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Hong Kong’s entertainment industry gathered today, November 18, to pay final respects to veteran actor Benz Hui, 76, who passed away on October 28 following complications from cancer-related organ failure. The moving farewell ceremony, held at the Tai Wai Pofook Memorial Hall, saw an outpouring of affection from colleagues and fans, cementing the late star’s legacy as one of the most beloved figures in local cinema and television.

The memorial hall was adorned with a massive floral display—a testament to Hui’s esteemed position within the industry—and three distinct photographs capturing his life: a central portrait, a smiling image of the actor in a white suit, and an iconic still of his celebrated character, Foon Hei Gor, from the hit TVB series The Line Walker.

A Legacy Measured in Affection

Benz Hui, known for his signature warmth and versatility in character roles spanning decades, commanded profound respect across generations of actors. Tributes flooded in from titans of Asian cinema, including messages and wreaths from Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Louis Koo, Charmaine Sheh, and Eric Tsang, among countless others who admired his dedication.

The ceremony featured video montages celebrating Hui’s illustrious career, highlighting his most memorable screen performances and award-winning moments. These visual narratives evoked deep emotion, underscoring the pervasive impact of his work on audiences across the region.

Hui is survived by his daughter, Charmaine Hui, 29, who made her first public statement since her father’s passing. Visibly struggling with grief, she thanked the community for their overwhelming support, revealing that the suddenness of his death still felt surreal.

“It was very sudden for everyone, and for us too—it still doesn’t feel real,” Charmaine said, her voice catching. “Seeing how loved my father was, I feel truly blessed and want to thank everyone who has reached out.”

Unwavering Sense of Duty Define Actor’s Character

When reflecting on her father’s character, Charmaine described a professional and personal life defined by unwavering responsibility and dedication. She recalled a particularly trying period during the filming of the 1980s drama Police Cadet ’84.

“Within a month, he lost my grandfather, grandmother, and uncle—yet he never troubled his colleagues or stopped working,” she recounted, tears welling up. “He kept going until he finished the job. That sense of responsibility, and all his other virtues, are things I’ll always remember.”

One poignant regret Charmaine expressed was the lack of time to truly repay her father’s lifelong care. When asked if she regretted that her father never got to hold a grandchild, she responded tearfully: “That’s definitely a regret. But my biggest regret is that I didn’t have enough time to be filial to him.”

The funeral rites are scheduled for today, followed by cremation.

Connecting the Legacy with Fans

In a move to honor his connection with fans, Charmaine confirmed that the family intends to keep her father’s social media pages active, ensuring fans have a space to revisit his work and share their memories.

Furthermore, she revealed a trove of unreleased, intimate video clips filmed during the actor’s final months. In recent times, the father-daughter duo had begun recording daily videos, a simple activity that became deeply meaningful.

“When I was young, dad was always busy working,” Charmaine smiled softly, recalling their recent filming sessions. “Being able to film with him now became such a precious memory—it felt like we made up for lost time.”

Once the immediacy of the funeral arrangements has passed, the family plans to organize and share this cherished, final footage with the public, allowing fans one last glimpse into the warmth and humor of the legendary Benz Hui. His lasting on-screen presence and profound personal impact will continue to resonate deeply within the world of Asian entertainment.

A rising star in Thailand’s vibrant entertainment scene, model-actor Dom Petchthamrongchai, stunned followers this spring by abandoning his burgeoning career to enter a Buddhist monastery, embarking on a temporary ordination focused on spiritual clarity and community service. Now known by his monastic title, Punnadhamm, the 22-year-old is dedicating his time to a unique charitable endeavor: raising funds for the construction of Hervey Bay, Brisbane’s, inaugural Buddhist temple. The decision, which the Melbourne-born celebrity noted was fully supported by his family, underscores a profound shift from the demands of global celebrity to a contemplative existence.

Dom first captured public attention as a competitor on The Face Men Thailand Season 2 in 2019. Despite an early exit, he swiftly built a formidable career, modeling for international luxury houses like Louis Vuitton for their Fall-Winter 2022/2023 collection and securing roles in several Thai dramas, including the recently released series, The Bangkok Boy.

Seeking Purpose Beyond the Spotlight

The decision to trade high fashion runways for saffron robes stemmed from a deep-seated desire for personal realignment. In an interview with ABC Brisbane, Dom explained that the pressures of fame had led him toward “a very unhealthy lifestyle.”

“I used to be a very chaotic person,” he reflected. “I thought, ‘This is it. If I become a monk, maybe I could find some answers that would enrich me to really understand what my purpose is in this world, and what my goals are.’”

He asserts that the discipline and introspection of the monastic life have helped him crystallize his objectives. “Now, I know what my goals are. It is just a matter of action,” he added.

A Foundational Tradition of Temporary Ordination

While drastic to outside observers, temporary monastic ordination is a deeply ingrained and respected cultural practice in Thailand. Men often enter the monkhood for varying periods—ranging from a few weeks to several months—to accumulate merit, honor parents, and fully immerse themselves in the teachings of the Dharma.

Dom has not specified an exact end date for his current spiritual journey, stating in an Instagram post on his April 1st birthday that he intends to remain “as long as I can.” This open-ended commitment reflects a dedication to maximizing the learning experience. “The longer I stay, the more I will learn,” he wrote.

Currently, his efforts are centered on community support in Australia. The initiative to fund a new Buddhist temple in Hervey Bay highlights how the principles learned in the monastery can be immediately applied to tangible public benefit.

Future Shifts Away from Showbiz

Perhaps the most significant implication of Dom’s current path is the definitive pivot from his prior professional trajectory. Although unclear whether he will ever return to the entertainment world, his interviews suggest a strong commitment to academic and professional pursuits once he steps down from the temple.

Speaking with MGR Online in June, Dom expressed aspirations to continue his studies post-monkhood, focusing specifically on finance and law. This declared interest suggests a preference for grounding himself in fields that offer stability and intellectual challenge, rather than the volatile world of showbiz.

Whether this temporary transition proves permanent in its influence, Dom’s journey from top model to dedicated monk offers a powerful testament to prioritizing mental health and purpose over fleeting celebrity, echoing a universal quest for meaning beyond material success.

Hong Kong superstar Jackson Wang, globally recognized for his work with the K-pop group GOT7 and his burgeoning solo career, inadvertently ignited a social media firestorm during a recent trip to Paris after being photographed shopping at the affordable lifestyle retailer, Miniso. Instead of visiting the luxury ateliers typical of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the 31-year-old artist chose a more budget-friendly destination, acquiring a variety of plush toys and, notably, a pack of disposable men’s underwear, a detail that quickly captivated and amused millions of global admirers.

The incident unfolded as Wang, known for his polished style and frequent collaborations with high-end fashion houses, made an unexpected detour into a local branch of the Chinese-Japanese retail chain. Eyewitnesses and paparazzi captured the singer strolling through the aisles, embracing the store’s characteristic collection of toys and practical necessities. Wang was seen with an armful of stuffed animals, momentarily tucking a teddy bear into his outerwear.

The Unexpected Viral Moment

The seemingly mundane shopping excursion rapidly transcended typical celebrity gossip due to a single, hyper-specific item: a package of disposable men’s briefs. In the age of instant digital scrutiny, photographs circulated online almost immediately, with particularly sharp-eyed fans successfully zooming in on the packaging. The detail that went viral was the sizing information, clearly visible as XL.

Within hours of the images being posted, the phrase circulating online suggested that the world was now privy to the intimate detail of Wang’s preferred undergarment size. This development quickly became top trending topic across various Asian and international social media platforms, transforming a simple shopping trip into a major news event among global fandoms.

The reaction from fans was immediate, generating a wave of witty and self-aware commentary. Fans highlighted the contrast between Wang’s high-profile status and his choice of budget brand, with one commenter noting, “It’s not that he can’t afford Louis Vuitton—Miniso just has better value.” Another playfully addressed the revealed size, juxtaposing it with Wang’s famously lean and muscular physique, questioning how the XL sizing correlated with his build.

Implications for Celebrity and Retail

This episode underscores several contemporary media dynamics. Firstly, it highlights the intense, often granular, level of scrutiny applied to major K-pop and Mandopop stars, where even the most ordinary private activities become public domain. Secondly, the attention directed toward Miniso’s product line offers an unexpected windfall for the retailer. Industry observers anticipate that, following the global exposure generated by a star of Wang’s caliber, these specific disposable undergarments will likely see a surge in demand, a phenomenon dubbed the “Jackson Wang Effect.”

While the performer himself has not released a statement regarding the viral moment, the incident further cements Wang’s public image as being both relatable and slightly unconventional, characteristics his fans frequently celebrate. Ultimately, the unusual Paris souvenir served as a powerful reminder that even the biggest global stars occasionally seek out affordable comforts and everyday essentials, ensuring their connection with Miniso will be remembered far longer than a typical luxury purchase.