Eric Chou Rumoured To Start Own Company Amid Reported Family Tensions

Eric Chou, 30, has enjoyed a hugely successful career. But behind the scenes, the Taiwanese singer could soon be making a big change due to family tensions.

According to Taiwanese media, Eric’s contract with his current management label, M.Star Entertainment, is nearing its end, and he is said to be considering leaving the agency to strike out on his own.

The reported trigger is said to be related to his brother, Alex Chou, 32, who last year received funding from their parents to start his own management company. At Alex's company, their mother is listed as the company’s official head, while Alex holds decision-making power.

In comparison, Eric — who debuted earlier and has achieved greater commercial success across Taiwan, China and Hong Kong — has not received similar support from their parents. The situation reportedly left him feeling upset. 

After making his debut 12 years ago with his self-composed breakout hit 'The Distance of Love', he followed up with other massively popular tracks like 'What's Wrong' and 'How Have You Been?', cementing his reputation as Mandopop’s “prince of heartbreak ballads". With songs crossing 100 million streams and a reported net worth of NT$100 million (S$4.1mil), Eric appears to have it all.

However, rumours have surfaced that he plans to go independent after his current contract ends, reportedly due to unhappiness over his parents favouring his older brother.

According to insider sources, Eric plans to establish his own company, partly to compete with his brother and also to prove himself. They also claim that Eric intends to sign his wife, former news anchor Dacie Chao, under the company to help further her career.

Tensions between the brothers were said to date back to the early days of their careers. At the time, Alex had hoped Eric would attend events alongside him to boost exposure. Although Eric agreed, he allegedly remained stern and quiet throughout the events and even left early, fuelling early speculation of rivalry between the brothers.

Of late, Eric has kept a relatively low profile. He hosted a first birthday party for his son in January, inviting only close family and friends, and was seen smiling as he held his child. Eric, whose daughter turns three in August, is also said to be very protective of his children's privacy.

He is currently on his Odyssey · Stars tour and will be performing in Singapore on April 11 and 12.

As rumours swirl about him parting ways with his agency, fans are waiting eagerly to see what the Mandopop prince’s next move will be — and if he’ll really venture out on his own. 

Photos: 中时娱乐网/ Weibo, ericchou0622/ Instagram