Cecilia Cheung, the renowned Taiwanese actress, passed away suddenly during a trip to Japan due to complications from the flu. Her untimely death has left fans mourning and raised questions about who will inherit her vast fortune amassed throughout her career.
Cecilia Cheung’s Life and Career
Born in 1976, Cecilia Cheung was dubbed the “Queen of Taiwanese Dramas” alongside names like Joe Chen, Alice Liu, and Elaine Tsang. She began her artistic career at 17 as a singer and model before transitioning into acting. The breakthrough role in Meteor Garden (2001) solidified her status as an A-list star across Asia.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Cecilia Cheung starred in numerous hit dramas. She received nominations for Best Actress at the Shanghai International Film Festival and won accolades at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In 2011, she married businessman Kenny Wang and took a break from her career to focus on family, but continued to earn substantial income from endorsements and real estate.
Cecilia Cheung’s Enormous Fortune
According to sources, Cecilia Cheung’s assets include three luxury villas in Taiwan valued at nearly $40 million. She also holds shares in her ex-husband’s hotel chain and earns approximately $5 million annually from endorsement contracts.
At the end of 2021, Cecilia Cheung divorced Kenny Wang after ten years of marriage. Under the divorce settlement, she retained 600 million New Taiwan Dollars (over $460 million), while Kenny Wang kept the Hotel S worth 350 million New Taiwan Dollars ($270 million). Additionally, Kenny Wang must pay 690,000 RMB ($2.5 million) quarterly to Cecilia Cheung and their two children until 2038.
In March 2022, Cecilia Cheung remarried DJ Koo Jun Yup. However, this marriage brought conflicts with her former husband. The property dispute between Cecilia Cheung and Kenny Wang remains unresolved following her death in 2024.
Succession Rights: Who Will Benefit?
Under Taiwanese law, if Cecilia Cheung did not leave a will, her current husband, Koo Jun Yup, and her two children would inherit her estate. However, Chinese media reports suggest that Cecilia Cheung signed a prenuptial agreement with Koo Jun Yup, clearly stating that he is not entitled to her assets.
If this information is accurate, all of Cecilia Cheung’s assets will go to her two children. Other sources claim she drafted a will in 2023, designating her mother and children as beneficiaries. This, however, has not been officially confirmed.
Legal Issues and Potential Disputes
Currently, the custody of Cecilia Cheung’s two children with Kenny Wang is a contentious issue. If Kenny Wang gains custody, he could control 2/3 of her assets. Legal experts predict potential legal disputes over the inheritance if the parties cannot reach an agreement.
The court hearing for child custody is scheduled for February 27. Should Cecilia Cheung pass away, Koo Jun Yup may represent her in continuing the lawsuit against Kenny Wang.
The Family’s Final Wishes
On the afternoon of February 3, Cecilia Cheung’s mother shared that the family is finalizing procedures in Japan to bring her ashes back to Taiwan. She hopes the media and fans will respect her daughter’s wishes and avoid causing a commotion during the repatriation.
Conclusion
Cecilia Cheung’s passing leaves a deep void in Asian entertainment and fan communities. Her multi-million dollar fortune, a testament to her career success, also poses potential grounds for legal disputes. Who will inherit her wealth remains an open question, dependent on her will and applicable laws.
For more detailed updates, readers can follow reputable news sources. Take a moment to remember the talented star who left an indelible mark on audiences.
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