Actor Mark Lee to release first Hokkien song in 21 years on his 57th birthday

SINGAPORE – Local star Mark Lee is known mostly as an actor and comedian, but some may remember that he can also sing.

He will release a new song on his 57th birthday on Oct 16, his first single in 21 years. Titled My Journey, the Hokkien number captures Lee’s life experiences and reflections.

He previewed a snippet of the song on Instagram on Oct 13, and its music video, filmed in Malaysia, is set to drop on his social media on Oct 16.

He previously released a solo album, titled Young Hero, comprising Mandarin and Hokkien tracks, in 2004.

In an interview with Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao on Oct 14, Lee described the song as being about “a tough guy searching for happiness for his family”, adding: “What I want most is a home. How big the home is does not matter; what matters is who is in it.”

My Journey was composed by local musician Shin, who was also behind the theme song for the Channel 8 drama Your World In Mine (2022), which won the Best Theme Song prize at the 2023 Star Awards.

Lee said: “I told Shin I wanted a gentle and timeless feel, and he understood exactly what I was looking for. After the first version, I changed only a few lyrics.”

The light rock ballad expresses some of the veteran’s reflections after 35 years in the entertainment industry, ever since he first appeared in the Channel 8 television comedy programme Comedy Nite in 1990.

Looking back on his life, Lee said the most challenging period was the early days of his career. The biggest changes, he added, happened after he married digital content creator and former flight attendant Catherine Ng in 1999, and his responsibilities grew.

The couple have three children: two daughters aged 12 and 17, and a 14-year-old son.

While many have not yet heard his new song, Ng, who is in her early 50s, was among the first to whom Lee played it.

He said: “Its contents are all meant for my wife. All my efforts have been for the happiness of our family. And I was happy the track moved her.

“I am more than halfway through my life, and I have pretty much achieved what I set out to achieve.”

Over time, Lee said, his mindset towards life has also changed. For example, he has taken a lot of things more lightly in recent years.

“Nowadays, I am more interested in doing meaningful work, and bringing positivity to everyone through various platforms. I do not want to waste time on extraneous, boring things, like caring about what others say.

“After all, their mouths are theirs; there is no point getting upset (about what they say).”

When asked what his ultimate life goal is, he replied: “That when I am about to die, my family is by my side.”

In Lee’s view, one’s success in life can be determined only after death. “If only a few people come to your funeral, you have failed. If many people are willing to come (to see you off), then you have been successful.”

He jokingly added: “My funeral will probably be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.”