Katie Kwok

[Mike Thomason]

Same person!

Zeny Kwok: http://www.hkmdb.com/db/people/view.mht ... ay_set=eng

Katie Kwok: http://www.hkmdb.com/db/people/view.mht ... ay_set=eng

Definitely the same person; can post screengrabs from both GLASS TEARS and 6 AM if required to verify. Katie, being the name she used for 6 AM (2004), becomes the most current English name for this actress.

[MrBooth]

Hmmm, I'd definitely like to see the screen caps - but a second-source on the identity would be better. e.g. if they look alike they could be sisters?

If you can take some captures of the credits then if the Chinese name was the same that would be confirmation I guess

[Mike Thomason]

Zeny Kwok (from GLASS TEARS); note Chinese characters - Kwok Sin Hing...




Katie Kwok (from 6 AM); again, note Chinese characters - Kwok Sin Hang




Things to take into consideration: a) these two films were made three years apart - GLASS TEARS (2001) vs 6 AM (2004). b) Distinctive facial features (eyes and nose) are not all that dissimilar, however there has been an overall "maturing" in her facial features due to the passage of time between both productions. c) It is also not uncommon for HK actors/actresses to change their stage name throughout their careers; Lee Lai Chun went from Loletta Lee to Loretta Lee and now is known as Rachel Lee, whereas Chung Suk Wai was known as Rachel Chung during her modelling days and Lily Chung during her screen career.

[calros]

I am not so sure.

The last symbol of Zeny is not "Hing" but "Yu" (both cantonese and mandarin, although our "transliterator", ovbiously bought in Spain, does not translate well this last symbol) (added)

I did not find one single site in chinese or english relating both names.

But maybe they are sisters!

[Mike Thomason]

Well, I will give you all the benefit of the doubt but I will be personally noting in my review for my up-coming HK film review site that Zeny is now known as Katie, post 6 AM (pending confirmation per below).

Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG) promoted Katie as their "latest starlet" when they did press releases for 6 AM last year, and from her Chinese name there seems to be small indication that she is possibly related to Sonija Kwok. Anyway, I've scooted an email to EEG for confirmation and will get back to you all as soon as an EEG representative replies.

[MrBooth]

The difference in the last Chinese character troubles me too - changing English names is common enough, but changing Chinese names is not (though some people have used pseudonyms depending on what role they performed on the film, but this generally doesn't apply to actors.)

I wouldn't feel comfortable merging them yet I'm afraid!

[calros]

keep us informed, Mr. Dragon ! ^_^

[Mike Thomason]

The difference in the last Chinese character troubles me too - changing English names is common enough, but changing Chinese names is not (though some people have used pseudonyms depending on what role they performed on the film, but this generally doesn't apply to actors.)

I wouldn't feel comfortable merging them yet I'm afraid!

Sometimes Chinese people in entertainment circles will change their Chinese name to "improve their luck or fortune" and, although not commonplace, it has been noted periodically over time. Of course, Tam Fu Wing adopted the screen name "Ti Lung", as phonetically it sounds akin to "Delon" (as in HK loved French actor "Alain Delon") -- ie: "Dee Long", as pronounced, rather than "Tea Lung" as written. See Derek Chiu's FRUGAL GAME for the best example of this. And Tsui Hark changed his working name to what we know now from his birthname of "Tsui Man Kong" as it was believed to be more prosperous (see Frederic Dannen and Barry Long's "Hong Kong Babylon", in the Tsui Hark interview segment, for further documentation of this). Faye Wong was another entertainer, who changed her name from "Wong Man Ching" to "Wong Fei", who also did so to improve her fortune. It's all about Fung Shui, which the Chinese have a deeper belief in than us Westerners...

Calros -- I will keep you informed and post back once I have received correspondence back from EEG, if indeed I do. However, my dealings with numerous HK entertainment bodies has generally been positive thus far so with luck you should hear back from me soon. Feel free to call me "Michael" or "Mike" too - I will investigate dropping my screen alias in the short-term and see if it is permitted to post and assist here under my real name, as I no longer have need for my former 'net nickname.

Kind regards

[calros]

Tam Fu Wing adopted the screen name "Ti Lung", as phonetically it sounds akin to "Delon" (as in HK loved French actor "Alain Delon") -- ie: "Dee Long"

Hey!!!!!! I did not know that thing!!!!! very good!!!!

[Mike Thomason]

Still waiting on a reply about Katie vs. Zeny Kwok from Emperor...
If I don't hear back by Wednesday I'll mail them a reminder.
Just thought I'd update you all.

[Mike Thomason]

If someone else would like to have a try over this one, Emperor can be contacted at:

emperor@emperorgroup.com.hk

Emperor Group currently represent Katie Kwok, and only they can confirm whether or not Katie was formerly known as Zeny (I'm convinced, as the photographic evidence speaks for itself, as do the voice tones when you hear her on film). Thus far I have had three emails requests ignored by Emperor - all simply noting that I had seen Katie in 6AM and noticed she looked strikingly like Zeny, and could they confirm? That was it - and after years of dealing with HK companies for these kinds of requests, I know pretty much the correct wording and tone to adopt for a result...usually. Emperor seem to be the exception to the rule.

Best of luck chaps!
Mike

[Brian Thibodeau]

but I will be personally noting in my review for my up-coming HK film review site

Mike,

I noticed this reference in one of your earlier posts. So the site's still a distinct possibility I assume? That'd be cool. I remember taking a quick spin through it and being impressed with what you'd done so far, and hoping you weren't serious about letting it go. Best of luck to you!

[calros]

The Zeny/Katie thing? Someone* from Emperor FINALLY got back to me ages ago, but I must have been washing my hair or something that week and never got around to coming back and posting anything.
(*was a publicist of some variety, don't remember the name, email long deleted)

If nobody stops me in 15 days I will merge them.