DECEMBER 22, 2000 VOL. 26 NO. 50 | SEARCH ASIAWEEK

Russell Wong.

Lick That Competition

Fame is fleeting. Fortunately for Chow Yun-fat, stamps are not. The Hong Kong superstar will soon be memorialized in a set of eight U.S. stamps making their debut at the World Stamp Expo to be held in Hong Kong in February. It is customary for participating postal administrations to pay tribute to the host region by issuing stamps celebrating local achievements. So the star of such films as The Replacement Killers and Anna and the King joins an exclusive list of celebrities surfacing in the mailbox, including Bob Hope and Barbra Streisand. Rumors that Chow could be up for an acting Oscar — for his performance as a gravity-defying warrior in director Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon — are likely to boost local postage sales. But the actor isn't resting on his laurels. "If Ang Lee wants to film a prequel, of course I'd be interested," he says. Did someone say formula?

Seiko Breaks Up To Make Up
Divorce usually marks the breakdown of a relationship. But don't tell that to Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda, who recently announced that she is splitting up with her husband Hiroyuki Hantano. "We felt the best way to improve our relationship was to pursue our respective paths alone," Seiko says. "[Hiroyuki] wants to study dentistry in the U.S., while my work base will always be Japan." It is the second divorce in less than four years for Seiko, Japan's most popular female performer. Her marriage with actor Masaki Kanda ended in 1997. According to the 38-year-old singer, preserving her relationship with Hiroyuki is essential. It probably would have helped if she hadn't been romantically linked with someone else. Over the past few months, Japanese tabloids have been filled with reports about an alleged affair between Seiko and her producer, Harada Shinji.

Asiaweek Pictures.

No Straitjackets for This Model
A little nudity is liberating, so the prominent Attakor family of Thailand has learned. That's thanks to a former nurse who married into the clan. Since separating from her doctor husband, Chuttarat Attakor has celebrated her freedom by appearing in titillating poses in local magazines and calendars. Although red-faced family elders have complained to the police, Chuttarat insists on keeping the Attakor name. "I have become independent now," says the 35-year-old. "I can do what I want." And that includes some risquE modeling. Chuttarat regrets offending the family, which includes a former minister and ambassador, but argues that she is strictly professional in her new career. "I won't pose nude," she says. "I might show a little, but it depends on the pose. It has to be artistic." Chuttarat, who also opened a beauty clinic, says she loves make-up and great clothes. The Attakors just wish she would keep her garments on.

Back to the top

Write to Asiaweek at mail@web.asiaweek.com