Separation anxiety
THEIR MATCHING TOOTHY grins beam out from countless billboards throughout the city, advertising everything from cosmetics to home appliances. They are the Twins, and even though everyone knows they're not related, the news that the princesses of Hong Kong cutie-pop will be forging solo careers has sent the Hong Kong tabloids into a feeding frenzy.
This doesn't necessarily mean Charlene Choi Tsoek-jin and Gillian Chung Yan-tung will be undergoing separation surgery any time soon, but the elaborate entourage surrounding this profitable act is eager to prepare fans for the sight of their idols performing on their own by giving them a chance to shine as solo performers at their upcoming concerts series.
The Twins in Concert will be the third series of shows Choi and Chung will have done since they were paired up by the Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG) in 2001. The shows will revolve around the theme of treasure hunting - quite apt considering the millions they've earned EEG - and serve as a prelude to the release of the new Twins CD with the same title.
The girls will be gently eased into their new roles as soloists, with an EEG source saying Choi and Chung will each have about 10 minutes in the spotlight on their own. The rumour about their separation has been doing the rounds for some time, but as the girls have matured and developed their own images and talents, it seems the plan is likely to be realised. The move also makes sense business-wise for the savvy EEG, widening the scope of deals that can be struck for the singers.
'The company asked us to go back to the office to discuss this,' Choi says, referring to the proposal to develop separate careers. 'We were very young when we started out, so we found it easier to learn together. Now we both know what to do when we get an assignment.'
Nonetheless, Choi and Chung appear nervous at the thought of stepping out of the protective cocoon that is the Twins. 'When we're together, we give each other support, especially when we're tired,' Chung says. 'We feel less nervous about performing on stage when we know that someone will help you out and make up for any shortcomings.'