Hong Kong screen star Tony Leung Ka Fai recently sparked concern among netizens after photos of him looking exhausted at a train station surfaced online.
In the images, the 68-year-old actor was seen managing his own luggage, carrying a large bag and taking a nap while waiting to board a high-speed train to Xiamen, China, for the Golden Rooster Awards.
The photos drew sympathy from netizens, with some saying it was “heartbreaking to see a major star in his later years”.
However, Leung later clarified the circumstances behind the pictures in an interview with international media following his Best Actor win at the 39th Golden Rooster Awards.
He explained that he had not been travelling alone that day, and that the photos were taken during a brief moment when the staff members accompanying him had stepped away.
“Everyone’s imagination is too rich. I had staff members accompanying me! It just so happened that one went to buy snacks while another went to the restroom,” he said.
Leung added that he looked tired in the photos because he had arrived at the station early after wrapping up a late-night shoot in another city.
He also brushed off concerns about his ability to look after himself, insisting that he remained independent despite his age.
“Although I’m old, I’m still capable of taking care of myself. Don’t make me look like a lonely old man no one wants,” he said.
