#SHOWBIZ: HK actress Samantha Ko struggles with mental health issues and panic attacks

New Straits Times

09-07-2025

HONG KONG: Actress Samantha Ko has candidly discussed her battles with mental health during a recent interview with Hong Kong actor, host, and director Lawrence Cheng.
Ko's popularity has soared following her starring role in the 2023 TVB drama, The Queen Of News.
Her portrayal of morning news anchor Cathy earned the 38-year-old the Best Supporting Actress accolade at the TVB Awards in 2024.
Appearing on Cheng's online show, HiEggo, uploaded to YouTube on July 4, Ko revealed she has experienced depression, emotional instability, and panic attacks.
The panic attacks began during the Covid-19 pandemic when her work frequently required her to travel to mainland China.
"I went to the mainland alone with two pieces of luggage, and there was a need to quarantine then," she explained.
"I had to shuttle between both sides and sometimes had to stay in China for six months by myself."
Ko shared that she was particularly hard hit emotionally after her grandfather passed away, as 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 own thought."
The actress sought help from a psychiatrist soon after, noting that she had always been an optimistic person with few negative thoughts.
"He said that I didn't 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 a panic attack during the filming of The Queen Of News.
The scene involved her character witnessing a woman being hit by a car after jumping from a balcony.
"My mind went blank and I became more nervous," she said.
"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 broke down in tears and was unable to continue with the scene.
Filming for that scene was subsequently cancelled and rescheduled for 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.
To maintain a calm state of mind, Ko regularly uses techniques such as meditation.
"Many people may only 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."