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Eric Chou
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Eric Chou Hsing-che (Chinese: 周興哲; pinyin: Zhōu Xīngzhé; born June 22, 1995) is a Taiwanese singer and songwriter. He has been dubbed by the Taiwanese media as "king of the lovelorn people".[1][2] He debuted in August 2014 with the self-composed smash hit "The Distance of Love", which is the ending theme of the 2014 Taiwanese drama The Way We Were. It reached 100 million views on YouTube, making Chou the youngest Mandopop artist to reach the feat at that time.[3] His debut studio album, My Way to Love, was released in December of that year.
Key Information
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In 2016, Chou released the single "How Have You Been?" from his second studio album What Love Has Taught Us (2016), which became a major hit in Greater China and the third most-viewed music video by a Chinese artist on YouTube, with over 250 million views. His following album, The Chaos After You, (2017) featured the singles "Unbreakable Love" and "The Chaos After You", with the latter earning him the Artist of the Year award at the KKBox Music Awards. His first extended play (EP) and fourth studio album, Freedom (2019), produced the hit single "What's Wrong".
Life and career
[edit]1995–2014: Early life and career beginnings
[edit]Eric Chou was born in Taiwan on June 22, 1995. He has two brothers—younger brother Jimmy/James, and older brother Alex (周予天) who is also active as a singer-songwriter.[4][5] At a young age, he learned chess to improve his character, and even won a championship. When he was nine, his uncle brought him to watch Jay Chou's concert rehearsal. "When I heard him sing ‘Hair Like Snow’, that was the moment I was determined to become a singer-songwriter like him," Chou said.[6] At the age of twelve, he moved with his family to Boston in the United States, where he attended Fay School and Northfield Mount Hermon School.[7]
Chou recalled not being able to sit still when he first started learning the piano and had to be forced by his mother. However, playing the piano had become his outlet to express his emotions and started to play more during his spare time when he was in the US.[8] His inspiration for songwriting comes from movies, his friends and personal experiences.[9] During his time in Boston, he wrote the song, "The Distance of Love" (Chinese: 以後別做朋友, romanized: Yi Hou Bie Zuo Peng You, lit. 'Don't Be Friends From Now On'), inspired by his failed attempt to impress a girl he liked from high school.[10] "I thought I'd really get into music to make myself appear more charming, and that was actually the initial motivation," Chou said.[11] At eighteen, Chou returned to Taiwan due to his parents' work in Shanghai.[12]
Chou was talent scouted by Taiwanese actor Edison Huang (黃懷晨) who heard from a friend that his son "can sing", and was asked to perform at his wedding with actress Queenie Tai when he was seventeen.[13] He performed the song "The Distance of Love" which will eventually be chosen two years after as the ending theme of the Taiwanese drama The Way We Were where Tai also appeared. He also made his acting debut in the same drama by making a cameo as a singer.
2014–2016: Debut album and What Love Has Taught Us
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In August 2014, Chou released "The Distance of Love" as his first single under Sony Music Taiwan. The song will eventually appear in his debut studio album My Way to Love which was released on December 24.[13] The album went on to top 18 charts upon its release.[14] He won the TV Theme Song Award for "The Distance of Love" at the Hito Music Awards in 2015.[15]
In 2016, Chou served as a composer for the Chinese television series Magical Space-Time. He wrote three songs including "I Love You So" which was performed by his brother Alex Chou, "Fleeting Happiness" by Taiwanese singer A-Lin, and "Back to the Day" by Chou himself, and was used for the opening, ending, and theme song of the drama respectively.[16] He also had his first leading role in a micro drama for a ramen brand and released the theme song, "I Loved You".
On August 5, 2016, Chou released his second studio album, What Love Has Taught Us. It contained his hit single "How Have You Been?" which topped the KKBOX Mandarin Weekly Singles Chart for 30 consecutive weeks,[17] and its music video reaching 185 million views as of July 2022.[18] The song earned him the title "king of the lovelorn people".[19] The album achieved success, and a solo concert, "This Is Love", has been announced to promote the album.[20] Tickets for the Taipei show in November sold out within two minutes. The concert kicked off in Singapore on October, followed by Taipei in November, and then in Malaysia.[11][21] Chou also performed for Rock On! 2017, the largest countdown party in Singapore on December 31, 2016.[9]
2017–2018: Second concert tour and The Chaos After You
[edit]In 2017, Chou performed at the 12th KKBOX Music Awards where he received the Artist of the Year award, the youngest singer to do so.[17] In February 2017, he held his Valentine's concert in Macau where he performed his new song "Unbreakable Love", as well as a cover of Hebe Tien's "A Little Happiness".[22] On May 21, 2017, Chou performed in his sold-out concert in Taipei where he also announced that he's already working on his new album.[23] In August 2017, he announced the ticket-selling for his second concert tour "22 TWENTY TWO" in Taipei and the tickets sold out within 6 minutes. A second date has been added and tickets also sold out within an hour.[24] Chou wrapped up his concert tour "This Is Love" on October and commenced with his second concert tour "22 TWENTY TWO" in November, where he premiered his new song "Without Her" which will eventually appear on his new album.[25][26] On December 15, 2017, Chou released his third studio album, The Chaos After You. The album contains ten songs, including the title track of the same name. He capped off the year by performing at Taoyuan New Year's Eve countdown party.[27]
In 2018, Chou won two awards at the Hito Music Awards including the friDay Digital Song Award for his song "The Chaos After You."[28] In August 2018, he participated in the Tencent competition Chao Yin Idols where participants work with different artists to create a new musical style.[29][30] During the competition, he co-wrote the song, "What's Wrong", with Chinese singer and actor Wu Jiacheng. The live version which they performed with Chinese singer Su Yunying was released digitally on Chinese streaming platforms on the same month.[31] In November 2018, Chou appeared as the male lead in IQIYI web drama, The Elfin's Golden Castle.[32] In December 2018, Chou released the single, "Nobody But Me", along with its music video.[33]
2019–present: Freedom and When We Were Young
[edit]On January 10, 2019, Chou released his first EP, Freedom, which consists of five tracks. It included the songs, "What's Wrong" and "Nobody But Me" which was released the previous year. At the 15th KKBOX Music Awards, Chou performed a medley of his songs, including "At Least I Remember" from his new EP.[34] On May 11, 2019, Chou kicked off his concert tour "How Have You Been". It was his first time to perform in Taipei Arena in front of 11,000 fans.[6] Tickets were reportedly sold out in two minutes.[35] The concert also commenced in Kaohsiung Arena in August.[36] In October 2019, Chou released his song "Forever Beautiful" in support for a breast cancer campaign.[37]
In December 2019, Chou re-released a deluxe version of his EP Freedom as his fourth studio album which included the original five songs, and additional four new songs. Additionally, the music video for his song "What's Wrong" was hailed by YouTube to be the most viewed Mandopop music video, as well as the top 2 popular singer in Taiwan behind Jay Chou and above Jolin Tsai throughout 2019.[38][39] Chou was also featured on G.E.M.'s song "Don't Force It".
On January 7, 2020, Chou released his fifth studio album, When We Were Young. The album consists of eleven tracks, including "I'm Happy".
On August 8, Chou became the first singer to hold a concert at Taipei Arena since the COVID-19 pandemic started as part of his "How Have You Been Tour". The show was sold at full capacity, attracting 10,000 concertgoers.[40] To raise funds for the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric Chou donated all proceeds from a new remake of "Forever Beautiful", sung together with other Asian Sony artists.[41]
Chou’s sixth album, named “Almost," or 《幾乎是愛情》 in Mandarin, includes eleven songs and was released on November 25, 2024.[42] This is the first album he cooperated with Warner Music Taiwan Ltd., with the aim to expand into international market.[43]
Personal life
[edit]In January 2019, Chou announced that he has been in a relationship with Sanlih news anchor Dacie Chao (born c. 1989) since March 2018, after previously denying the rumors.[30][44][45] The couple broke up in October 2020 and reunited in 2021.[46] Chou announced their engagement in October 2022 and revealed that he had proposed to Chao in Europe on a hotel balcony in March that year.[47] In March 2023, Chou announced that he and Dacie are expecting their first child together.[48] In August 2023, Chou announced the birth of their daughter.[49] In January 2025, the couple announced the birth of their first son.[50]
Discography
[edit]- My Way to Love (2014)
- What Love Has Taught Us (2016)
- The Chaos After You (2017)
- Freedom (2019)
- When We Were Young (2020)
- Almost (2024)
Charitable Activities
[edit]In 2019, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. (台灣雅詩蘭黛集團) in Taiwan invited Chou to compose a song for its breast cancer awareness campaign. He wrote and sang the song “Forever Beautiful,” or (《一樣美麗》) in Mandarin, depicting the presence of hope even in times of despair.[51] The track resonated with fans worldwide, inspiring numerous fan-made remixes and music videos. Moved by the responses, Chou and Sony Music Taiwan invited artists across different countries, fields, and languages to record a “All For One” version in 2020.[52] All royalties earned by this version will be donated to charitable causes.[52]
In 2023, Chou continued to participate in charity events. Appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation, Chou supported children to recover from burn injuries and facial disfigurement.[53] Encouraging the public to show understanding and compassion, Chou announced that donation boxes will be placed at his “Odyssey” concert to raise funds that directly support the foundation's rehabilitation services, aiming to help children rebuild confidence and resilience.[53]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | English title | Original title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Love, Meet again | 又見麵，幸福的味道 | A-zhe | Short film |
| 2022 | My Best Friend's Breakfast | 我吃了那男孩一整年的早餐 | Tao You-quan |
In 2022, Chou He made his acting debut in the romantic comedy film “My Best Friend’s Breakfast.” Aside from being the male lead, he also composed the film's soundtrack. His performance earned him the nomination at the 59th Golden Horse Awards in 2022 as the Best New Performer and Best Original Film Song.[54] Upon learning his nominations, Chou stated, “It tastes like sweet wine, and it feels like I’m up in the clouds."[54] Despite not winning the Best New Performer award, his song “What’s on Your Mind” successfully captured the Best Original Film Song award.[55]
Television series
[edit]| Year | English title | Original title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Way We Were | 16個夏天 | Himself | Cameo; episodes 4, 10, 14, 16 |
| 2018 | The Elfin's Golden Castle | 小妖的金色城堡 | Lin Nanyi | Webseries |
| 2019 | Girl's Power | 女兵日記女力報到 | Himself | Cameo |
| 2020 | Young Days No Fears | 我的青春沒在怕 | Himself | Cameo |
| 2022 | Mom, Don't Do That | 媽，別鬧了！ | young Chen Guang-hui | Cameo; Netflix series |
Television show
[edit]| Year | English title | Original title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Sound of My Dream 2 | 夢想的聲音 | Himself | Episode 9, 10 |
| 2018 | Chao Yin Idols | 潮音战纪 | Himself | Idol Reality Show (Tencent) |
| 2023 | Infinity and Beyond 2023 | 聲生不息•寶島季 | Himself | Episodes 6–9 (Hunan TV) |
| Starlight BnB | 光開門就很忙了 | Himself; Chef | Reality Show (TVBS, TTV, Netflix) |
In 2017, Chou participated in the television show “Sound of My Dream 2,” in which he challenged singer Jane Zhang by performing her signature song “Finally Wait ‘till You.” Chou spent 10 hours remaking the songs and added EDM elements. Even though Chou failed to defeat Jane in the challenge, he still earned respect from his idol, JJ Lin, who complimented Chou’s falsetto and joked that he was scared that Chou would challenge him and steal his fans.[56]
Concerts
[edit]Concert tours
[edit]Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award ceremony | Year | Nominee(s) / Work(s) | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Horse Awards | 2022 | Best New Performer | My Best Friend's Breakfast | Nominated | |
| Best Original Film Song | "What's on Your Mind" from My Best Friend's Breakfast | Won | |||
| Global Chinese Golden Chart Awards | 2015 | Best New Artist (Bronze) | Eric Chou | Won | [59] |
| Hito Music Awards | 2015 | TV Theme Song Award | "The Distance of Love" | Won | [15] |
| 2016 | Most Popular New Artist (Male) | Eric Chou | Won | [60][61] | |
| 2018 | friDay Digital Song | "The Chaos After You" | Won | [62] | |
| Most Appealing Artist | Eric Chou | Won | |||
| KKBOX Music Awards | 2017 | Artist of the Year | Won | ||
| 2019 | Artist of the Year | "The Chaos After You" | Won | ||
| Sony The Bright of Music Chart Awards | 2015 | Creative Newcomer Singer and Songwriter | Eric Chou | Won | |
| The Most Popular K-Song Rookie Award of the Year | Won |
Notes
[edit]References
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External links
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Eric Chou
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Life and career
1995–2013: Early life and education in the United States
Eric Chou was born on June 22, 1995, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, to a Taiwanese family as the middle child among three brothers.[7][8] His early years in Taiwan were marked by a budding interest in music, fostered by his mother who enrolled him in piano lessons around age nine, purchasing his first keyboard to encourage the pursuit.[9] Although he initially resisted the lessons, this foundation introduced him to melody and composition, setting the stage for his creative development.[10] At age eleven, Chou relocated to the United States, initially to Portland, Oregon, for educational opportunities, though he primarily attended schools in the Boston area, including Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts, starting around age twelve, followed by Northfield Mount Hermon School.[9][3] He lived in a homestay with a family—whose mother was Taiwanese and father Spanish—to immerse himself in English and adapt to American culture, but faced initial challenges as he defaulted to speaking Mandarin, ultimately teaching the host family's children the language instead of advancing his own English proficiency.[9] To overcome language barriers and cultural differences, he joined an ice hockey team for seven years, embracing a more outgoing social environment while living with Asian roommates at boarding school.[9][10] These experiences, including strict homestay rules like mandatory bed-making and timed study sessions, contributed to feelings of isolation in his first year, where playing the piano became a comforting link to home amid the adjustment to a new culture.[9][10] During his time in the U.S., Chou's musical interests deepened; he began self-teaching aspects of songwriting and performance around age twelve in middle school, inspired by a first heartbreak and a desire to express emotions through ballads.[9][10] He initially composed on piano without singing, due to his changing voice, and developed a fondness for English love songs, leading to early songwriting in both English and Mandarin as he navigated his bilingual identity.[10] He also picked up the guitar, incorporating it into his self-directed practice alongside keys and basic recording tools.[11] These formative efforts, often solitary, reflected the loneliness and cultural dislocation he experienced, themes that would later permeate his lyrical style.[10] Chou graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School in 2013 at age eighteen and opted for a gap year dedicated to self-studying music rather than immediate college, culminating in his decision to return to Taiwan to pursue songwriting professionally.[3][12] This period allowed him to refine his craft, building on the bilingual influences and personal challenges from his American education that shaped his emotional depth as an artist.[10]2014–2016: Debut album and What Love Has Taught Us
In 2014, Eric Chou signed with Sony Music Taiwan, marking his entry into the professional music industry.[13] His debut single, "The Distance of Love," was released in August of that year and served as the ending theme for the Taiwanese drama The Way We Were, where Chou also made a cameo appearance.[7] This track, inspired by a personal heartbreak experienced at age 12, helped establish his signature style of emotional ballads.[7] Chou's debut studio album, My Way to Love, followed on December 19, 2014, under Sony Music Taiwan.[13] The album featured 12 tracks, all composed by Chou himself, including "The Distance of Love" and the title song "My Way of Love."[14] Many of these songs were written during his gap year in the United States at age 18, a period when he composed over 30 ballads while exploring music against his parents' initial reservations.[7] The album's introspective themes of love and longing drew from Chou's early life experiences, laying the foundation for his heartbreak-focused lyricism.[7] Building on this momentum, Chou released his second studio album, What Love Has Taught Us, on August 5, 2016, again through Sony Music Taiwan.[15] The record included 10 tracks, with the lead single "How Have You Been?" emerging as a major hit that topped charts across Asia shortly after its release.[16] This song, also self-composed, captured widespread attention for its poignant exploration of post-breakup emotions, contributing to the album's commercial success.[16] Media outlets soon dubbed Chou the "king of the lovelorn people" for his recurring themes of romantic heartache and emotional vulnerability in these early works.[12] During this period, promotional efforts focused on single releases like "The Distance of Love" and initial live appearances, including his first concert in Singapore in October 2016 at Shanghai Dolly, which sold out and highlighted tracks from both albums.[17] These activities helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase in Taiwan and beyond, solidifying his position as an emerging Mandopop balladist.[17]2017–2018: Breakthrough with The Chaos After You and early tours
Chou's third studio album, The Chaos After You (如果雨之後), marked a pivotal moment in his career, released on December 15, 2017, by Sony Music Taiwan. The album comprises ten tracks, all self-written and composed by Chou, blending heartfelt ballads with experimental elements like EDM influences on songs such as "Without Her" (沒有她的日子). Collaborations expanded his songwriting scope, featuring Swedish producer Freddy Häggstam on four tracks and Taiwanese lyricists including Wu Yi Wei, Xu Shi Zhen, and Rao Xue Man, while producer Paula Ma handled arrangements for the title track. Notable singles like "Unbreakable Love" (永不失聯的愛) quickly amassed over 10 million online streams, reflecting Chou's signature themes of love and loss evolved from his prior works.[18] The album's emotional depth in its piano-driven ballads and introspective lyrics earned widespread praise, dubbing Chou the "national heartbreak creator" and solidifying his status as a leading Mandopop balladeer. Critics and media highlighted the raw vulnerability in tracks like the title song, which explores post-breakup turmoil, resonating deeply with audiences and boosting his fanbase across Asia. This acclaim translated to heightened media coverage, with songs topping digital charts in Taiwan and garnering millions of views on platforms like YouTube shortly after release. The project's success also led to Chou's first major award wins, including the friDay Digital Song Award at the 2018 Hito Music Awards for "The Chaos After You."[8] To capitalize on the album's momentum, Chou launched his second concert tour, 22 Twenty Two (later extended as 22 Plus), spanning 2017 to 2018 across Asia. The tour kicked off with two sold-out shows in Taipei in November 2017, where tickets vanished in just six minutes, drawing thousands of fans. It expanded to Southeast Asian cities including Singapore and Malaysia in 2018, with performances at venues like The Max Pavilion and Axiata Arena also selling out rapidly, showcasing Chou's live charisma through acoustic renditions and high-energy sets of his self-penned hits. These early tours marked his breakthrough as a live performer, fostering a dedicated international following and setting the stage for larger-scale productions.[19][20][21]2019–2021: Freedom, When We Were Young, and pandemic-era activities
In 2019, Eric Chou released his first extended play, Freedom, on January 10, featuring five tracks that blended his signature emotional lyricism with electronic dance music (EDM), trap, and R&B influences, marking a stylistic experimentation beyond his earlier ballad-focused work.[22] The EP included singles like "What's Wrong" and "Nobody But Me," which explored themes of emotional liberation and relational complexities through pulsating beats and introspective vocals.[22] Later that year, on December 24, a deluxe edition expanded the project into a full studio album with additional tracks such as "Forever Beautiful" and "Something About LA," further emphasizing Chou's venture into upbeat, genre-fusing production while retaining poignant storytelling.[23][24] Chou's fifth studio album, When We Were Young (小時候的我們), arrived on January 7, 2020, comprising 11 tracks that delved into reflections on youth, nostalgia, and the passage of time, evoking a sense of wistful reminiscence through melodic arrangements.[25] The title track, for instance, lyrically cherishes past memories amid life's changes, underscoring themes of growth and enduring connections with a continuation of Chou's ballad style from prior releases.[26] Other songs like "Enough" and "Me and You" complemented this introspective mood, contributing to the album's cohesive exploration of personal evolution.[25] The How Have You Been Tour, which Chou launched in May 2019 across Asia—including a December stop at Singapore Indoor Stadium—was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, halting international legs and forcing adaptations in live engagements.[27] In response to restrictions, Chou shifted toward virtual interactions and online fan engagements to maintain connectivity during lockdowns, though large-scale in-person events remained limited until mid-2020.[28] His return to live performances culminated in Asia's first major post-pandemic arena concert on August 8, 2020, at Taipei Arena, where over 10,000 fans attended the sold-out show under stringent safety protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing, temperature screenings (barring entry for those above 37.5°C forehead or 38°C ear temperature), and QR-code-based contact tracing via Taiwan's "myCode" system.[29] The event, part of an extended tour run that included a second Taipei show the following day and additional dates in Kaohsiung, demonstrated Taiwan's effective pandemic control, with free masks and sanitizers distributed to attendees and no reported cases linked to the gatherings.[29][30] Amid these challenges, Chou contributed to several television soundtracks, enhancing his visibility through thematic songs that aligned with dramatic narratives. Similarly, "Graduation" featured as the theme song for Mom, Don't Do That! in 2022, infusing youthful sentiment and relational depth into the series.[31] In 2021, his composition "You Don't Belong to Me" became the theme for More than Blue: The Series, underscoring themes of love and loss in the adaptation.[32]2022–2025: Odyssey World Tour, Almost album, and recent releases
In 2022, Eric Chou launched his Odyssey Journey World Tour, marking a significant post-pandemic resurgence with live performances across Asia and beyond. The tour kicked off with two sold-out shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 10 and 11, 2022.[33] It subsequently expanded to include stops in Taipei, Los Angeles, and other international venues, reflecting Chou's growing global appeal.[34] By 2025, the tour continued with high-demand concerts, such as a three-night run at the Hong Kong Coliseum from September 19 to 21 and an encore performance in Singapore in November 2023.[35] A return to Taipei was scheduled for September 26–28, 2025, further solidifying his prominence in Asian markets.[36] The tour garnered attention for its fan engagement and logistical challenges, including incidents of ticket scalping and scams targeting enthusiastic audiences. In October 2022, authorities reported elaborate online scams preying on fans seeking tickets for Chou's Singapore shows, leading to warnings from event organizers about fraudulent resellers.[37] Despite these issues, performances emphasized emotional connections, with Chou incorporating interactive elements like fan sing-alongs and personal anecdotes during sets, fostering a sense of community among attendees.[38] The tour's extension to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, and Australia highlighted Chou's increasing international recognition, drawing diverse crowds and boosting his profile beyond Mandarin-speaking regions.[39][40] On November 23, 2024, Chou released his sixth studio album, Almost (幾乎是愛情), through M.Star Entertainment, featuring introspective tracks exploring themes of love and regret.[41] The album includes standout singles such as "When You Missed Me," which resonated with listeners for its poignant lyrics and Chou's signature ballad style.[42] Produced over four years, Almost debuted to positive reception, amassing streams on platforms like Apple Music and underscoring Chou's evolution as a songwriter.[43] In 2025, Chou contributed to the soundtrack for the drama Love's Ambition (許我耀眼) with the single "Take My Time," released on October 3 as the series' ending theme.[44] Composed, written, and performed by Chou, the track blends pop and R&B elements, capturing the narrative's themes of perseverance and romance.[45] This release further extended his influence in multimedia projects, aligning with the tour's momentum and affirming his role in contemporary Mandopop.[46]Personal life and philanthropy
Family and relationships
Eric Chou comes from a musical family, with an older brother, Alex Chou (周予天), who is also a singer-songwriter, and a younger brother, Jimmy.[47] Chou began dating former news anchor Dacie Chao in 2019, though the couple briefly separated in October 2020 before reconciling in June 2021.[48] Their relationship has been a significant source of inspiration for Chou's music, particularly evident in the themes of love and emotional growth in his 2019 album Freedom, where he noted the positive motivation it provided for songwriting.) In March 2022, Chou proposed to Chao during a trip to Europe, and the couple registered their marriage privately later that year in late 2022.[49][50] They held a low-key private ceremony, opting for intimacy over a public event, with plans for a larger celebration postponed to focus on family.[51] The couple announced Chao's pregnancy in March 2023, and their first child, a daughter, was born in August 2023.[52] Chou shared an open letter to his newborn on Instagram, expressing profound joy and describing her as "the most wonderful thing that has happened to us," while noting how he sings to her each morning as part of their family routine.[52] In September 2024, they revealed a second pregnancy, and their son was born via cesarean section in January 2025, with both mother and child reported to be in good health.[53][54] Since becoming a father, Chou has emphasized the centrality of family in his life, stating that it is his top priority amid his demanding career as a touring musician and songwriter.[51] He has spoken of the challenges and rewards of balancing professional commitments, such as world tours, with parenthood, crediting Chao's support and expressing gratitude for the stability family provides during his busy schedule.[55] This personal fulfillment is reflected in subtler shifts toward themes of enduring love and contentment in his recent releases, moving beyond his earlier "lovelorn" ballads.[56]Charitable work
In September 2025, Eric Chou was appointed as the charity ambassador (愛心大使) for the Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation, a Taiwanese nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with burn injuries and facial disfigurements through rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and social integration programs.[57] In this role, Chou volunteered to produce and star in a public service announcement without compensation, emphasizing the challenges these children face, such as prolonged medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and societal stigma, while advocating for public empathy and support to help them "brave the skies."[58][59] Chou's fundraising efforts integrated seamlessly with his professional activities, including the placement of donation boxes at his Odyssey World Tour concerts in Taipei from September 26 to 28, 2025, where contributors received limited-edition stickers as tokens of appreciation.[60] During a press conference on September 16, 2025, he made a public call to action, urging fans and the broader community to join in providing comprehensive rehabilitation and emotional support for affected families, drawing from his own encounters with adversity that deepened his commitment to such causes.[61][62] This initiative aligns with the foundation's annual assistance to approximately 400 families, offering holistic aid that includes medical recovery and psychological programs to foster confidence and reintegration.[60] Chou's involvement reflects a broader pattern of philanthropy influenced by his family life, where recent personal challenges, such as his young daughter's sudden health scare, heightened his empathy for vulnerable children facing long-term hardships.[61] While specific fundraising totals from his 2025 campaigns were not yet reported as of November 2025, his efforts have amplified awareness, encouraging donations that directly benefit the foundation's programs for physical and mental rehabilitation.[63]Discography
Studio albums
Eric Chou's debut studio album, My Way to Love, was released on December 19, 2014, by Sony Music Taiwan and features 11 self-composed tracks that showcase his early songwriting style rooted in heartfelt Mandopop ballads. Key singles include "The Distance of Love" and the title track "My Way of Love," which highlight themes of youthful romance and personal growth. The album marked Chou's introduction to the music scene, earning platinum certification in Singapore for sales exceeding 10,000 units.[64] His second studio album, What Love Has Taught Us, arrived on August 5, 2016, comprising 10 tracks that delve deeper into emotional introspection about relationships. Standout singles such as "How Have You Been?" and "This Is Love" topped charts in Taiwan and gained widespread radio play, contributing to the album's commercial success with platinum certification in Singapore.[64][65] The Chaos After You, Chou's third studio album, was released on December 15, 2017, and includes 10 tracks blending acoustic elements with subtle electronic influences. Prominent singles like the title track "The Chaos After You," "Unbreakable Love," and "Without Her" resonated with audiences through their poignant lyrics on heartbreak, leading to gold certification in Singapore for over 5,000 units sold.[64] The fourth studio effort, Freedom (Deluxe), initially launched as an EP on January 10, 2019, before its deluxe edition on December 24, 2019, featuring 9 tracks that fuse traditional ballads with EDM and R&B production. Key tracks such as "What's Wrong" and "Nobody But Me" exemplify this stylistic blend, emphasizing themes of liberation and self-discovery, and the album achieved platinum status in Singapore.[64] Chou's fifth studio album, When We Were Young, released on January 7, 2020, contains 11 tracks evoking nostalgic reflections on youth and lost innocence. The title track "When We Were Young" and "I'm Happy" stand out for their wistful melodies, capturing emotional resonance amid the global pandemic, with the album earning gold certification in Singapore.[66][64] His sixth studio album, Almost, debuted on November 23, 2024, with 11 tracks exploring near-misses in love and introspection.[41] The lead single "When You Missed Me" has emerged as a hit, praised for its emotive delivery and rapid streaming gains, while early reception highlights the album's mature production and lyrical depth.Extended plays and singles
Eric Chou released his debut extended play, Freedom, on January 10, 2019, through Sony Music Taiwan.[22] The EP consists of five tracks—"Old Days," "Nobody But Me," "Room for You," "What's Wrong," and "Freedom"—blending R&B, EDM, and trap elements with Chou's signature emotional lyricism.[22] A deluxe edition followed on December 24, 2019, expanding to nine tracks with additions like "Something About LA" and "Forever Beautiful," which further explored themes of liberation and introspection.[24] The Freedom EP marked Chou's first foray into non-album formats, achieving platinum certification in Singapore for 10,000 units sold.[64] Throughout his career, Chou has issued over 25 singles, including promotional tracks, drama soundtracks, and collaborations, many of which stand alone from his studio albums.[43] His debut single, "The Distance of Love" (以後別做朋友), released on August 1, 2014, served as the ending theme for the Taiwanese drama The Way We Were and introduced his poignant style of heartbreak ballads. In 2016, "How Have You Been?" (你，好不好？), the ending theme for the TVBS series Life List, topped the KKBOX Mandarin Daily Singles Chart for 30 consecutive weeks, establishing Chou as a dominant force in Mandopop. The 2019 single "What's Wrong" (怎麼了) from the Freedom EP became one of Chou's biggest hits, reaching number one on the KKBOX Mandarin Yearly Singles Chart and the Singapore regional chart, while peaking at number two on Malaysia's Chinese songs chart and number five on Singapore's top streaming chart.[67] More recently, in 2025, Chou contributed "Take My Time" as the ending theme for the drama Love's Ambition (許我耀眼), released on October 3, an English-language track emphasizing themes of healing and patience.[68] These non-album releases, alongside collaborations like "Unbreakable Love" (2017) with various artists, highlight Chou's versatility in soundtrack work and promotional singles, often garnering millions of streams and contributing to his certifications in regions like Singapore.[64]| Single | Release Date | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| "The Distance of Love" | August 1, 2014 | Ending theme for The Way We Were; debut single breakthrough.[69] |
| "How Have You Been?" | May 20, 2016 | #1 on KKBOX Mandarin Chart for 30 weeks; ending theme for Life List. |
| "What's Wrong" | January 10, 2019 | #1 on KKBOX Yearly Mandarin Chart; platinum-eligible streams in Singapore.[67] |
| "Take My Time" | October 3, 2025 | Ending theme for Love's Ambition; English-language soundtrack single.[68] |
Filmography
Films
Eric Chou made his acting debut in films with a short film appearance before transitioning to supporting and leading roles in feature films, marking an expansion from his primary career as a Mandopop singer-songwriter. His entry into acting began with the 2016 short film Love, Meet Again (又見麵，幸福的味道), where he portrayed A Zhe, a character in a story exploring themes of reunion and emotional connection through everyday encounters. This early role allowed Chou to experiment with on-screen performance while leveraging his musical background, as the project intertwined narrative with subtle musical elements reflective of his songwriting style.[70] Chou's first major feature film role came in 2022 with My Best Friend's Breakfast (我吃了那男孩一整年的早餐), a Taiwanese romantic comedy-drama adapted from Misa's bestselling novel. He played Tao You Quan, a kind-hearted high school swimmer and guitarist who anonymously delivers breakfast to his crush, highlighting themes of unrequited love, friendship, and personal growth amid adolescent awkwardness. The film follows food-obsessed protagonist Xiang Wei-xin (Moon Lee), whose meddling inadvertently sparks romantic misunderstandings, with Chou's character serving as a gentle romantic interest that adds emotional depth to the coming-of-age narrative. Directed by Du Zheng Zhe, the movie received mixed reception for its heartfelt but formulaic storytelling, earning a 6/10 on IMDb and praise for its relatable youth dynamics and Chou's natural, understated performance in his acting debut, which helped broaden his appeal beyond music fans.[71][72][73] In 2024, Chou took on a supporting role as Bensen in the action thriller High Forces (also known as Crisis Route), a Hong Kong-Chinese co-production directed by Oxide Pang and produced by Andy Lau. The plot centers on an international security expert (Andy Lau) whose flight is hijacked by gunmen, with his blind daughter among the hostages, leading to high-stakes confrontations aboard an A380 airliner. Chou's character contributes to the ensemble dynamic during the tense hijacking sequence, blending suspense with personal stakes. The film garnered a 5.8/10 on IMDb, noted for its gripping action set pieces despite some pacing criticisms, and Chou's involvement marked a genre shift, showcasing his versatility in a high-profile ensemble. Additionally, Chou composed and performed the ending theme "I Will Always Be With You" for the film, further integrating his musical talents into his acting projects.[74][75][76] Chou has also contributed to film soundtracks outside his acting roles, including the song "Too Bad" for the 2019 romance Somewhere Winter, enhancing its melancholic tone of lost love and seasonal reflection. These cinematic endeavors have positively impacted his career by diversifying his public image and attracting new audiences through cross-media exposure.[77]Television appearances
Chou began his television career with a guest appearance as himself in the 2014 Taiwanese drama The Way We Were, marking his acting debut in the series.[78] In 2018, he took on his first main role as Lin Nan Yi in the fantasy drama The Elfin's Golden Castle, which aired for 32 episodes and showcased his early foray into scripted television.[78] That same year, he made cameo guest appearances in episodes 88 and 236 of Girl's Power Season 2, a long-running military-themed series.[78] His television acting continued with a guest role as Zhou Xing Zhe in the first episode of the 2020 youth drama Young Days No Fears. In 2022, Chou made a cameo appearance as young Chen Guang-hui in the Taiwanese family drama Mom, Don't Do That! (32 episodes).[78][79] He is also set to appear in the upcoming series Fired Up! in a main role.[78] Beyond scripted roles, Chou has frequently appeared on variety and music programs, often performing live during promotional periods for his albums and singles. In 2018, he competed as a regular contestant on the music competition show Chao Yin Zhan Ji, which ran for 10 episodes and highlighted his vocal talents in a battle-of-the-bands format.[78] He served as a guest instructor in episodes 10 and 11 of the 2020 dance variety series Dancing Diamond 52.[78] In 2021, Chou was a regular member of Team A on Our Song Season 3 for the first nine episodes, collaborating with other artists in songwriting challenges, and made a guest appearance in episode 9 of It Sounds Incredible.[78] His variety show involvement continued in 2023 with guest spots in episodes 6 through 9 of Infinity and Beyond, where he performed as a singer, and a regular role as the Director of Food and Beverage in episodes 1-8 and 11-13 of the reality series Starlight BnB.[78] Earlier guest appearances include multiple episodes of the long-running entertainment program 100% Entertainment in 2014 and 2015, as well as a 2019 spot on the Chinese variety show Day Day Up.[78] In 2025, he appeared as a guest in episode 8 of The Treasured Voice Season 6, a vocal competition series.[78] Chou has also contributed significantly to television through soundtrack work, providing theme songs that align with his emotional ballad style. His 2016 single "How Have You Been?" was featured as the ending theme for the TVBS drama Life List.[4] In 2021, "You Don't Belong to Me" served as the main theme song for the Taiwanese series More than Blue: The Series.[80] Other notable contributions include "Graduation" as the theme for the 2022 series Mom, Don't Do That!, "Youth" for the 2024 drama Follow Your Heart, and "I Loved You" as the ending song for the 2023 Chinese series The Left Ear.[81][80][82] These tracks often tie into his discography, enhancing promotional synergy with his music releases.Tours and live performances
Headlining tours
Eric Chou launched his career as a touring artist with the This Is Love Tour in 2016–2017, an early promotional effort centered on themes of romance and emotional ballads from his early albums. The tour featured intimate performances across Southeast Asia and Taiwan, including a show at The Star Theatre in Singapore on March 18, 2017, and a sold-out concert in Taipei on May 21, 2017, where he connected deeply with fans through acoustic arrangements. Additional stops included Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, on May 27, 2017, highlighting his rising popularity in the region.[83] The 22 Twenty Two Tour (2017–2018), also known as Twenty Two Plus, marked Chou's expansion into larger international venues and celebrated his 22nd birthday alongside tracks from his album The Chaos After You. Key performances included The Max Pavilion at Singapore Expo on June 9, 2018, where he showcased high-energy sets blending pop and ballad elements, and Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 1, 2018, drawing thousands for an evening of heartfelt storytelling. The tour emphasized personal growth and fan interaction, solidifying his appeal beyond Taiwan.[21][20][84] Chou's How Have You Been Tour (2019–2020) represented his most ambitious pre-pandemic outing, promoting recent singles like "How Have You Been?" with themes of reflection and maturity, and included global stops before COVID-19 disruptions. It commenced at Taipei Arena on May 11, 2019, captivating 11,000 attendees with elaborate lighting and emotional renditions, followed by two nights at The Star Theatre in Singapore on December 13 and 14, 2019. The tour resumed in 2020 under strict health protocols, with the opening show at Taipei Arena on August 8, 2020, as one of Asia's first post-lockdown arena events, and additional performances in Kaohsiung and Taipei totaling four dates amid reduced capacity. The Odyssey World Tour, Chou's largest-scale production to date, explores themes of life's journey through his discography, featuring immersive stage designs, pyrotechnics, and a global itinerary spanning Asia, North America, and Oceania. It debuted with back-to-back nights at Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 10 and 11, 2022, and returned for encores there on November 4 and 5, 2023. The tour's 2025 extensions include three nights at Taipei Arena from September 26 to 28, multiple shows at Hong Kong Coliseum on September 19, 20, and 21, and a final encore in Singapore, underscoring its ongoing impact and fan demand.[85][86][35]Notable concerts
Eric Chou's first post-COVID concert took place at Taipei Arena on August 8, 2020, marking one of the earliest large-scale indoor events in Taiwan following pandemic restrictions. The performance drew over 10,000 attendees, with strict safety measures enforced, including mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks at entry, provision of hand sanitizers, and identification verification to trace contacts if needed. This event, part of a series of four sold-out shows totaling 42,000 tickets that sold out in 15 minutes, demonstrated Taiwan's effective COVID-19 containment strategies while reviving live music experiences.[87][88][29] Chou has made notable festival appearances, including multiple performances at Hong Kong's TheNextWave Beach Music Festival, a prominent outdoor event blending music and seaside vibes. In 2023, he delivered a set featuring hits like "摯友" (Best Friend) at Discovery Bay, captivating audiences with his signature romantic ballads amid a diverse lineup of local and international artists. His return in 2025 for the festival's XX25 edition further highlighted his draw, performing alongside acts such as Hung Ka-ho and Gummy B on the first day, emphasizing themes of romance and friendship in a relaxed beach setting.[89][90] For charity-linked shows, Chou participated in Singapore's President's Star Charity 2022, a televised fundraiser supporting underprivileged communities, where he performed alongside international and local stars like Ellie Goulding and Taufik Batisah. The event underscored his commitment to social causes through music, drawing significant viewership and donations.[91] In 2025, Chou's encore performances garnered attention, particularly his final show in Singapore as part of the "Odyssey~Journey" world tour extension, held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and celebrated for its emotional closure to the regional leg. Meanwhile, his Hong Kong concerts at the Coliseum faced challenges from ticket scalping, leading to police arrests of three individuals outside the venue in September for illegal reselling, prompting enhanced ticketing measures like delayed collection to curb fraud.[86][92][93] During off-tour periods, Chou engaged fans through intimate acoustic sets and fan meets, such as the "The Moment" series. The 2022 Bangkok edition at Union Mall featured stripped-down renditions of tracks like "以後別做朋友" (Don't Be Friends Anymore) with collaborator NeNew, fostering close interactions in a casual venue. Similar events in Singapore and Malaysia in 2022 and 2023 allowed for personal fan engagements, including handshakes and Q&A sessions, providing a contrast to his larger arena productions.[94][95]Awards and nominations
Golden Melody Awards
Eric Chou has received nominations at the Golden Melody Awards, reflecting his influence in Mandopop. In 2024, he was nominated for Song of the Year for "The Adults" from the album The Wonder of Wondering Life at the 35th Golden Melody Awards.| Year | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Song of the Year | "The Adults" | Nominated |