My haters really love me: Show Lo

Thank you, haters. That is what Taiwanese singer Show Lo, 34, has to say to netizens who have slammed him for copying the style of the fashion-forward Korean star G-Dragon.

Sporting the controversial blond hairdo that has been said to resemble G-Dragon's locks, Lo says at an interview with Life!: "It doesn't matter. If they don't like me, they're sure to bash me. I dye my hair blond and they say I'm imitating a foreign star.

"There's more than one piece of clothing to go around for each design. If they want to criticise me, go ahead. I'll thank them," he adds in a slightly condescending tone.

One group is so determined to tear him down that it has set up a dedicated Facebook page flooded with photographic evidence of Lo copycat behaviour - from his clothes to his dance moves.

"A true hater won't waste time posting negative comments or creating a Facebook page about me. They wouldn't be bothered with me. The fact that they take an interest in me, just like my fans, means they actually love me," said the veteran of 20 years in showbusiness.

Despite the barrage of online vitriol, there is no denying that the singer dubbed Asia's Dance King still commands a huge following. His latest and 10th album Lion Roar reportedly sold 120,000 copies, making him the undisputed album sales champion in Taiwan for the fourth year in a row.

His previous albums have also sold like hotcakes: 9ood Show (2012) and Only For You (2011) sold 150,000 copies each, and Rashomon (2010) sold 155,000 copies.

Also an actor and host, his overwhelming popularity has made him the top advertisers' darling in Taiwan with 17 endorsements last year.

It is no wonder that the charismatic Lo was named the highest-paid singer in Taiwan last year with NT610 million (S$25.8 million) in earnings.

The workaholic is not resting on his laurels. He will be back with a concert here in May - and the good news was met with yelps of delight from the 30 or so fans present at a press conference to promote his album last month.

The ambitious Lo reveals that he will be focusing on acting this year. He has been romantically linked to Taiwanese model-actress Tia Li and host Linda Jian.

The leading man in idol dramas such as Hi My Sweetheart (2009) and Corner With Love (2007) recently made a cameo appearance in Stephen Chow's action-comedy film Journey To The West: Conquering The Demons.

What seems to be missing, for the adept showman, is the thumbs up from music and film critics. Does it ever bother him?

He answers candidly: "I'm no longer hung up over whether I get awards. What's most important to me is the applause of my fans and the sales of my album. Winning an award is recognition but is secondary. The real judges are the consumers."

1 Why do you put so much effort into the preparation of your concerts?

I want to give the audience a brand new performance. I want to surprise them with new elements. I feel that Mandopop stars have it harder than Western stars. We need to work harder on special effects, the costumes, just so we can impress the audience.

2 It seems to be a trend for male Asian artistes to take off their shirts to show off their hot bods. What is stopping you from doing so at your upcoming concert?

It's a concert, not a striptease. If you want to see me take off my shirt, I'll hold a separate striptease that will last only two minutes. There will be no refunds (laughs). I'm more focused on the content of the concert. Currently, I don't feel there's a need to take off my shirt at my concert.

3 You've had a really fruitful year, how do you plan to reward yourself?

I just want to rest for a few days, and go shopping. That's a good enough reward for me.

4 Your albums have topped sales in Taiwan for four consecutive years. Are you pressured to maintain the results?

Not at all. This No. 1 spot is given to me by my fans. Even if I work really hard on my album and the fans don't like it, there's nothing I can do.

Mandopop albums aren't selling as well as before, many record stores have closed down. I'm not sure what the future holds. I'm pretty happy that I'm able to get good sales figures under such circumstances. Who knows, this may be my last album. I won't bother worrying about the sales of my future albums.

5 Are you ever worried that your career will go downhill?

There are worries at every stage of your career. A career is just like an electrocardiogram chart, there are peaks and dips. That's how it should be for it to be exciting. If it ever goes flat, it means your life is over. There was a long period where my career languished. Now I'm at a good place in my career and I do hope the good times last longer.

6 You've enjoyed success on the career front, any plans to extend that success to your love life?

I don't need love. All I need are my fans. Saying that gives me goosebumps. Don't write it down (laughs). I love my work. I don't want to be tied down. During my free time, I want to play and travel. I love my freedom.

7 What's your ideal girl?

Rather than discuss my ideal type, my future girlfriend must understand the nature of my job. It doesn't matter whether she belongs to the entertainment circle or not. She must understand that I won't be able to spend much time with her and she must be able to take the pressure.

8 How would you like to be remembered?

I haven't really thought about it. I'm happy as long as people remember that even though I'm really handsome, I have no qualms acting goofy or sacrificing my looks for my work.

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