In a recent interview, Liu Genghong unintentionally revealed a less glamorous side of the entertainment industry’s “workhorse” culture. Looking back on his early career, he described what it was like watching his boss, veteran TV host Jacky Wu (Wu Zongxian), operate at peak fame.
Liu said he could barely make sense of Wu’s lifestyle at the time—constantly busy, rarely sleeping, and showing clear signs of exhaustion. He recalled Wu’s eyes being persistently bloodshot “like a rabbit’s,” a vivid image that captured the physical toll behind the public persona.
According to Liu, Wu’s schedule was relentless, with chronic lack of sleep becoming almost routine. Even during important collaborations—including moments involving superstar Andy Lau—Wu reportedly maintained the same extreme intensity. In Liu’s telling, it wasn’t just professionalism; it was a near-limit way of working, where personal time was compressed to the absolute minimum.
What stands out is that this pace appears to have continued long after success. In recent years, Wu has remained highly active on variety shows and in studio recordings, still associated with a packed schedule and constant output.
That speed and boldness also show up in private settings. At Chen Handian’s wedding in January 2026, Wu—serving as the officiant—reportedly followed through on a long-standing promise by giving the couple a generous cash gift of NT$2 million, while jokingly teasing them about “earning a lot.” The quick action and sharp timing mirrored the persona audiences know from his TV work.
Ultimately, Liu’s recollection reads as both admiration and reflection: a tribute to an elder’s dedication, and a snapshot of an industry built on relentless pace. When bloodshot eyes become part of the “success narrative,” the story isn’t only about one man’s drive—it also hints at the broader, high-pressure rhythm that entertainment often demands behind the spotlight.
