HONG KONG — Two prominent figures in Hong Kong’s vibrant Cantopop scene, 35-year-old ERROR band member Guo Jia-jun (known as 193) and 22-year-old COLLAR vocalist Wang Jia-qing (known as Candy), have ignited a media frenzy following reports suggesting a clandestine 10-month romance. The dating speculation, initially reported by East Week, coincided with the stars debuting a collaborative musical performance, immediately raising questions about the intersection of their professional careers and private lives.
The alleged relationship first blossomed after the two singers worked together on the variety program The Company Forced Me to Play Basketball. According to reports, 193, recognized for his quick wit and comedic persona, has been exceptionally attentive to the younger star, allegedly acting as her chauffer on multiple occasions. News of the rumored coupling surfaced widely on Monday, October 25th.
Relationship Rumors Fuel Collaborative New Song Launch
The same day the reports broke, both artists appeared to lean into the speculation by simultaneously promoting their duet of 193’s new song, “Your Name, My Hymn,” across their social media platforms. The promotional material includes an intimate video shared on Instagram showing the pair warmly interacting and singing together while seated around a hotpot meal, a quintessential Hong Kong dining experience.
In the caption accompanying the video, 193 playfully acknowledged the immediate media attention, saying the collaboration—originally intended as part of a Christmas countdown series—had been prematurely released. Using his signature humorous style, he thanked Candy, whom he affectionately referred to as “Miss Wang, 29 centimeters shorter than me, who loves tall Oppas,” for covering the song with him. The apparent public display, or “flashing,” of affection in the video, complete with frequent, affectionate gazes, has been interpreted by many observers as a tacit confirmation of their romantic relationship.
The timing of the public musical release, immediately following the widespread tabloid coverage, suggests a strategic move to capitalize on the heightened media visibility. The move effectively transforms the dating speculation into high-wattage promotion, often referred to in the entertainment industry as a “couple promotion,” for the new track. Candy responded to 193’s post with a simple laughing emoji, further fueling public excitement and debate among fans.
Key Facts of the Pairing:
- Individuals: Guo Jia-jun (193), 35, of ERROR; Wang Jia-qing (Candy), 22, of COLLAR.
- Age Gap: 13 years.
- Origin of Connection: Variety show The Company Forced Me to Play Basketball.
- Public Debut: Joint cover of 193’s single, “Your Name, My Hymn.”
High-Profile Impact on Hong Kong Entertainment
The relationship, if confirmed, links two performers from different, yet interconnected, generations of Hong Kong pop music. ERROR operates under the management of MakerVille, while COLLAR, a highly successful girl group formed from the reality show King Maker IV, represents a new wave of talent. Such high-profile idol pairings often capture massive public imagination but also subject the stars to intense scrutiny regarding their professional commitments and fan base expectations.
Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous fans offering congratulations and expressions of joy for the seemingly happy couple. Industry analysts suggest that blending personal visibility with professional projects, especially in the Cantopop market, can significantly boost record sales and streaming numbers.
As the holiday season approaches, both fans and media outlets will be closely monitoring how this rumored star coupling develops, and whether their professional collaborations will continue to intertwine with their personal bond.