Nicholas Tse’s Manager's Offhand Remark Rekindles Talk That He Joined Showbiz To Repay Dad’s S$1.7mil Debt

Nicholas Tse’s showbiz start has always been the subject of scrutiny as the 40-year-old actor joined industry giant Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG) at the tender age of 16.

At the time, industry observers believed that this was his way of helping dad Patrick Tse repay the HK$10mil (S$1.7mil) he owed Albert Yeung, chairman of the Emperor Group, for a failed property investment. Albert has refuted this rumour in the past, saying, “Patrick works for me but he doesn’t owe me money.” Despite the clarification, the rumour still persists in some quarters.

It didn’t help that Nic admitted in a past interview with Hongkong media that he extended his contract because he “[didn’t] have enough to pay off the debts”. The first contract he signed was a five-year one, and this is the 25th year he’s been with EEG.

Recently, more fuel was added to the fire when an ostensible joke EEG bigwig Mani Fok cracked on Weibo rubbed people up the wrong way. Nic, who was at a ski resort, posted videos of his holiday on Feb 24. Mani reposted his video and added, “I’m waiting for you in the office. I’ve prepared the contract that automatically renews for the next 20 years.”

This prompted Nicholas fans to advocate for him on Mani’s Weibo. One said, “Nicholas Tse signed with EEG at the age of 16. EEG should treat him better.” Another wrote, “When are you going to let Nic act again? He’s a great actor, why are you putting him on the backburner like this?”

We suppose fans miss seeing Nic on screen - the star has been focusing his efforts on his business and filming variety shows in recent years, with his last leading role being in 2017’s Cook Up A Storm.

Photos: PBE Media