From setting a Guinness World Record with her concerts and performing at the esteemed Olympic Games to acing brand deals with top-tier fashion houses and being a staunch animal activist and charity advocate – Karen Mok has etched many milestones in her more than three-decade-long journey in Hong Kong showbiz. While many superstars from the 90s have become nostalgic tales, Mok still shines in the spotlight. Let’s take you through 10 interesting facts about Karen Mok, Hong Kong’s OG golden girl, that’ll acquaint you with her journey like never before.
A creative powerhouse, Mok has proved her mettle as a singer, songwriter, actor, model and entrepreneur. Karen Mok first recorded her demo music tapes while studying Italian literature at University College, London, not knowing that she would become a massive Cantopop sensation shortly after. To date, she has released 20 studio albums and starred in over 40 movies – most of which have struck the right chord with Asian audiences. Keep scrolling as we familiarise you with Mok’s incredible road to stardom via 10 fascinating about the star.
10 facts about Hong Kong’s legendary star Karen Mok
1. Karen Mok is of mixed ancestry and can speak six languages
Let’s start with Karen Mok’s early life. Born and raised as Karen Joy Morris in Hong Kong, the singer is actually of mixed ancestry. While her mother is half Chinese, quarter German and quarter Persian, her father is mix of Welsh and Chinese. Explaining her roots in an interview with Time, she mentioned, “So if you break it down evenly, I would still be half Chinese – and the rest is just a mish-mash.”
Moreover, she’s a multilingual star who knows six languages. Apart from her native language Cantonese, she’s also proficient in English, Mandarin, Italian, German as well as French.
2. She set a Guinness World Record for hosting the highest altitude concert
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In 2019, Mok set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Highest Altitude Mass-Attended Music Concert‘. The singer held a concert at an altitude of 3650m in Lhasa, Tibet, which over 12,000 people attended. Of course, giving a startling performance at such a high altitude wasn’t an easy feat, with Mok and her team undergoing a strict diet to prevent altitude sickness.
3. Karen Mok is married to German finance executive Johannes Natterer
Back in the day, Mok too grabbed headlines for her high-profile relationships with Stephen Chow as well as Stephen Fung. According to reports, Mok, who first met Stephen Chow while filming A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora’s Box, was the only woman he was serious about marrying. Later on, she secretly dated Stephen Fung for eight long years, after being set up by Leslie Cheung.
However, both these relationships didn’t fructify any further. Mok finally married German finance executive Johannes Natterer in 2011. Mok and Natterer dated briefly when they were schoolmates at the United World College in Italy. A school reunion brought them together again, forging their relationship for good this time. The couple doesn’t have any children together.
4. She has starred in Hollywood movies with Jackie Chan and Keanu Reeves
After carving a place for herself in Hong Kong films with projects like Fallen Angels, A Chinese Odyssey and more, Mok forayed into Hollywood. Her first movie in the West was the Jackie Chan starrer Around the World in 80 Days. Mok’s first lead role in Hollywood came alongside Keanu Reeves in his 2013 directorial debut Man of Tai Chi. The Chinese-American martial arts film sadly bombed at the box office but gave Mok a newfound popularity outside of Asia.
5. Karen Mok decided to retire from concert tours
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Mok’s The Ultimate Karen Mok Show concert tour (2018-2021), which even included the Guinness World Record holding Lhasa concert, was the singer’s last series of concert tours. The singer’s final large-scale concert tour ended with three concerts in Hong Kong in June 2021. Talking about her retirement to the media (via 8days), Mok said she doesn’t like to do the same things over and over again.
“I don’t want to repeat the same cycle of putting out an album once every one to two years, and then going on tour after that. It’s time for something new,” she added.
6. She’s the first Asian celebrity to launch her own lingerie and perfume brands
Back in October 2008, Mok decided to turn entrepreneur by launching her own brand of perfume. Becoming the first Asian artist to do so, Mok mentioned that perfumes were just the beginning of her personal brand, which later introduced products like personally designed lingerie. Her lingerie brand was named ‘Passion Play’, with Mok herself posing for its campaigns.
7. Karen Mok performed at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing
In one of the greatest honours of her life, Mok was a torch bearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing. Not only this, she performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, showcasing her talent on the global stage.
8. She’s a dedicated animal activist, UNICEF ambassador and philanthropist
Karen Mok is all about doing good for the society. She’s a staunch animal activist and has been involved in many campaigns for the cause. From joining hands with Animals Asia to help Asiatic black bears and working actively with PETA against animal cruelty to holding ambassadorship positions for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) as well as Animals Asia Foundation– Mok has done it all.
Moreover, she has also been involved in campaigns against human trafficking and worked on numerous charitable causes, especially those concerned with children’s welfare. Lastly, she’s a UNICEF ambassador as well.
9. She’s a style icon known for her sartorial excellence
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With her unique and ever-evolving style, Karen Mok has always been an iconic fashion figure. From elegant designer silhouettes and quirky animal prints to bold black attires as well as the casual diva off-duty looks – Karen Mok dons everything with utmost grace. She has worked with brands like Swarovski, Gucci, Cartier and more, further solidifying her position in the luxe fashion space.
10. Karen Mok has many notable awards under her belt
Did you know that Mok is the first Hong Kong singer to win the prestigious Golden Melody Award three times? The artist has collected numerous high-profile awards over the years including multiple Hong Kong Film Awards, the Golden Bauhinia Award, the Asian Pop Music Awards, the Golden Melody Awards and the list goes on. Mok is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadorship Award recipient for her work in promoting education for underprivileged children.
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(Hero and feature image credit: mokabyebaby/ Instagram)
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Karen Mok is a popular Hong Kong born singer, songwriter, actor, model and entrepreneur.
Karen Mok is popular for her acting stints in 'Fallen Angels', 'A Chinese Odyssey' as well as in Hollywood films like 'Around the World in 80 Days' and 'Man of Tai Chi'.
Yes, she's extremely popular across Asia and has even worked in Hollywood.
Apart from her native language Cantonese, she’s also proficient in English, Mandarin, Italian, German and French.
Apart from showbiz, Karen Mok is a dedicated animal activist, UNICEF ambassador and philanthropist.
