Revisiting ‘The Love of the Past’: A Cult Dinner Unveils the Mystery Behind Cheng Ho-Nam’s Murder

October 19, 2025

Hong Kong Stars Zhang Yaoyang, Cheng Haonan Reconnect, Spark Remarriage Rumors

Hong Kong – Veteran actors Zhang Yaoyang and Cheng Haonan have sent waves of nostalgia through the entertainment industry after a recent public appearance together. The duo, famed for their roles in the classic “Young and Dangerous” film series, were spotted enjoying an evening together, singing and reminiscing, leading to speculation about personal lives and renewed camaraderie.

A Night of Nostalgia and Friendship

Cheng Haonan shared a video on social media showcasing the pair harmonizing to the song “The Love of the Year”. The clip quickly went viral, resonating with fans who fondly remember the on-screen chemistry between the two actors. According to reports, both stars appeared vibrant and in good spirits during the outing, fondly recalling their shared history.

Zhang Yaoyang and Cheng Haonan at a recent gathering, sparking memories of their iconic roles.

The gathering wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it also fueled speculation about cheng Haonan’s personal life. The actor was seen wearing a wedding ring on his left hand, prompting rumors of a possible remarriage. He previously married Japanese actress Oshima oshima in 1991, but the couple divorced in 1995.

“This time I don’t lift the table, but I lift the memories! From youth to old age, the tacit understanding has not diminished at all. 40 years of friendship is the ultimate romance,” Cheng Haonan wrote alongside the video, adding hashtags referencing both actors and their iconic characters.

Revived Careers and Enduring Legacy

Zhang Yaoyang, known as “Crow” to fans, and Cheng Haonan, who played “Situ Haonan,” achieved widespread recognition through the “Young and Dangerous” franchise, which remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong action cinema. The films, released in the mid-1990s, captured a raw and gritty portrayal of youth culture and gangland life.

Cheng Haonan has experienced a career resurgence in recent years. He has recently taken parts in several films, including “Dark Eyes”, “One Prisoner 2: No escape”, “Jia Zhi 3”, “Desperate”, and “misjudgement” alongside Donnie Yen. This comeback has delighted fans eager to see more of the beloved actor.

The actors singing together, rekindling fond memories for fans of ‘Young and Dangerous’.

Past Relationships and Present Speculation

Cheng Haonan’s previous marriage ended in divorce, and he later settled in Malaysia with his family. In 2022, he publicly discussed marital difficulties, hinting at possible infidelity. Recent photos of him with a woman further fueled speculation about a new relationship.

When questioned by the media regarding a possible new love, Cheng Haonan responded cryptically with a local expression, adding to the mystery.

The Enduring Appeal of Hong Kong Action Cinema

Hong Kong action cinema gained global prominence in the late 20th century, characterized by its fast-paced choreography, dramatic storylines, and charismatic stars. Films like “Young and Dangerous” helped define a generation and continue to influence action films today. According to the Hong Kong Film Development Council, the industry continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and seeking international collaborations.

Film Series	Release Year	Key Actors	Genre
Young and Dangerous	1995-1998	Zhang Yaoyang, Cheng Haonan	Action, Gangster

Did you know that the “Young and Dangerous” series is considered a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong and among overseas Chinese communities?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Zhang Yaoyang known for? Zhang Yaoyang is known for playing the iconic character “Crow” in the “Young and Dangerous” film series.
• What role did Cheng Haonan play in “Young and Dangerous”? Cheng Haonan played the character “Situ Haonan” in the popular film series.
• What prompted the recent attention on Cheng Haonan? Rumors of a potential remarriage sparked discussion after he was seen wearing a wedding ring.
• Is Hong Kong cinema still thriving? while facing competition, Hong Kong cinema continues to evolve and maintain a presence on the global stage.
• What type of films is Cheng Haonan working on now? Cheng Haonan has recently appeared in several action and thriller films, marking a return to the industry.

What are your fondest memories of the “young and dangerous” films? Do you think we’ll see more collaborations between Zhang Yaoyang and Cheng Haonan in the future?

How did the family’s wealth and internal tensions contribute to the circumstances surrounding Cheng Ho-Nam’s death?

the Enigmatic Case of Cheng Ho-nam

The 1990 murder of Hong Kong businessman Cheng Ho-Nam remains a chilling case study in the intersection of wealth, family secrets, and alleged cult involvement.dubbed “The Love of the Past” by the media, the case resurfaced recently with the revelation of a meticulously planned dinner – a supposed attempt to exorcise demons – that investigators believe directly preceded Ho-Nam’s death. This article delves into the details of the case, exploring the key players, the alleged cult’s influence, and the evidence that continues to fuel speculation decades later. Understanding this complex case requires examining the context of Hong Kong society at the time,the family dynamics,and the rise of spiritual groups offering solace and,tragically,exploitation.

The Family and the Fortune: Cheng Ho-Nam’s Background

Cheng Ho-Nam was a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s real estate scene, inheriting a substantial fortune from his father, Cheng Chi-heng, a renowned property developer. The family’s wealth, though, was shadowed by internal tensions and a history of mental health struggles within the family. Ho-Nam himself battled depression and reportedly sought solace in various spiritual practices.

* Key Family Members:

* Cheng Chi-heng (Father): Founder of the family’s real estate empire.

* Cheng Yu-tung (Brother): Also involved in the family business,known for his pragmatic approach.

* Cheng Mei-ling (Sister): Reportedly deeply involved in spiritual practices and a key figure in the events leading to ho-Nam’s death.

* Man Ho-ming (Brother-in-law): Husband of Cheng mei-ling, and a central figure linked to the alleged cult.

The family’s wealth made them targets for both legitimate business dealings and, as the examination revealed, potential exploitation by individuals seeking financial gain through spiritual manipulation. The investigation into Ho-Nam’s death quickly focused on the influence of a secretive group led by Man Ho-ming.

The ‘Cult’ and Man Ho-ming’s Influence

Man Ho-ming, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer, had reportedly gained meaningful influence over Cheng Mei-ling and, through her, access to the Cheng family’s finances and inner circle. He presented himself as a practitioner of feng shui and traditional Chinese medicine,but investigators allege he operated a manipulative cult,preying on the family’s vulnerabilities.

* Allegations against Man Ho-ming:

* Financial Exploitation: Accusations of siphoning large sums of money from the Cheng family under the guise of spiritual rituals and investments.

* Psychological Manipulation: Allegedly isolating Ho-Nam from his support network and exacerbating his mental health issues.

* Control over Mei-ling: exercising undue influence over Cheng mei-ling, using her as a conduit to access the family’s resources.

The term “cult” is often debated, but the level of control Man Ho-ming exerted over Mei-ling and the alleged financial exploitation strongly suggest a manipulative and harmful dynamic. The investigation revealed a pattern of increasingly bizarre and expensive rituals orchestrated by Man Ho-ming.

the Dinner and the Night of the Murder

The night of Ho-Nam’s death centered around a dinner held at a remote farmhouse. The purpose, according to testimonies, was a ritualistic attempt to exorcise demons believed to be tormenting Ho-Nam. Attendees included Ho-Nam, Mei-ling, Man Ho-ming, and several of Man Ho-ming’s followers.

* Sequence of Events (as reconstructed by investigators):

1. the dinner began with a lavish meal, followed by a series of chanting and spiritual exercises led by Man Ho-ming.
2. Ho-Nam was reportedly subjected to increasingly intense and physically demanding rituals.
3. Witnesses described Ho-Nam becoming distressed and agitated during the rituals.
4. He was found dead shortly after, initially believed to be from a heart attack.
5. Subsequent investigation revealed evidence of physical abuse and the presence of sedatives in his system.

The initial ruling of death by natural causes was overturned after a reopened investigation in 2014, fueled by new evidence and testimonies. The dinner, initially presented as a benevolent attempt to help Ho-nam, was re-examined as a scene of coercion and potential foul play.

The Legal Battles and Ongoing Questions

The case has been marked by lengthy legal battles and shifting narratives. Man Ho-ming and Cheng Mei-ling were eventually charged with manslaughter, but the legal proceedings were complex and fraught with challenges.

* Key Legal Developments:

* Initial Investigation (1990s): Closed with a ruling of death by natural causes.

* Reopened Investigation (2014): New evidence prompted a fresh investigation and charges of manslaughter.

* Trial and Conviction (2018): man Ho-ming was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to prison.Cheng Mei-