HONG KONG — Two of Hong Kong’s most prominent pop figures, 35-year-old Guo Jia-jun (known as 193) of the boy band ERROR and 22-year-old Candy Wong Ka-ching of the girl group COLLAR, are reportedly in a burgeoning secret relationship, drawing significant media attention from fans across the region. Local media outlet Eastweek broke the news, alleging the two idols have been discreetly dating for the past ten months.
The revelation is particularly notable for Wong, who is often hailed as COLLAR’s “ethereal beauty” and has repeatedly stated publicly that she had never been in a relationship, coining the term “A0” (meaning zero dating experience). If the reports are accurate, this marks her much-anticipated first foray into romance.
Wong rose to fame after participating in the reality television show King Maker IV on ViuTV, which led to her debut with COLLAR. She quickly garnered a substantial following due to her sweet looks and popular appeal, paralleling the popularity of bandmates like Marf Yau and Ivy So. In 2023, she landed her first lead role in a Hong Kong film, Evil Mall.
Idol Dating Challenges and Public Perception
Wong’s previous claims of being “A0” have been a consistent talking point in the local entertainment press. In earlier interviews, she often attributed her single status to her dedication to her nascent career following COLLAR’s debut in early 2022. She also characterized herself as someone with high standards for a partner, which media outlets previously dubbed her an “A0 Expert” and “extremely difficult to pursue.”
Discussing her ideal partner, Wong previously signaled a preference for a cool-headed and composed individual, suggesting it would balance out her own self-admitted “impetuous” personality. The reported pairing with Guo Jia-jun, however, has surprised some observers. Guo is known for his outspoken, sometimes provocative public statements and occasional social media feuds with internet users, a demeanor that seemingly contradicts Wong’s stated desire for a calm presence.
Guo, a more seasoned figure in the industry, has had several high-profile relationships since joining ERROR. The significant thirteen-year age gap between the two stars adds another layer of public curiosity to the reported cross-group romance.
Navigating Life Transitions and Future Prospects
Wong recently celebrated a major academic milestone, graduating this past June with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Psychology from City University of Hong Kong. An athlete during her high school years, she achieved strong results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination five years ago.
The confluence of her career ascent, academic success, and reported first serious relationship places the young star at a pivotal moment. The pressures of public scrutiny on relationship milestones within the stringent K-pop-inspired idol system prevalent in Hong Kong, where personal lives are often heavily scrutinized, will undoubtedly intensify. While the stars themselves have yet to officially confirm the relationship, the media frenzy demonstrates the intense public investment in the personal lives of Hong Kong’s newest generation of pop idols.
The alleged relationship between members of two of Hong Kong’s most successful idol groups highlights the ongoing challenge for young performers to balance professional focus with personal development under the intense glare of the public eye. Fans await official statements as the two artists navigate this high-profile personal chapter.
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