Exclusive interview with Wu Chun: 'I'm a 7.5 of 10'

The relationship -- or possible lack thereof -- between Brunei-born, Taiwanese actor, singer and gym chain owner Wu Chun and the Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit has made entertainment headlines across Asia since early March.

Wu, who initially became well known as a model, hit the big time after landing roles in Taiwanese dramas and joining Fahrenheit in 2005.

More on CNNGo: Huayi Brothers announces East Asia's largest film and TV studio

Wu was in Shanghai in early 2011 to shoot his latest movie escapade “My Kingdom,” and sat down to chat about everything from opening his third gym in his home country of Brunei, to bonding with fellow actors on the movie set -- and of course, Fahrenheit.

CNNGo: You've been in Shanghai shooting your new film for a while, so what's your impression the city?

Wu Chun: I like Shanghai a lot. Because it’s the city where I spend most time in China, I’m quite familiar with it. When I get time off the set, I walk around the city and take lots of photos.

I'd say I'm a 7.5 of 10 so I have 2.5 left over for me to improve. So much of life is not about the looks though, it's about what's inside. — Wu Chun (吴尊)

CNNGo: Where do you hang out after work when you're in Shanghai?

Wu Chun: I will mostly go to eat; I rarely just hang out when I'm here.

When I go to get food, I usually go to special streets. Some areas of Shanghai are very pretty and have a lot of character. I like going to Tianzifang a lot -- I enjoy hanging out there and taking pictures.

CNNGo: Are you a fan of Shanghai cuisine?

Wu Chun: Yes! There are many Shanghainese dishes that I like including sweet and sour ribs, dongpo pork and a local kind of pickle. There's also a smoked fish they make here that I love because it's very sweet. I'm hungry just talking about this!

CNNGo: You're a major Asian star. How do you disguise yourself when walking around Shanghai?

Wu Chun: I usually wear masks, hats and sunglasses to make it difficult to recognize me. I have to do stuff like this even during very hot summers, so you can imagine how hard my life is! [Laughs]

CNNGo: What if people recognize you?

Wu Chun: Even if people do recognize me -- which very rarely happens -- it doesn't really matter because I walk very fast and fly off.

CNNGo: Let’s talk about "My Kingdom." How is it different from the other period dramas you've done?

Wu Chun: Because part of "My Kingdom" is about Peking opera, I learned a bit about it and got some training -- so that was very different, I had never tried these things before.

Wu Chun (top) and Han Geng (bottom) in their film "My Kingdom" with none of the Fahrenheit guys in sight.

CNNGo: So you can sing like a Peking opera star now?

Wu Chun: A bit. A month before shooting, we got training from professional opera singers, and during shooting we were in communication every day. We spent three months together from beginning to end.

CNNGo: "My Kingdom" deals with two kinds of relationships: one of brotherhood and one of love. Which touches you more?

Wu Chun: This movie is more about brotherhood to me. Before the shooting, the director Gao Xiaosong arranged for [co-star] Han Geng and I to get acquainted so we would be able to portray that feeling better.

CNNGo: How were you able to build your bond with Han Geng?

Wu Chun: Gao arranged for Han and I to have dinner, just the two of us, before shooting. I think having meals is a good way to bond because you have to come up with topics to talk about. Han and I chatted about everything -- food, hobbies and feelings about the movie. 

Through that we were able to really get to know each other.

CNNGo: What have you been up to since finishing "My Kingdom"?

Wu Chun: Lately I’ve been busy with records and promotions. My new gym location in Brunei is about to open as well, so I’m swamped with that.

CNNGo: Are you still working with Fahrenheit?

Wu Chun: Yes, I still do shows with them.

Because I did two movies this year and spent lots of time promoting those, I didn't spend as much time with Fahrenheit as I have before though, which feels very different for me.

CNNGo: How is promoting your own work different than promoting Fahrenheit?

Wu Chun: When I’m being interviewed exclusively, I can be more like me, but if I am interviewed together with Fahrenheit, we have to appear as a team.

When I go get food, I usually go to special streets. Some areas of Shanghai are very pretty and have a lot of character. I like going to Tianzifang a lot -- I enjoy hanging out there and taking pictures.— Wu Chun (吴尊)

CNNGo: What kind of work will the fans see from you this year?

Wu Chun: This year I will be shooting a new movie and promoting two others. I might also publish my own book.

I will be very happy if I can accomplish all these things.

CNNGo: What are the upcoming movies you'll be working on and promoting?

Wu Chun: One movie I'll be promoting is, of course, "My Kingdom" and the other is a Taiwanese drama "Sunshine Angel" which I shot in Shanghai, Taiwan and Japan.

CNNGo: Tell us more about your book.

Wu Chun: I really want to publish a book, and if it's successful, I'll write two or three more and donate the profits to charity.

CNNGo: What will the books be about?

Wu Chun: The content of the first book is still confidential, but it'll be good!

CNNGo: On an "attractiveness scale" of one to 10, where would you put your looks?

Wu Chun: Let me think. [Pauses.]

I'd say I'm a 7.5 of 10 so I have 2.5 is left over for me to improve.

So much of life is not about the looks though, it's about what's inside. You have to prove yourself to you and to other people. It’s hard to be perfect.

CNNGo: So, what’s your ideal girlfriend like then?

Wu Chun: I’m a simple guy looking for a simple girl. I don’t care about looks at all, to be honest. I’ve seen many pretty girls, but pretty girls can’t necessarily make you happy. You should pick someone who really fits you to make you happy.

As long as she’s a responsible person who’s willing to share everything with me, she's my ideal girlfriend. I want to be with someone who won't hold anything back, someone who chooses me because she really loves me.