Former Hong Kong actress Margaret Chung has addressed concerns about her health after reports that she was admitted to an intensive care unit in Hong Kong.
The 49-year-old, also known by her Chinese name Chung Lai-kei, reportedly entered the ICU at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre on Friday, 11 September, following a sudden medical emergency.
Chung has not disclosed what condition she is being treated for. Instead, she has specifically asked the public and media not to speculate about her health.
Margaret Chung Says She Is Going Through A Difficult Period
In a statement posted on Instagram on 11 September, Chung thanked people who had sent her messages, prayers and well wishes.
She described the period she is going through as “arduous” and said her attention is now on her health and spending time with the people closest to her.
Chung acknowledged that there would naturally be public concern about her condition because she had spent years in the public eye.
However, she asked that her privacy, as well as her family’s, be respected while they dealt with the situation.
She also made a direct appeal for people not to speculate about either her health or the illness she may have.
As of 15 September, Chung has not publicly identified her medical condition. Recent reports have also not provided a confirmed diagnosis.
Friend Says Chung Was Doing “Okay”
Friends and former colleagues have visited Chung at the hospital since reports of her ICU admission emerged.
On 12 September, actress and singer Toby Leung was seen arriving at the hospital with takeaway food.
When reporters asked about Chung, Leung said she was doing “okay” and “well”. When asked whether Chung was able to speak with her, Leung nodded.
Several more of Chung’s long-time friends, including former TVB colleagues, were reported to have visited the hospital on 14 September. They did not give further details about her condition.
Actress Sherming Yiu has also said Chung’s friends would continue supporting her and asked the public to give her more space.
Chung Became Known Through TVB Dramas
Chung rose to prominence in the 1990s and appeared in TVB productions including Detective Investigation Files III.
She later stepped away from acting and has since focused on her family and work as a yoga instructor.
Public concern about her health had increased after recent photographs of Chung prompted discussion online about her appearance.
However, no diagnosis has been confirmed by Chung, her family or her representatives. Her own statement has instead asked people to avoid drawing conclusions about her condition while she concentrates on her recovery and family.
