Korean pop star Prince Mak is ‘just an Aussie-born Chinese guy’ from Casula discovered by Jackie Chan
HENRY MAK didn’t really like Korean pop music — specially the make-up singers wore — but how could he say no to all-round movie legend and singer Jackie Chan?
HENRY MAK didn’t really like Korean pop music, and all the make-up and eyeliner the singers wore, but he couldn’t say no to actor, martial artist, film director, producer, stuntman and singer Jackie Chan.
Entering and winning a singing competition while he was living in China, the then 22-year-old had never had singing training. Chan saw him win and said he was what “K-pop needed”.
“How could I say no to Jackie Chan? Who doesn’t want to work with him?” the 25-year-old said.
Mr Mak moved to Korea in February 2014 and, as part of JJCC, a K-pop hip hop boy group, released their debut track At First less than a month later. It skyrocketed to number one.
Now it is difficult for him to walk the streets of Itaewan, where he lives, without being asked for a photo or autograph.
Mr Mak, who now uses his middle name Prince, said many in Korea were annoyed with his success.
“In Korea, they spend years being trained to be a K-pop star and I was hand-picked and didn’t have intense training,” he said.
“Because I’m a K-pop star they assume I’m Korean, but I’m just an Aussie-Chinese boy who grew up in Casula.
“I’ve had to work a lot harder to learn the culture, language and accustomise to the food. I know enough Korean to survive, but it’s not good enough for flirting or getting a girlfriend. We can’t have a girlfriend while we’re a K-pop star anyway.”
And he’s brought his Aussie ways to the group. Each time they walk on stage to perform, they chant “JJCC, oi oi oi”.
Mr Mak now plans to travel to China to break into movies — with a little help from Jackie Chan.
“Jackie said now was time to break into the Chinese industry and focus on my acting career,” he said.
Mr Mak is the City of Sydney Chinese New Year 2016 ambassador. Jackie Chan had the role in 2011.
Mr Mak said the K-pop industry was very different to being a pop star.
“We have to do fan service. If we’re asked to blow a kiss we do, and if we’re asked to say ‘I love you’, we do that too.
“There is a term ‘aegyo’ which means to do something cute. For our Aussie culture, it is seen as cringe-worthy, but the girls love it.”
But life isn’t all glitter and showbiz for the 25-year-old. It is tough being away from his family.
His bedroom fits a single bed and bookcase. His clothes hang in the living room, alongside his six other band members.
“When we first formed JJCC, our days started at 6am with a 13km run, dance practice, vocal training, more dancing and I also learned Korean,” he said.
JJCC band members include E.co, Eddy, SimBa, SanCheong, Prince Mak, Zica and Yul.
They received individual training on their personality and stunts as well as improving their singing, dancing, rapping, songwriting and acting skills.
Whenever he can, Mr Mak shares his love of Australia with his fans.
“I always talk about my love for meat pies and sausage rolls and always say green and gold are the best colours,” he said.
Prince of K-pop
■ Went to Casula Primary and Moorebank High School, then onto Macquarie Fields High School for his senior years
■ Moved to China and entered singing competition
■ Also a host on Arirang TV
■ Only Aussie-born K-pop star
■ Planning to travel to China this year to pursue an acting career
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