Here’s What Hong Huifang’s Co-Stars Have To Say About Her Feud With Pan Lingling

“[What happened between Hong Huifang and Pan Lingling is] none of my business. (Laughs) I don't think it’s fair for me to comment lah. Have I ever cut off ties with a showbiz pal? I mean there isn’t really anyone in showbiz that I would consider my friends. During filming, everyone is very familiar with each other. But after that, everyone will move on to other projects. So it’s also very hard to maintain those relationships. I’m sure there have been [cases of fellow artistes gossiping behind my back]. When I just got together with my husband, I was told that a few people said that our relationship was just for show and for the sake of publicity. But I wouldn’t be able to verify it unless I asked them directly. Then again, even if they did say it, they might not admit to it. Or maybe they didn’t. It’s something I’d never be able to verify so there’s no point in digging it up. I mean I don’t feel good [hearing that] obviously. But then again, we aren’t that close [for their words] to have a very strong impact on me.”

“Both of them are veterans I respect a lot, so I was a bit upset at what happened between them. In showbiz, of course, you hear a lot of rumours. And I’ve heard people badmouthing me before. It just wasn’t on the news lah. But it could still spread from person to person. A production crew member once told me that a fellow celeb said that I have a bad working attitude. That person is about the same age as me. When I first heard it, I was a bit shocked, and then, upset. Then, of course, I kept my distance from that person ’cos I can sense whether you’re real or not. I’ve learnt how to gauge whether a friend is worth my time. And of course, I’ll only share my personal information with a small group of people. I didn’t confront the person ’cos I’m a very passive person. I don’t like confrontation, so I won’t go up to [that person gossiping about me] and demand an explanation or apology. But if I happen to know about it, then I’ll slowly drift apart from them. And when that happens, if he or she treasures the friendship, they may come and ask me what happened. If not then, I’d just slowly drift apart from them.”

“Honestly, if I were in her position, I’d have handled things very differently. ’Cos I’m a very private person — there are certain things I would share and there are certain things I wouldn’t. Sorry to say, but I reserve my social media for personal branding, and for me to share happy and positive things with my followers and friends. Everybody go through ups and downs. There are some things that I think social media has taught us wrongly — that you can actually put everything online. What’s the point [of posting cryptic messages on social media]? For me, when I do something, I ask myself, “Is it kind?” or “Does it show compassion?” But I’ve noticed it’s become a norm, not just for celebrities, but even normal people, to rant about their day on Facebook. I don’t think that’s necessary. If you remain quiet, karma will come back [to the other person]. I always believe in that. Things and words will go around. People have eyes to see what’s happening. So as I grow older, I’ve become the kind of person who takes a step back. If you have confronted that person and they carry on [behaving that way], it’s up to them to realize that they need a change.”

“I completely have no understanding of it. ’Cos I’m also not within their clique. Everyone in this industry know that I very seldom take part in gatherings outside of my dramas. I also have no idea what transpired between them. This is between the two parties. Only the both of them know what happened between them. So as an outsider, it’s really not convenient for me to say anything. It’s not up to me to judge.”

“I think the root of the problem lies with social media. Now, many people are used to sharing their views on social media. Personally, I only use my social media for work stuff. I very rarely share about my private life on social media. I think that as long as one is able to do that, then you can actually avoid a lot of things. [My NoonTalk Media boss] Dasmond [Koh] also advises us to draw a clear line between our work and personal life to protect ourselves. You can make friends, but not grow so close to the other party that that you’ll share a lot of secrets with them. So far, I haven’t had any conflict with a co-star, partly ’cos I always believe that the lesser you talk, the lower the chance of you saying the wrong thing. (Laughs) I’m also more of an introvert. So I always like to sit by myself in one corner on set and keep my mouth shut.”

“It’s their personal issue so I don’t think I’ll comment on it. I’ve never encountered any bullying [in showbiz] ever. Everyone has been really nice to me. I started acting since I was quite young. And when I was a child actress, people were even nicer to me and they took care of me.”

“You know the Chinese saying, ‘The rumour stops when it comes to a wise person’? If you’re smart, you’ll see it as just a publicity stunt. (Laughs) Of course, I think that protecting one’s loved ones is right and necessary. As for the rest, you don’t need to care so much about it. When I was young, if I didn’t like something about a friend, we’d not talk to each other for six months or a year. But we’ll patch up again afterwards. (Laughs) Nowadays, my mentality is: Life is short, but the days are long. So when making friends, one should make genuine ones. Some friends are just passersby, so just forget about them, and move on.”