Ian Fang leaving Mediacorp after 12 years; says 'you can’t harp on the fame you used to have'

China-born local actor Ian Fang announced today (Apr 27) that he will be leaving Mediacorp after 12 years. His last day with the broadcaster is April 30.

8days.sg got on a call with the 34-year-old actor earlier this morning to find out more.

Ian first propelled to fame after starring in 2011 Mediacorp drama On the Fringe, which is also what he describes as the "peak" of his career. 

"Wah seh, I thought I was so popular that time. Back then, the entire Orchard Road and Cineleisure were filled with people [who turned up for our fan meet]. It was crazy. I thought it was such a weird phenomenon," he recalls with glee.

He was also named Best Newcomer at the Star Awards in 2013, a victory that Ian says was his "proudest moment" as an actor.

After the success of On The Fringe, Ian went on to showcase his talents in an array of roles, from the lovelorn barista in 96 °C Café — Ian says this was when he was “the best looking” — to a hyperactive student in Don’t Stop Believin’, and to an upright and filial environmentalist in long-form drama Life Less Ordinary. 

Ian is currently shooting upcoming Mediacorp drama Kill Sera Sera, which stars Hong Kong actress Jessica Hsuan and Taiwanese actor James Wen.

However, Ian thinks it's now time for him to "pursue the things that [he] wants to do in the future".

"It’s not a sudden decision, I’ve thought about it for quite a while, especially since last year," says Ian.

"Last year I didn’t really have many productions, and when you’re alone at 2-3am in the night, when nobody is interrupting you, you tend to think about a lot of things, like your future and what are the things you can do. That made me think if I should take another leap [to try new things]."

So where is Ian headed after leaving Mediacorp?

According to the actor, he'll be trying to "get used to being an independent artiste first to see what [he's] capable of" and "be versatile enough to accept different types of jobs and projects."

"I can be doing many things like creating music and social media content which is very popular nowadays," he says.

Ian also hopes to unleash his creativity when he taps into the social media world as he "likes doing backend production work like script writing and directing," adding that now is probably the "best time" for him to pursue those things.

Sharing that it's a mutual agreement with Mediacorp for him to not renew his contract, Ian went on to express his gratitude towards the company.

"I really appreciate that in the 12 years that I was with Mediacorp, they gave me fantastic opportunities and platforms for people to know me. Right now I’m not quite used to it because I’m probably too attached and was too sheltered [by the company]. (laughs)"

Ian, however, feels that being an independent artiste gives him more "hunger and urge" to fight for the things he wants to do in the future.

And despite having significantly less job opportunities in the past year, Ian never felt that he was put in "cold storage" by the company.

"I know my manager and the company have been helping me to pitch for roles and jobs. I’ve participated in variety shows and dramas too, just not much. But what is being put in cold storage? It means you don’t get shit at all, so I don’t think that happened to me (laughs)."

But speaking of being put in "cold storage", it's hard for one not to think of Ian's text scandal with Carrie Wong in 2019, which undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to his career.

However, Ian seems to have completely moved on from that incident, claiming that there's "no point talking about it" since it's been so long.

"All I can say is, in the past 12 years, there were ups and downs. Be it good or bad, I’ve learnt a lot and become a very different person. So I hope people can get to know the real me. The things that I’ve done wrong in the past, I’ll take full responsibility for them. I can say I’m sorry. But right now I hope people can give me more opportunities and a chance to see me otherwise."

How does Ian feel about not having another breakthrough after his peak in 2011?

Well, according to Ian, he thinks "everything is up to timing".

"Now the generation is very different. All I can say is I had my proudest moments when I got the Best Newcomer Award at Star Awards in 2013. I was so proud and felt that I definitely have to continue being an actor because I love acting so much. For the few years after that, every year I was packed with jobs."

He continues: "Of course many things have changed, people have more options and platforms now, so you have to move on with the times too. You can’t harp on the fame you used to have, because, come on, who cares about who you were? When I was younger, I would complain and wonder: “Why is it not me? Why did this happen?” but now I’m more grown up and more patient."

Ian acknowledges that the fame he has had is "not something everyone will get to experience", which is why he remains "very thankful" for everything.

"Now that I’m 34, when I still have the ability and my passion is still burning, I’ll keep chionging. If there are opportunities overseas, I’ll definitely go for it too. This is not the end, it’s just another chapter closed."

Photos: Ian Fang/Instagram

Catch Ian in The Unbreakable Bond on meWATCH below: