Wu Chun at the 2024 Chengdu International Polo Carnival. Photo provided by Wu Chun's studio

Savoring the present and transcending the confines of identity is a state that many aspire to but few achieve. This is particularly true for entertainment stars who are constantly in the public eye and caught in the whirlwind of fame and fortune, where being true to oneself is a luxury.

After two decades in the spotlight, Wu Chun has been labeled with countless identities, from "Prince of Brunei" to "first-generation superstar", from "perfect dad" to "muscle god", yet he seems never to be burdened by these tags.

Whether as a member of the "Fahrenheit" group, becoming an "idol" for countless youths, or participating in a parent-child reality show on Hunan TV and becoming a sensation again as a "dad", or frequently challenging action movies to subvert his previous screen image, Wu Chun possesses a rare quality in the entertainment industry: he is in the midst of fame but not desperate for it; he embraces change but does not conform to it.

In late autumn in Chengdu, at the 2024 Chengdu International Polo Carnival, this "midlife idol" who has long passed the age of confusion, accepted an exclusive interview with a reporter from with National Business Daily, sharing how he has maintained his sincere self under the dazzling spotlight, returned to everyday life, and continued to evolve.

In Wu Chun's view, "being an 'idol' is never a so-called worldly achievement or halo; it has nothing to do with the surging online traffic, nor with the brand endorsements you have. 'Idol' is a state full of vitality and spreading this state from the surroundings to a wider world."

Breaking the Idol Filter

On the day of the interview, NBD reporter met Wu Chun at the lunchtime of this polo carnival. He sat comfortably in the viewing stand, intently watching the fierce competition on the green field among the top teams from China, Argentina, the UK, and Uruguay. Whenever he looked into the crowd, he could trigger waves of screams, and he responded with great enthusiasm.

Wu Chun was taking photo with fans at the event. Photo/NBD reporeter Vince Xie

Humble and enthusiastic, this was the first impression the reporter had when meeting Wu Chun. 

Looking back on his acting career's many "idol" roles, Wu Chun maintains a common heart, "I don't overly care about the various halos those (roles) bring to me, and I accept all the imperfections on myself. It is a precious journey of life."

Just as when he was 26 years old and had already made a successful career, Wu Chun resolutely chose to enter the entertainment industry to be a completely different self, he values "creating different life experiences." "I see many fans leaving messages saying that I have turned life into an idol drama, and I am very grateful for their support over the years. I am also grateful for my decision back then—to bravely step out of my comfort zone," said Wu Chun.

Wu Chun has also tried some "fresh and distinctive" roles, such as the villain Lin Langtian in the TV series "Martial Universe", which was his first attempt at transformation. "This character is a villain. My image has been relatively sunny for a long time, and there are few villain roles coming to me, so for me, it is a very rare opportunity."

In fact, compared to the high-intensity workload in the past, Wu Chun's acting pace is not fast now. When it comes to future plans for acting, he also shows a very Buddhist attitude, "It is expected that starting next year, I will contact some variety shows. As for movies, let it be, if I am lucky, a good script finds me, and it is also loved by everyone, then I am very satisfied."

In the TV series "Martial Universe", Wu Chun plays the villain Lin Langtian. Photo provided by the interviewee

Return to Real Daily Life

"Gratitude" and "family" are the most frequently mentioned words in Wu Chun's interview. He has indeed shifted the focus of his acting career to the "stage of life," returning to the real daily life.

"Although I may have missed some great opportunities, if I hadn't stopped at that time, I wouldn't have a happy family now. Family is the most important to me, so I have no regrets at all."

Wu Chun travels to Changbai Mountain with his family. Photo provided by the interviewee

As a husband and father, Wu Chun spends 70% of his time with his family when he is not working. He has always believed that "only children who have been 'nurtured with love' can cherish and love their original appearance in the future."

Early participation in Hunan TV's variety show recording. Photo provided by the interviewee

Usually on social platforms, what Wu Chun shares the most, apart from family, is travel, just like a "life blogger." At home, Wu Chun is a "travel encyclopedia." Whether it's summer camp or amusement parks, Wu Chun will participate with the children, and the children's happiness is also his greatest happiness.

"Almost all of my holidays are spent experiencing new sports projects with the children. I will spend a lot of time playing with them, and I will become as naive as a child, integrating into their world, and being like friends with them," Wu Chun described to the reporter his state of getting along with the children, with shining eyes.

Wu Chunplays cosplay with his family. Photo provided by the interviewee.   

Continuous Evolution

When he was young, Wu Chun loved sports, especially basketball. He also smoothly joined the Brunei national team with relatively excellent sports talent. At the Asian Youth Games, Wu Chun also had a head-on "confrontation" with Yao Ming. Although he later withdrew from the national team due to injury, he also made many friends from the sports world because of basketball.

As one of the earliest "idol" stars to enter the fitness track, in recent years, Wu Chun has frequently appeared at the scenes of top sports events such as F1 and tennis. 

Wu Chun maintains a high enthusiasm for sports and fitness in his daily life. Photo provided by the interviewee

For this middle-aged "idol" who likes to challenge different life experiences, in addition to the "family stage". he has found a brand new, shining stage. "Time is limited, and I am afraid that I can't feel more new things."

When talking about the current acting career, Wu Chun faces it with a more tranquil attitude. But when it comes to sports, he obviously has a greater "ambition," "Sports are really the most charming way of life. I hope to influence more people through sports, and I hope everyone can slow down, stop anxiety and internal competition, and enjoy the fun brought by sports."

From the acting career to the family stage, and then to the sports track, Wu Chun switches freely among different identities. Although he has never insisted on being perfect in every aspect, it has to be said that in every identity, he tries his best within his ability.

Wu noted, "I won't have too much ambition, saying that I must do very well in a certain aspect, but I have been looking for a balance, not wanting to focus on one aspect and then ignore the other side."

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn