In celebration of three decades in entertainment, Karen Mok tells us about taking charge, breaking concert records—and what’s next
After three decades in entertainment, releasing 17 solo albums and appearing in more than 40 films, Karen Mok is one of the most respected forces in Asian showbiz today. In recognition of the milestone, we asked her to share what she considers the most meaningful achievements and memorable moments of her life and career.
On her childhood dreams:
I knew I wanted to become a performer from about the age of three. At primary school, I took part in singing, dancing and drama competitions. I was also starting to think about all sorts of crazy ideas, like: if I really were to make a record, what kind of photos would I take for it? What kind of styling would I want for the shoot? What kind of atmosphere would I have on the stage? A lot of my looks and ideas on my album covers and at my concerts—I’d been thinking about those since I was little.
On spending secondary school in Italy:
Since I was a child, I have consciously tried different interests. When I was in secondary school, and many of my female classmates chose ballet as an extracurricular, I chose Chinese folk dance. Everyone did violin lessons, but I went with the guzheng. I wanted to take a different path from others. While everyone else applied to schools in the US and Canada, I won a scholarship to go to Italy. I spent the last two years of secondary school in Italy, and then I went to university in the UK, where I majored in Italian.
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On appearing nude on the cover of the 1996 album Karen Mok in Totality:
I’m very lucky to always be able to bring to life my wildest ideas. I had long wanted to do a nude image that highlighted the power of women. The album was my second record and my first in the rock genre. We got [seminal photographer] Wing Shya to shoot that album cover in Happy Valley. We wanted vintage elements: that black leather sofa, with the slightly dated look and feel; the shading of the dark green curtains—and then, Karen Mok lying on her stomach on that sofa. I think when it comes to performance, you can do whatever comes into your imagination.
On her sex appeal, especially on stage:
A lot of people ask me what sexiness is. I think the first thing about it is self-confidence: it is the basis of any charm or glamour. It’s also about not being intentional—everything should come from honouring your truest, most natural self. When it comes to performing, you’re giving yourself power. It’s not about seeking power from others through it. I think that’s the essence of the sexiness that comes through in my performances.
On having her head shaved in the 1990s:
In 1995, while filming [the Wong Kar-wai crime drama] Fallen Angels, I had red curly hair [for her character]. After filming wrapped, I started getting split ends, along
with frizz and all sorts of problems with my hair. One day, I couldn’t stand it any more, and suddenly thought of shaving my head. I called my hairdresser, who’s a very cool guy. He didn’t even try to talk me out of it. He just said, “Come over!”
