HK actress Samantha Ko discloses struggle with mental health issues
Hong Kong actress Samantha Ko has opened up about her struggles with mental health in a recent interview with Hong Kong actor-host-director Lawrence Cheng.
Her popularity has surged after starring in the TVB drama The Queen Of News (2023). The 38-year-old's role as morning news anchor Cathy garnered her the Best Supporting Actress accolade at the TVB Awards in 2024.
Appearing on Cheng's online show HiEggo, Ko said she has experienced depression, emotional instability and panic attacks.
The panic attacks began during the Covid-19 pandemic when she had to travel to China frequently for work.
'I went to the mainland alone with two pieces of luggage, and there was a need to quarantine then,' she said. 'I had to shuttle between both sides and sometimes had to stay in China for six months by myself.'
Ko added she was hit hard emotionally after her grandfather died, and she was unable to return to Hong Kong to see him one last time.
'I remember one day when I went to the supermarket with my mother,' she recalled. 'I was standing by the road with two bags of stuff and waiting for the traffic light. A truck passed by and an idea came to my mind: 'What will happen if I step out?' At that moment, I took a step back subconsciously and was shocked by my thought.'
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August
Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses
Singapore Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts
Singapore Paternity leave take-up in S'pore rises to 56% in 2023; experts hope for further boost after extension
Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032
Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence
Asia Bali flights nixed after huge Indonesia volcano eruption
Life How to cope with the heat when travelling: 5 expert-backed tips
The actress went to see a psychiatrist soon after as she used to be an optimistic person with few negative thoughts.
'He said that I did not need to take medicine and he would help me by chatting with me once a week . But I took along some medicine with me in case it was needed.'
Ko also recounted an instance of a panic attack while filming a scene in The Queen Of News, when her character witnessed a woman being hit by a car after falling from a balcony.
'My mind went blank and I became more nervous,' she said of the filming. 'Every time I made a mistake (in my lines), she had to jump again. She might meet with a real accident even though she was a stuntwoman.'
Ko said she broke down and cried, and could not carry on with the scene. The shooting of the scene was cancelled and moved to another day. 'The incident left a deep impression on my mind as it turned out that I couldn't bear this kind of psychological pressure,' she said.
She would regularly use some methods, like meditation, hoping to maintain a calm state of mind.
'Many people may take note of their physical pain when they get too busy without realising the psychological pressure they are going through,' she said. 'That's why I urge everyone to take note of their mental health.'
Helplines
Mental well-being
National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
Counselling
Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Cultural row erupts as Thai dress seeks Unesco status amid Cambodian claim
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox BANGKOK - A potential cultural clash is brewing as Thailand prepares to submit its exquisite royal traditional dress (Chut Thai Phra Ratchaniyom) for consideration as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. This move has been met with national pride, but it comes amid growing concerns that neighbouring Cambodia is simultaneously seeking World Heritage status for its wedding traditions, allegedly incorporating images and references to Thai attire in its submission. The development has been highlighted by popular social media pages, including 'Asean Mong Thai' (Asean Look at Thailand), which confirmed directly from the Unesco website that 'Thai Royal Traditional Dress will be considered at next year's (2026) inscription meeting under the category of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).' The clarification noted that this differs from a World Heritage Site listing, which is exclusively for places, but carries equal prestige within Unesco's various categories. However, the spotlight has now turned to Cambodia's submission. The Facebook page 'Customers are God' publicly urged the Thai Ministry of Culture to take urgent action after discovering Cambodia's World Heritage bid for its 'wedding traditions' reportedly includes images of Thai attire. This has sparked considerable alarm among Thai experts and the public, given Cambodia's past attempts to lay claim to cultural elements and traditions perceived to be similar or related to Thailand. The use of Thai dress images in Cambodia's wedding tradition proposal could be interpreted as an effort to falsely suggest that Thai attire is an integral part of Cambodian culture or inextricably linked to it. The Thai Ministry of Culture and relevant agencies are now expected to closely monitor the situation. There is a strong call for them to prepare historical and cultural evidence to affirm the unique identity of Thai attire and Thai wedding traditions. Diplomatic action or direct communication with Unesco may become necessary to safeguard Thailand's cultural rights. This Cambodian submission, therefore, transcends a simple World Heritage bid; it has evolved into a delicate issue regarding the protection and preservation of distinct cultural identities within the region. It has been confirmed that Cambodian wedding traditions, reportedly featuring Thai attire, are already on Unesco's Tentative List for 2026 consideration, awaiting final committee approval in 2026. The Thai Royal Traditional Dress, or Chut Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, is a revered national costume for Thai women, typically worn during formal and royal ceremonies such as engagements, weddings, and other significant events. It is distinguished by its intricate tailoring and the exquisite use of traditional Thai silk, cotton, and synthetic fibres. The dress encompasses a variety of distinct styles, each with its own unique design. THE NATION/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Straits Times
HK actress Samantha Ko discloses struggle with mental health issues
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Hong Kong actress Samantha Ko has opened up about her struggles with mental health in a recent interview with Hong Kong actor-host-director Lawrence Cheng. Her popularity has surged after starring in the TVB drama The Queen Of News (2023). The 38-year-old's role as morning news anchor Cathy garnered her the Best Supporting Actress accolade at the TVB Awards in 2024. Appearing on Cheng's online show HiEggo, Ko said she has experienced depression, emotional instability and panic attacks. The panic attacks began during the Covid-19 pandemic when she had to travel to China frequently for work. 'I went to the mainland alone with two pieces of luggage, and there was a need to quarantine then,' she said. 'I had to shuttle between both sides and sometimes had to stay in China for six months by myself.' Ko added she was hit hard emotionally after her grandfather died, and she was unable to return to Hong Kong to see him one last time. 'I remember one day when I went to the supermarket with my mother,' she recalled. 'I was standing by the road with two bags of stuff and waiting for the traffic light. A truck passed by and an idea came to my mind: 'What will happen if I step out?' At that moment, I took a step back subconsciously and was shocked by my thought.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts Singapore Paternity leave take-up in S'pore rises to 56% in 2023; experts hope for further boost after extension Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence Asia Bali flights nixed after huge Indonesia volcano eruption Life How to cope with the heat when travelling: 5 expert-backed tips The actress went to see a psychiatrist soon after as she used to be an optimistic person with few negative thoughts. 'He said that I did not need to take medicine and he would help me by chatting with me once a week . But I took along some medicine with me in case it was needed.' Ko also recounted an instance of a panic attack while filming a scene in The Queen Of News, when her character witnessed a woman being hit by a car after falling from a balcony. 'My mind went blank and I became more nervous,' she said of the filming. 'Every time I made a mistake (in my lines), she had to jump again. She might meet with a real accident even though she was a stuntwoman.' Ko said she broke down and cried, and could not carry on with the scene. The shooting of the scene was cancelled and moved to another day. 'The incident left a deep impression on my mind as it turned out that I couldn't bear this kind of psychological pressure,' she said. She would regularly use some methods, like meditation, hoping to maintain a calm state of mind. 'Many people may take note of their physical pain when they get too busy without realising the psychological pressure they are going through,' she said. 'That's why I urge everyone to take note of their mental health.' Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources

Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Straits Times
Shinee member Taemin apologises for earthquake remarks on live stream
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SHINee member Taemin drew flak for his earthquake remarks, which fans found to be insensitive. K-pop star Taemin has issued an apology for recent remarks he made regarding a predicted earthquake in Japan. During a live stream on July 6, Taemin, accompanied by his Shinee bandmate Minho, spoke about the prophesied July 2025 earthquake in Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki's The Future I Saw (1999). The 31-year-old singer said: 'Would it look cool if the stage shook here, or would it shake like it's 3D when the dance was in full climax? What if it shook when fireworks were going off?' Shinee had performed at music festival Show! Music Core In Japan on July 5. Taemin's comments drew flak from fans for making light of the concerns felt by the Japanese. Later on July 6, he posted an apology on his Instagram story in both Korean and Japanese. He wrote: 'I apologise for talking recklessly about the earthquake. I'm reflecting on the fact that I didn't consider the situation of the local people or the risk of natural disasters.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 He was 'very worried' about the probability of an earthquake and added: 'From now on, I will be a person who thinks and speaks more carefully. Thank you.' Taemin and Minho will be in town for Waterbomb Singapore 2025 in August. Shinee last performed here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in March 2024 as part of their sixth world tour.