Hong Kong Actor Lei Yuyang Dies at 62; BEYOND Members Mourn
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong mourns the passing of veteran actor and comedian Lei Yuyang, widely known as the "Ghost King" for his iconic work in horror films, who died on September 7 at the age of 62 after his stomach cancer returned . His sudden death has deeply affected the entertainment industry, with particular outpouring from his close friends in the music world. BEYOND members Wong Ka-keung and Yip Sai-wing took to social media to honor their decades-long friend, revealing the profound brotherhood they shared. Lei Yuyang's connection with the legendary rock band ran deeper than ordinary celebrity friendships, spanning over 30 years of mutual support and genuine camaraderie.
Key Points
- Lei Yuyang died on September 7 following the return of his stomach cancer, at the age of 62 .
- Wong Ka-keung of BEYOND posted on social media calling Lei Yuyang by his given name, expressing he "didn't know how to accept" this loss .
- Lei Yuyang met the late BEYOND frontman Wong Ka-kui in 1989 during performances on TVB's long-running variety show Happy Tonight .
- After Wong Ka-kui's death in a Japan accident in 1993, the 29-year-old Lei Yuyang served as one of eight pallbearers at the funeral .
- In 2004, when Lei Yuyang directed, wrote, and starred in the indie film Mr. Ink, all three BEYOND members appeared without compensation to support their friend .
- A cherished photo shows Wong Ka-kui sitting behind Lei Yuyang, explaining he wanted to be a "witness of the times" watching the world change .
- Bassist Jimmy from the band LMF also shared old photographs honoring his late friend, depicting gatherings of the Hong Kong indie rock scene .
- Lei Yuyang gained lasting fame through the Yin Yang Road horror anthology film series, earning him the "Ghost King" moniker .
Why It Matters
Lei Yuyang's passing marks the end of a rare friendship that transcended the typical boundaries between Hong Kong's film and music industries during the 1980s and 1990s . His bond with BEYOND exemplifies a bygone era when Hong Kong entertainers built genuine, lasting relationships across different entertainment realms, unsupported by today's algorithm-driven social media culture. The simultaneous mourning from both the film and indie music communities underscores Lei Yuyang's unique position as a bridge figure who earned respect through authenticity rather than mere celebrity.
Lei Yuyang's passing marks the end of a rare friendship that transcended the typical boundaries between Hong Kong's film and music industries during the 1980s and 1990s . His bond with BEYOND exemplifies a bygone era when Hong Kong entertainers built genuine, lasting relationships across different entertainment realms, unsupported by today's algorithm-driven social media culture. The simultaneous mourning from both the film and indie music communities underscores Lei Yuyang's unique position as a bridge figure who earned respect through authenticity rather than mere celebrity.