Remember former Taiwanese singer Toro aka Guo Weiyun of long-defunct boy group Energy? After leaving showbiz in 2003, he went on to start his own media company and has lived a very low-key life since then, save for the occasional gathering with his ex-bandmates and other showbiz pals.

On September 15, Apple Daily spotted the 38-year-old at a bar in Taipei’s Eastern District. He was wearing glasses with a striped singlet and shorts, and looked, well, quite different from the chiselled, handsome idol fangirls from the early noughties were crazy about. Then again, it has been 17 years.

Apple Daily’s report pointed out that Toro appears to have put on quite a bit of weight and now sports an obvious beer belly. They also described his skin condition as “not ideal”. However, we reckon this is probably just an issue of styling, plus, we all have our ‘off days’ right?

After all, it wasn’t that long ago when he was spotted on singer Sam Lin’s Instagram looking pretty much the same as he did all those years ago. The photos (see below), were said to be taken in March and marked an ultra-rare update on Toro, who is apparently not on social media. Fans went crazy over his good looks and joked that he has probably “eaten preservatives”.

Even more recent was his appearance at the stage adaptation of Taiwanese drama The World Between Us just earlier this month (see below), where, again, he didn’t look like he’s changed much since his Energy days.

But yes, back to his current whereabouts. After being contacted by Apple Daily and being informed that he had been photographed looking a little, um, fluffier than usual, Toro calmly told them that he “hasn’t put on that much weight” and that he’s at the weight he should be at his age.

He added that this is a common problem with people who are no longer in the public eye and brought up ex-5566 member Rio Peng as an example, saying that the latter also gained weight but got back into shape after exercising and quitting smoking. Toro then said that he works out often, but it looks like he may need to hit the gym more.

As for his love life, Toro said that he is “very free”, although he has no idea how long he has been single.

Photos: Apple Daily, Jungiery Star Office, TORO 郭苇昀/Facebook, Sam Lin/Instagram