Hong Ling On Why She Didn’t Expect Her Role In Your World In Mine To Shine & How Her Parents Think Boyfriend Nick Teo Is “The One” For Her

You know a drama has made its way into the hearts of Singaporeans like Your World In Mine has when it holds an event at a mall and it gets a reception usually received by K-pop stars or Heavenly Kings.

The hit Mediacorp drama, which ended its run last Friday (it’s still available on meWATCH), threw a Thank You Event yesterday (Aug 14) at Tampines 1.

And over 1,500 fans showed up, filling all four floors of the mall, just to catch a glimpse of the drama’s much-loved cast, Huang Biren, Yao Wenlong, Richie Koh, Hong Ling, Desmond Ng, Zong Zijie, Xiang Yun, Ben Yeo and Priscelia Chan.

Speaking of the stars, ever since the drama aired, they've been showered with effusive praises from viewers for their acting.

From Richie Koh’s career-making performance as an intellectually disabled person to Huang Biren’s powerful portrayal of a selfless mother on the brink of a breakdown, and to Hong Ling’s touching turn as a sensible and understanding older sister, the cast has managed to hit all the right spots.

However, it appears that the show's popularity wasn't something the cast expected. 

At least not for Hong Ling, who initially thought her role was just a "background character who doesn’t really stand out".

When 8days.sg spoke to the 27-year-old actress at the Thank You Event, she revealed that she actually didn't expect the show to take off. 

"When we were filming we were really worried that people wouldn’t like the show, especially ‘cos some may find the topic [about intellectual disabilities] quite sensitive," she said.

"So in the first week, we were really surprised and happy that everyone enjoyed it. Even my father told me that he heard many people talking about our show on the streets," she beamed with pride. 

Hong Ling and her reel-life fam, Richie Koh, Zong Zijie, Huang Biren and Yao Wenlong, at the Thank You Event

8DAYS.SG: Your character Zheng Tian Xi is everyone's favourite big sister now. Are you anything like that in real life?

HONG LING: I have two younger siblings too — a brother and a sister. But it’s very different 'cos at home, I actually feel like the youngest sibling (laughs). My brother and sister are always the ones looking after me, unlike in the show where I have to take care of my younger brothers. 

Also, Tian Xi is someone who shoulders a lot of responsibilities and chooses to bottle up her feelings. I'm very lucky that that's something I don't have to deal with in real life. 

Personality wise, I’m also someone who would voice my unhappiness. If I’m upset, everyone would be able to tell (laughs).

How would you say you've changed after filming this show?

Before this, I've never really interacted with people of special needs. After being part of this project, I became more understanding and accepting 'cos I really cannot imagine [how difficult] their daily lives are.

Hong Ling with boyfriend Nick Teo and their furkid

We also saw that your boyfriend Nick has been a loyal fan of the drama. Do you guys watch all of each other’s shows?

Yes, we do. And we give each other suggestions on how to improve. He did sing pretty high praises of my performance in this show. (Laughs) I’ve watched the first five episodes of his new drama When Duty Calls 2 too 'cos that's what's available on meWATCH for now.

I think his performance is up to standard lah, but I like our show better! (Laughs)

Has he ever criticised your acting?

Yes, in the past there were some shows where he did tell me I could do better for certain scenes. But this show there wasn't any [negative feedback] (laughs).

In the show, your ideal type is someone who's accepting of your younger brother. What's your ideal type in real life then?

I’d say that Nick is my ideal type. (Laughs) ‘Cos when I look at him, I do it with admiration (blushes). I think his personality is something I can learn a lot from, and I'm able to see my flaws when I’m with him. That’s why I enjoy being around him so much 'cos he makes me want to be a better person.

He also has higher EQ than I do (laughs), and it's something I’ve been working on.

Was it love at first sight when you met him on the set of 118 in 2014?

Oh, no. Our feelings developed after spending time together. I felt very comfortable around him and I think he's very caring to the people around him. He radiates so much love! (laughs)

How is his relationship with your family members?

They get along very well! My parents basically think he’s the one for me already (chuckles). For example when I quarrel with Nick, they'll always take his side first.

Do you remember how it was like when Nick first met your parents?

Actually they didn’t accept our relationship immediately 'cos they felt that I was too young when we first started dating. I was about 20 or 21 years old at that time. That was also when my acting career just started, so they thought I shouldn't be getting in a relationship that soon.

But after they got to know Nick, they really liked him and would always tell me: “You’re too lucky to be with Nick!” (Laughs)

What was Nick like when he met your parents for the first time?

He was very shy, maybe also because he was stressed (laughs). But later on my dad saw some interviews of Nick and said "Oh he's such a cheeky person, I didn't even know!" 

It took him about one or two years to open up to my parents (laughs).

Photos: Hong Ling/Instagram, Mediacorp Photo Unit

Catch Hong Ling's performance in Your World In Mine on meWATCH below: