Hong Kong singer Steven Cheung has revealed why he has chosen not to declare bankruptcy or seek government welfare assistance despite his ongoing financial struggles.
Speaking on a recent web show, the 41-year-old acknowledged that filing for bankruptcy could give him a fresh financial start, but said he personally viewed it as an irresponsible way out.
"The fact that I can't repay people right now is unethical, but I still think it's better than declaring bankruptcy and simply avoiding my responsibilities," he said.
Cheung added that he wouldn't feel comfortable facing the public if he declared bankruptcy to escape his debts.
The singer also said he's actively working out ways to repay what he owes and remains determined to fulfil his responsibilities to his creditors.
As for why he has not applied for government welfare assistance to ease his family's financial burden, Cheung said he would rather support them through his own hard work.
He explained that welfare assistance would only cover his family's basic living expenses, leaving him with little money to repay the debts he owes his friends.
"I have a responsibility not only towards my family, but also towards my creditors," he said.
Cheung stressed that his decision wasn't a judgment of those who receive welfare assistance, but a personal choice.
He added that he's the type of person who needs to keep working for his mental well-being and finds it difficult to handle when he has nothing to do.
"I get depressed when I'm not working. Whenever I have nothing to do, I find it very difficult (to cope)," he said.
Cheung also addressed criticism over his decision to keep his dogs despite his financial difficulties, saying he considers them part of his family and could never abandon them.
"Even if we have to cut back on our spending as much as possible, we will still give them the cheapest food we can and do our best to maintain our relationship with them," he said.
Cheung's financial difficulties come after years of struggling to rebuild his career following a 2019 scandal, when he married Au Yin Man while still dating actress April Leung.
Since then, he has taken on various jobs to support his family, including construction work, cable wiring, handing out flyers and distributing condoms.
Cheung shares four children with Au.
