Chow Yun Fat proves his worth as 'Selfie King' at Cold War 2 press conference

SINGAPORE — Determined to live up to his nickname “The King of Selfies”, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat decided, on the spur of the moment, to go around taking selfies with every reporter present at a press conference here today.

Chow is in Singapore to promote his new film Cold War 2. He is accompanied by his co-stars, Hong Kong actor-singer Aaron Kwok and Taiwanese actor-singer Eddie Peng.

“I’m going to take a selfie with everyone on my phone,” the 61-year-old proclaimed, telling Kwok and Peng jokingly that they should “go home”. He then proceeded to do just that, saying he’ll “airdrop these photos to you later”. Meanwhile, Kwok and Peng waited bemusedly on stage for him to return.

Chow admitted that he is “terrified” of people taking selfies of him. “Their angles are not good. I look ugly and fat. Firstly, their arms are not as long as mine. If you are too near, I don’t look good. Also, if it’s a wefie, I always try to be in the middle.”

Proving that he is very much a social media expert, Chow declared, while doing a little jig, that he “loves Boomerang” (referencing Instagram’s app which makes looping videos).

Added Peng: “He introduced me to a lot of software to download, so I can take selfies that don’t look like anyone else’s. Plus, I just learnt that I should be the one in the middle.”

In response, Kwok quipped that he does not have time to take selfies. “I just rehearse my moves in front of a mirror.”

“I suggest you take selfies while you dance,” interjected Chow. “You could affix a camera to your forehead,” Peng chimed in. But Kwok didn’t think it was a good idea. “I’m very busy,” he responded with a laugh.

Cold War 2 is the sequel to the 2012 police action thriller Cold War. The first film, which ended with a cliffhanger, was a huge hit, raking in over US$50 million (S$67 million) worldwide.

In Cold War 2, Kwok reprises his role as Sean Lau, who, in his new role as Chief Police Commissioner, finds his professional integrity put to the test when the safety of his family is jeopardised by incarcerated criminal Joe Lee, who is played by Peng.

“It’s rare to have so many good actors in a movie,” Peng said. “I’ve seen Cold War 2, and it’s really better than the first movie.”

Chow, a new addition to the cast, enters the scene as an influential lawyer. The film also stars Tony Leung Ka Fai, Janice Man, Aarif Lee and Charlie Young.

“The first movie was very exciting and the two stars (Kwok and Leung) acted so well. So, I said I wanted to pop by (the second film) and rub shoulders with them,” Chow said.

About working with Chow, Kwok said: “I don’t dare say much in front of him because he’s been my idol since I was young. When I see him, my heart goes pit-a-pat. He’s so friendly to everyone. From him, I think I can learn how to treat people.”

Cold War 2 opens in cinemas July 8.