Carrie Wong Still Hasn’t Changed Her Phone Password Since Leaked DMs With Ian Fang

We’re at the press conference of Carrie Wong’s upcoming Ch 8 drama, My One In A Million, and reporters are scrambling to speak to the star. It is, after all, her first public appearance since May, when explicit Instagram DMs between her and Ian Fang were leaked. Amid the barrage of flirty messages between the two stars were some comments by Carrie about her co-star Lawrence Wong, who had taken over the late Aloysius Pang in this very drama. We’ll get to the offscreen details in a bit, because there’s plenty of onscreen drama that we need to address.

In My One in a Million, Carrie plays a gifted matchmaker who is catapulted to online fame, thanks to her exceptional ability to play Cupid, and is invited to be a guest judge on a variety show, The Destined One.

But here’s a plot twist: The Destined One is not merely a fictitious show within a show. It is actually a brand new, bona fide reality dating series on Ch 8, where real single pringles get to mingle. Yes, things are about to get very meta in Ch 8’s first cross-genre production. My One in a Million cast members will make appearances on The Destined One — in character, too, mind you — while the dating show contestants have cameos in the drama as well. Talk about breaking the fourth wall.

But back to real-life (we know, we know, what’s real and what’s reel anymore?). Carrie’s fans are out in full force at the public press meet at Tampines Hub, to give their idol the best kind of moral support needed after what she’s been through. Carrie appears cheery on stage, if slightly subdued, and only chats about the drama and her character. She does, however, wholeheartedly participate in the games with fans, alongside castmates Story of Yanxi Palace actor Lawrence Wong, Jasmine Sim, Xiang Yun and Chen Yixi.

Speaking of contests, there were more games to be played and prizes to be won at the event, thanks to the official launch of 8world.com, Mediacorp's Chinese digital portal that covers everything from breaking news and current affairs to lifestyle and entertainment news. But we digress.

All eyes, however, are fixated on Carrie and Lawrence, after it was revealed that the former had criticised the latter in some of the leaked DMs.

We seize the opportunity to speak to Carrie after the event, and although we’re reminded by minders not to touch on the scandal or her personal life, the lanky actress is surprisingly forthcoming when we probe anyway, even if she was cut off by her manager a couple of times. It’s clear that she’s come prepared for the incessant questions about the incident, smiling throughout our chat, which is punctuated by exasperated sighs when we try to pry more. Still, she reiterates her gratitude to her parents, friends, and boyfriend, Taiwanese model Boris Lin, and that she “wouldn’t be sitting here without their love and encouragement”.

There's no doubt that she wants to put this episode behind her and to get back into the swing of things, what with upcoming Toggle show, City Rhapsody, and other events on her plate. What’s not on the agenda is upcoming drama After the Stars, where she was originally slated to be the second female lead, starring alongside Jeanette Aw, but was allegedly replaced by Malaysian actress Jojo Goh because of the text scandal. We’d tell you Carrie’s thoughts on this, but alas, before we could even ask, she’s whisked off quickly to another interview, and disappears into the crowd.

8 DAYS: How are you coping with life now since the messages were leaked?
CARRIE WONG: (Smiles) I’m good. (Her manager interjects but Carrie continues) It’s okay, I’ll answer this. Okay, it hasn’t been an easy situation, and it was a very tough period as well. I am better now, I am blessed and lucky to have the support of my friends and family despite all that commotion. They gave me a lot of positive energy for me to carry on. It’s because of their encouragement that I’m now able to sit here right now.
What have you learnt from this?
Life is all about making decisions. Sometimes you make wrong choices, and disappoint the people you love. I’ve learnt to appreciate the people around me and I want to become a better person. For now, I will just focus on the work that’s given to me, and I am very thankful that people are still willing to give me the opportunity to work.
Do you have trust issues now?
I think everyone has trust issues. (Laughs)
Are you going to be more guarded when it comes to interactions with other people?
Um, I think it’s fine… (trails off) ​​​​​​​

You reported the leak to the police. Any updates on that?
Because it’s still under police investigation, I can’t say anything. I am still going back to the police now and then to assist in the investigation, but I can’t reveal the details. I’m sorry.
You went on a social media detox after the incident happened. What was that like?
I realised that there are a lot of other things to do besides social media. It was great, I watched tons of movies, dramas… It was a good break for me. I received a lot of messages from friends, worried about me because I wasn’t online much. They’d thought I disappeared. (Laughs) But I didn’t lah!
Has the incident changed the way you use Instagram?
Social media will always be social media. So I’m very glad that people are spreading positive messages and encouraging me. I think I should learn from them to spread more kindness online.
Did you change your phone password at least?
No.
Aren’t you afraid of history repeating itself?
Accidents happen. But I think I’ll put this past me.

What was your family’s reaction when they first heard about the leak?
They stood by me. They didn’t have to say anything. They’re my family. My dad and my mum didn’t say much, they told me that home will always be here for me. It’s the best thing they can ever give me.
What advice did they give?
No one gave me any advice. But it was a tough period. I need to learn to cherish them.
How has working with Lawrence been on the show?
We completed the entire drama with a lot of happiness and laughter. Lawrence is very professional. He kept working with positive energy despite everything, so I’m very thankful for that too. Everyone else gave me a lot of care and kindness, especially the cast. They’re such happy pills and I’m very happy to come on set. They’re always making me laugh, and we wrapped up filming on a good note.
Would you say you and Lawrence are friends now?
Even before the incident, we’ve never hung out outside of work. But I believe when there’s a cast gathering, everyone will attend.

Were there any misconceptions you had before that you realise was wrong after you worked with him?(Slowly) I’ve already apologised to him for whatever I’d said. He understands me. Throughout the whole production there was no trouble at all. Everyone was very professional.
How has this incident affected your relationship with Boris?
My boyfriend and I are good. Thank you.
But he stood by you throughout the whole incident. He’s a keeper. Do you plan to marry him?
We’re good, thanks.

My One In A Million premieres July 22, 9pm on Ch 8. You can also catch it first on Toggle from July 15.

The Destined One premieres July 1, 8pm on Ch 8.