Taiwanese comedian Ma Guobi has opened up about his long and arduous journey to clear a staggering NT$50mil (RM6.1mil) debt, which he incurred through gambling in 2013.
During a recent variety show appearance, the 50-year-old revealed that after over a decade of repayments, his outstanding debt has been reduced to NT$5mil (RM615,430).
Reflecting on the struggle, Ma shared that his close friend, singer Kang Kang, had stepped in at the time by lending him NT$2mil (RM246,172) and helping him secure additional gigs.
“Although I still owe him NT$50,000 (RM6,154), the overall debt is still quite heavy,” he said.
Describing the process as a “long journey of atonement”, Ma revealed that his parents even sold their property to help him settle the debt – a sacrifice he still feels guilty about today.
Their former home, originally purchased for NT$10mil (RM1.2mil), had been sold for NT$20mil (RM2.4mil) back then and is now valued at NT$30mil (RM3.6mil).
“My mum once told me that no matter how much money we have, life goes on. All she wants is for the family to be safe and to be able to eat together,” Ma said.
Today, Ma and his parents all live together in a rented home, with the comedian as the family’s sole breadwinner.
In addition to filming dramas and variety shows, he even works as a food delivery rider during his free time.
When asked when he expects to fully clear his debt, Ma replied: “Plans can’t keep up with changes. I can only keep pushing forward.”
He previously revealed in 2024 that he works three jobs a day to repay his debts.
