MIRROR Twelve young stars set foot on the path to stardom, whether it was on the stage of “The Voice” in the past, or shining brightly on the entertainment stage today in a mature manner, their individual charm and charisma have almost captivated the entire Hong Kong. When mentioning one of the members, Edan Lui, everyone may immediately think of his expressive and funny appearance. Of course, everyone is well aware that Edan’s humor is just one side of him, in fact, he is a talented young man. Proficient in piano and violin, he released his solo single “Mr. E’s Series of Unfortunate Events” earlier this year, even participating in composing for the first time. The song received high praise, currently reaching up to eight million views on YouTube, topping various music platforms, and achieving remarkable success.
Afterwards, he also released another new song “Little Star”, with an impressive number of MV clicks, coupled with the popular drama “Uncle’s Love” to accumulate more audience appeal. In the past half year, Edan has excelled in singing, acting, variety shows, and movies, showing outstanding results in all aspects, with unlimited potential.
However, he seemed destined to work in the entertainment industry, he was actually not well-regarded at the beginning.
In the reality show “Training You MIRROR”, manager Sister Hua once bluntly stated that Edan is just a supporting role and will not be the main focus. Imagine when a newcomer who is not yet worldly-wise hears this “harsh words”, they may be directly knocked down, lose confidence, or even give up on the idea of entering the industry; but Edan was not affected, instead humbly stating that “regardless of appearance, singing, dancing, I am indeed not as good as many people.” He even said, “It’s okay for me to be a supporting role.” Even as a supporting role, he takes it seriously, and even proves his strength with a more positive attitude, because he firmly believes that “one day, if I do well, everyone will see me.”
Having such a positive attitude is truly valuable, and it is also because of this good humble attitude that ultimately earns Flower Sister’s praise.
After nearly three years in the industry, Edan has gradually attracted audiences from different markets, making a comprehensive foray into singing, acting, variety shows, and movies, becoming one of the very few popular entertainers in all four areas. Edan has carved out his own path with strength and action, a success even beyond what Flower Sister could have predicted.
Edan’s experience is the best proof that whether things are good or bad depends entirely on how you look at them. We often say that character changes destiny. In life, we will really encounter all kinds of difficulties. Those who are blessed by heaven may not necessarily have a direct relationship with their education, connections, or background. Instead, they have an optimistic attitude and face everything around them calmly, actively seeking ways and means to solve problems. After making efforts, they will be able to create new brilliance.
During this interview, after a round of “jumping into bed” funny entertainment in the hotel room, we let him return to seriousness and engage in an in-depth exchange in the form of intimate Pillow Talk, sincerely sharing the value of happiness with each other.
“Now when the audience thinks of me, they will associate me with ‘happiness,’ and I am very happy about that.”
Whether acting or hosting variety shows, audiences definitely agree that Edan is the team’s “funny man.” Opening his IG, it’s easy to find humor everywhere, bringing endless joy to people. His absurd personality is not overshadowed by his looks or idol status. Instead, we see him so “carefree” in joking around: putting on a wedding dress and striking a seductive pose, sharing the “barcode head” before getting a haircut, transforming into “Lady An,” posting a short recitation video from childhood… Audiences are actually more attracted to his true nature. In addition, his role as “Tian Tian” in the drama “Uncle’s Love” is full of exaggerated comic expressions, with his comical interpretation making audiences burst into laughter. He is highly praised for his comedic sense, showing Edan’s comedic side and receiving endless positive reviews.
But if we were to say that the performance discovered his humorous side, it would actually be more accurate to say that Edan used the performance to unleash his quirky genes. “First of all, I am very happy. Now when the audience thinks of me, they will associate it with ‘happiness,’ and I am very happy about this aspect myself,” Edan shared his feelings with a satisfied smile.
Edan revealed that he actually enjoyed joking around since he was young, especially during high school when he occasionally blurted out a “lame GAG” in class. This habit of making people laugh and cry gradually planted the seed of “joy” in Edan’s heart. “So, maybe that’s how I developed such a habit, and I’m happy that I can use these ‘skills’ in my work.” As a performer, Edan also hopes to sustain this skill, hoping that whenever the audience thinks of the name Lü Juean in the future, they will associate it with countless funny scenes.
And we will also remember deeply that on the day of the shoot, he was very cooperative in his “passionate performance”: jumping on the big bed, even doing somersaults, pretending to sleep… His natural and unrestrained appearance was fully revealed, making the shooting scene full of relaxed laughter.
Humor is a personality, but putting humor and comedy into frequent work like Edan, a talented little comedian, can also have moments of confusion. “The roles in ‘Men’s and Women’s Teams’ and ‘Uncle’s Love’ are a bit funny and humorous, but after completing these two performances, my feeling is: I don’t know what is right and what is good.” Edan admitted that after completing the two popular series, he actually became a little afraid of acting, and gradually became unable to act, until he met ‘Family Spicy’ and slowly found that familiar feeling.
However, when it comes to taking on a comedic role, Edan has his own views: “Although filming variety shows may seem silly and funny, it’s actually a group of people having fun very seriously.” Edan continued, “I think as long as everyone is very focused on one thing, no matter what aspect of yourself you show, it will be very charming.”
If you do something with all your heart, even the smallest role will have its value. It is because of this mindset that Edan is willing to accept any challenge, letting go of the “baggage” when needed, just to excel in every role. It is also because of his pure heart that he can captivate hearts even without the help of the “baggage”.
“I am truly an optimistic person.”
Edan, who always greets people with a smile, seems to be full of energy and vitality at all times. He never complains when faced with overwhelming work, handles negative reviews, scandals, and even moments of true brotherhood with calmness. He remains emotionally stable, so much so that even Vice Captain AK jokes that he has no tear ducts. Edan also admits that he needs to “find his tear ducts.” Striking a perfect balance between rationality and emotion, Edan has earned high praise from “Train You MIRROR” mentor Leung Cho-yiu, solidifying his image of being “tear duct-less” in the hearts of many.
But there will always be times of sadness, how will Edan sort out his emotions?
“Emotions, in fact, are difficult to control. But I am lucky that I don’t have too many worries in this area,” Edan said casually.
He admits that he rarely feels unhappy or sheds tears, even if he occasionally encounters negative emotions, everything disappears like smoke in the blink of an eye. But some may wonder: does a person who is usually cheerful in front of others hide and cry behind their back…? Or is it because of carrying a great deal of pressure that they can’t even cry…? Faced with a series of “questions,” Edan is both grateful and amused, but he also clarifies once again: “Rest assured, Edan is not the kind of person who comes home and cries in pain.” However, he also admits that his state after work at home is more calm, speaks less, and even Jue Ma admits this fact.
Edan has been busy with filming recently, focusing on toning his muscles through water aerobics. Despite having less rest time and feeling greater pressure, he rarely feels anxious or lost because of it. He said, “For now, I have never experienced the feeling of ‘Oh, I’m really unhappy to the point of not being able to take it anymore.’ And I am truly an optimistic person.”
Optimism can be said to be the elixir of life, allowing you to find positive energy in busy life, not only reducing worries and anxiety, but also focusing on the present and moving forward with more motivation. Recently, Edan has been sharing the results of his workouts on social media from time to time, with his strong arms seemingly ready to unleash their power, let us look forward to the results of his hard work in fitness.
“I know how to get along with myself.”
Having a positive mindset is definitely a skill, maintaining optimism has no fixed formula, instead, personality is the key. Edan shares his approach as “ignore it, pretend not to see.” Edan shares that whenever an unpleasant event occurs and triggers negative emotions, he is used to turning a blind eye, seemingly negative but actually another form of positivity. Looking at people and things in front of you from a different perspective, learning to avoid dead ends is the only way out.
When asked about Edan’s way of getting along with himself, he pondered for a moment and then asked back, “How do you guys get along with yourselves? Do you chat with yourselves before going to bed?” Then he continued, “Actually, I rarely talk to myself; I seldom take the time to reflect on ‘What did I do today?’ before going to bed, so it seems like I just go through each day in a daze, haha.”
Don’t overthink it, keep it simple and straightforward.
He continued to share, “So, my way of dealing with myself is ‘Oh, just let it be, whatever happens let it continue,’ letting each day pass like ‘Oh, it’s already been a day.'”
The outside world is already very complicated. Facing oneself, simplicity, comfort, and naturalness are the best states. Edan’s charm may come from this comfortable and infectious affinity. Learn to embrace some imperfections in life, let humor become a mentality. In this state, even if the fate is about to collapse, the inner strength is strong enough to keep going.
“I think happiness is very important, it should be one of the most important things in life.”
Happiness is priceless, and for the naturally optimistic Edan, what kind of value does priceless happiness symbolize in life?
“I think happiness is very important, it should be one of the most important things in life,” Edan solemnly explained. He believes that when facing anything, whenever the feeling of “happiness” is lost, the only choice ahead is to stop. In the nearly three years since his debut, it is the presence of “happiness” that has allowed Edan to cope with difficulties, realizing that in the darkness, he must light a lamp to find back the original intention that he has always held onto.
Edan confessed that from his debut to now, he has experienced many things with his eleven brothers in MIRROR. His open and relaxed personality makes him understand how character influences destiny. He strongly believes that a person’s life trajectory is basically determined by their character. Defining success in the process is just being busy with vague and ethereal issues. “Character is another thing that you cannot fully control, and different personalities actually have methods to succeed. It’s just a matter of how to write your own formula that belongs to you.”
In front of us is a restless era, where it is not difficult to see that the eagerness to succeed has become a rule of survival. Taking the Twelve Apostles as an example, which one has not desired to become the focus of the whole city? However, in all the conversations with Edan, it is rare to hear from his mouth that ambitious tone, because he knows deeply that if his abilities are not enough, it is not sufficient to maintain his current popularity. Faced with the success in front of him, he sees it lightly. During the interview, we all praised his talent, but he humbly said again, “To be honest, the abilities I have, many people actually have, so I don’t think I am very talented.”
He believes that he absolutely cannot be called a talented person, but he has the potential to become a talented person, and potential is the driving force that motivates Edan to bring more joy to the audience, “If everything can be studied well, maybe one day I can become a talented person, but definitely not for now.”
So when asked about his personal plans? He would say, “Personal plans? Actually, I don’t have too many ideas, I’ll just wait for the company to arrange it.” Instead of ambitious development, Edan chooses to wait for the right opportunity, equipping himself well in the process.
So what are his goals?
“In terms of goals, we still hope to have more people recognize us (MIRROR). When we debuted, I once said that I hoped MIRROR could be more widely accepted. Initially, everyone thought a group of ‘MK kids’ were chasing their dreams of becoming stars, but after more than two years, this goal has been achieved. However, now we hope to go even further and have more people like us. Because although we (MIRROR) seem to have a high popularity now, if our abilities are not enough to meet the standards, then naturally we won’t be able to sustain our popularity.”
Simple sharing is the biggest surprise of the whole interview. These twelve boys, from being unnoticed that day to becoming super popular idols today, everyone has witnessed the efforts and persistence they have put in along the way. Facing their achievements today, although they are grateful, they dare not relax in the slightest. The sweat and effort they have put in are many times more than before. To succeed, they must continue to progress.
Therefore, Edan concluded in the interview: “I hope that every future work and performance of mine will get better and better. I hope to continue developing in different aspects because I really want to become a versatile artist. But at the same time, I especially want to make more progress in music and acting. This is my goal for the future.”
Happiness, something many people desire to have, is the most basic nutrient for human survival. However, many people spend their entire lives pursuing happiness, and may not necessarily achieve it. Whether humor is a talent or optimism is a gift, the embodiment of happiness is actually lighter than we imagine. The truth of happiness can only be seen through by oneself, it requires effort, wisdom, and the ability to maintain a mindset full of vitality in every aspect of life.
Hope that Edan continues to maintain a happy heart, and everyone can refer to Edan’s way of living a happy life, maintaining a humble and optimistic mindset, facing the wind and rain with peace and acceptance. Although life may sometimes feel exhausting, a rainbow will soon be seen ahead.
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Executive Producer:Angus Mok
Producer:Vicky Wai
Photography:Olivia Tsang
Videography:Anson Chan, Andy Lee
Styling:Vicky Wai
Make Up:Rainbow Chung @ Annie.G Chan Makeup
Hair:Man Chan @ Chic Private I Salon
Video Editor:Anson Chan, Andy Lee
Editor:Carson Lin
Designer:Edwina Chan
Jewellery:BVLGARI
Wardrobe:Paul Smith, Ermenegildo Zegna, Sacai, Gucci
Venue:The Murray