On set with Eric Chou: Mandopop heartbreak king gets ‘Fired Up!’ for acting

MANILA, Philippines — Mandopop’s heartbreak king Eric Chou takes on a different kind of emotional journey in the HBO Original Series “Fired Up!”

The Taiwanese singer-songwriter plays his first lead role in a drama as Chou Lu-yung, a man who refuses to stay down no matter how many times life knocks him back.

Now streaming on HBO Max, the 12-episode show is the Taiwanese adaptation of Gwangjin’s Kakao Webtoon “Itaewon Class,” which previously inspired the hit Korean drama of the same name.

The story follows Lu-yung as he tries to uncover the truth behind his father’s tragic death while fighting to keep his family eatery, Jin Lai Hao, alive. Along the way, he becomes surrounded by people who become part of his life as he goes up against a more powerful business rival.

Joining Eric in the cast are Angela Yuen as Chao Yi-hsuan, a strong-willed food influencer who becomes Jin Lai Hao’s restaurant manager; Shao Yu-wei as Wu Hsiu-wen, a marketing executive at the powerful Chang Hsin Group and Lu-yung’s first love; Wang Shih-hsien as Chang Ta-chin, chairman of the business empire that becomes Lu-yung’s formidable adversary; Akira Huang as Lin Chin-nan, a waiter at Jin Lai Hao; Cosmos Lin as Ma Yu-li, the restaurant’s chef; Sean Lin as Chang Chien-yuan, Lu-yung’s biggest rival; and Ben Wu as Chang Chien-wu, the tech-savvy younger son of the powerful Chang family.

During a set visit for the series shot in Taipei, Eric told The Philippine STAR and other regional media how extensively the production prepared him for Lu-yung’s world.

First of all, the role required him to acquire a new skill set. Before filming began, Eric spent a month training with a professional chef, learning knife skills, preparing ingredients and cooking over high flames, among other culinary techniques.

He also took up martial arts lessons for the more action-oriented scenes.

The ‘King of Lovelorn People’ in a scene from the series that follows a man who will do everything to uncover the truth behind his father’s tragic death, while trying to keep the family eatery Jin Lai Hao alive.

Photos courtesy of HBO MAX

“The production company, DaMou, did an incredible job preparing us. I had a month of intensive culinary training with an actual chef, learning everything from knife skills — like prepping carrots and potatoes — to cooking over high flames and mastering professional techniques,” he said.

“I also took Jiu-Jitsu classes, which was rather challenging.”

Food or cooking is a core feature of “Fired Up!,” with much of Lu-yung’s journey unfolding around the family-owned restaurant Jin Lai Hao.

For Eric, Taiwanese cuisine is also one of the elements that could help the series draw in viewers outside Taiwan.

“I think the food plays a significant role in the series, especially because Taiwanese cuisine places great emphasis on presentation, the cooking process, and the emotional connections people have with it,” he said.

“Beyond that, I believe the story itself will resonate with a wide range of audiences, as it brings together many themes and emotions that people can relate to.”

Accepting the responsibility of carrying a drama series admittedly came with some hesitation for Eric.

“I definitely felt conflicted, but I always try to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I really enjoy acting, and after reading the script, I felt it was an incredible story and a great opportunity,” he said.

What connected him most to Lu-yung was the character’s resolve and determination.

“What resonated with me most was his determination to make something of himself and achieve something meaningful in life,” he said.

The role also let Eric flesh out a character whom he described as the polar opposite of himself.

Photos show the ‘Fired Up!’ set in Taipei, a work-in-progress at the time of The STAR’s visit.

“Beyond that, we’re completely different in both personality and appearance, and that’s exactly what made the role so appealing.

“It challenged me to step into the shoes of someone who is so different from myself, which made the experience even more rewarding,” he added.

For the artist also dubbed as Taiwan’s “King of Lovelorn People,” the fulfillment he gets out of acting and music is not the same.

Music creates a more immediate connection with his audience, while acting makes him discover other sides of himself.

That makes “Fired Up!” an important new challenge for someone already firmly established in the music scene across Asia.

“They’re very different experiences. Performing at a concert is about creating a sense of connection and togetherness with the audience. People see their own experiences and emotions reflected in the music, and I find that incredibly powerful and meaningful,” he told The STAR.

“With acting, in my opinion, the satisfaction comes from seeing my own growth and discovering what I’m capable of. It’s an opportunity to explore new emotions and different sides of myself.

“And I enjoy both worlds, but in very different ways.”

Meanwhile, “Fired Up!” as of the latest episode moves deeper into Lu-yung’s fight to keep Jin Lai Hao going, piece together what really happened to his father and stand his ground against the forces surrounding rival restaurant Jin Lai Xuan.

In Episode 7, Lu-yung and the food-truck team are left reeling from a friend’s betrayal, only to receive an unexpected boost as they try to move forward from the setback.

“Fired Up!” is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes dropping every Friday.