Hong Kong singer Yumi Chung, also known as 鍾柔美, made a triumphant return to the public stage at the 2025 Metro Radio Hit Music Awards on December 12, taking home the “Jump Start Female Singer” gold award just weeks after a private photo sparked widespread speculation about her personal life. The awards show, a key event on the Hong Kong music calendar, also included a moving performance led by veteran artist Sheila Schneiders, dedicating Jacky Cheung’s “Blessing” to those impacted by a recent local building fire. Chung and fellow rising stars Windy jam and Chantel Yao addressed the controversy surrounding the circulated photo during the event, offering clarification and focusing on thier artistic achievements.
Hong Kong singer Yumi Chung, also known as鍾柔美, took home the “Jump Start Female Singer” gold award at the 2025 Metro Radio Hit Music Awards on December 12, marking her first public appearance since a recent personal photo leak. The awards show, a major event in the Hong Kong music scene, also featured a performance by veteran singer Sheila Schneiders leading a chorus of artists in a rendition of Jacky Cheung’s “Blessing,” dedicated to residents affected by a recent building fire.
Chung, along with fellow “Voice Dream” contestants Windy Jam and Chantel Yao, all enjoyed success at the awards show. Jam took home the bronze award for “Jump Start Female Singer,” while Yao was awarded the gold for “Z Generation Female Force.” The three singers addressed the recent online attention surrounding Chung, who inadvertently shared a photo with actor Liu Zhan Ting that sparked speculation about a romantic relationship.
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Accepting her award, Chung expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you to the company and the team behind me. This year I released a ballad, and as someone who originally performs upbeat songs, I’m thankful for the opportunity to try a new style and show that I’m a multifaceted artist.”
Chung clarified that she and Liu Zhan Ting are “super good friends, but not boyfriend and girlfriend.” She explained the photo was taken at a Christmas party where friends were playing a game of truth or dare, and the kiss was part of a losing dare. “It wasn’t just Liu Zhan Ting who kissed me,” she added, explaining that her friends had asked her beforehand if she was okay with it. She admitted she hadn’t considered the potential backlash and deleted the photo after receiving a call from her manager, stating she will be more careful in the future. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by young celebrities in the age of social media.
When asked about speculation that she had publicly confirmed a relationship, Chung reiterated that she and Liu Zhan Ting have never dated. She explained they bonded while working on the drama series My Youth and discovered they shared the same birthday, which became a common talking point. She also stated she is currently single and open to the possibility of a relationship, but her priority is her work. She added that her family is supportive of her choices. Regarding a potential dating ban from her agency, Chung said she hadn’t heard of one, adding, “Honestly, I don’t think dating is a problem. Many of my friends are with someone when they find the right person, but I’m just very busy, so things will happen naturally.” When asked if she would consider dating someone significantly older, she responded, “I’ve thought about it. Someone older might be more mature and take care of me.”
Jam and Yao were asked if they would participate in the same dare game. Jam stated she wasn’t at the party, while Yao said it would depend on the situation and her relationship with the person. Jam expressed surprise at winning her award, calling it a pleasant surprise and noting that it’s been a year of growth for her. Yao was equally surprised, saying, “When I was in the audience, the people receiving awards were amazing and impressive, but then they suddenly called my name. Windy and Yumi were screaming, and I was just full of question marks. I’m thankful to Metro Radio and my company and fans for all the love. I hope to maintain a youthful mindset.” Chung also humbly stated she didn’t expect to win, as she had only released one song, but the award has motivated her to explore new avenues.
