Chu Liuxiang Actor Kwan Chung, 70, Now Sells XO Sauce In Taiwan For “Fun”

TVB’s 1979 adaptation of Gu Long’s novel Chu Liuxiang not only shot Adam Cheng, who starred as the titular character, to fame, but also Kwan Chung, who played villainous monk Wu Hua.

During his 24 years in showbiz, Kwan Chung, whose dad is late actor Kwan Hoi Shan, starred in more than 100 movies and dramas and was regarded as an “auntie killer”.

He relocated to Taiwan in the ‘80s and went into business. He was later jailed for business-related fraud, ending his showbiz career in 1996.

Now 70, Kwan Chung still keeps busy, doing charity work and organising welfare activities and street performances for the public.

However, these came to a halt in 2020 when Covid hit. Instead of sitting around and playing mahjong all day, he and his colleagues decided to start a makeshift stall selling XO sauce below their office at at Minsheng West Road in Taipei.

It was a no brainer for Kwan Chung as he used to run a Hong Kong-style restaurant when he was much younger and has been making his own XO sauce for 27 years.

In an interview with SETN.com, he said: “Running a stall is fun. Many fans recognise me and will come and take pictures with me, even those from Hong Kong and Malaysia. I enjoy chatting with everyone," he said.

He added that those who have tried his sauce said it is delicious and he has many repeat customers who have become his good friends.

In a previous interview, Kwan Chung said he could make NT200,000 (S$8,900) a month selling sauce.

Now that the Covid situation has eased and performances are returning to the streets, Kwan Chung only opens shop for 10 days a month, around three to six hours each time.

"Freedom and health are the most important things in life now. Sometimes I make TV appearances and if I am free, I will organise welfare activities and open my stall. I can make vegetarian sauce too,” he said.

Photos: Sinchew