Chow Yun-Fat: I'm just keeping my money temporarily

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Award-winning actor Chow Yun-Fat said in October that he would donate his entire net worth to charity, a whopping five billion yuan (around 723 million U.S. dollars), garnering acclaim from netizens.

In an interview with The Korean Daily, Chow reveals why he intends to do so.

The interview by The Korea Daily also highlighted Chow's public strolls and riding on public transportation. /Photo via Huanqiu

"My wife supports my decision very much," he said. "I cannot take the money away after death. Why not donate it to a group that needs it?"

"The money is not mine; I just keep it temporarily. Money is not what can truly bring you happiness. The most difficult thing in our life is not about how much money you make, but how to maintain a calm and peaceful attitude towards our life," he said in the interview.

Chow's fame took off as a star in Hong Kong action flicks in the 1980s, and garnered international acclaim as the lead in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000. Though a superstar and financially successful, Chow still enjoys taking a stroll out in public and using public transportation. He also said he uses only about 800 U.S. dollars a month.

Besides his modest lifestyle, Chow is also well known for his charity work.

File picture from VCG

"Who would notice me on the subway? Ninety percent of the people now on the subway would be staring down at their phone."

He had been using an old-fashioned Nokia mobile phone for about 18 years and only recently switched to using a smartphone, reports a JayneStars article.

"If I hire a driver, I would feel so bad for making him wait for me all day long," he had said. "I would be anxious and even frustrated knowing that someone is waiting for me."

After the interview by The Korea Daily was published, social media lit up.

"He has won the battle against materialistic temptations and finds joy in a simple existence," commented @Bingbingxiong.

"He really is a Buddhist movie star," commented @Nobel_Soul_.

"You will always be my idol. Keep healthy," said @Cyb5**.

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"He knows the true meaning of life," said @sdk8.

Screenshot from Social media