ContentAsia’s interview series goes behind the trophies, into the decisions, risks and creative calls that turned shortlisted ideas into ContentAsia Awards’ winners. As we count down to the launch of this year’s Awards ceremony in Bangkok on 27 August 2026, we go behind the scenes of Asia’s standout projects. Taiwanese series “A Second Chance of Life” is a touching drama about a young man battling leukemia who transforms his struggle into a movement to help others fight blood cancer. We spoke to Taiwese actor Wei-en Song 宋偉恩 about his ContentAsia Award-winning role as the warm, optimistic and genuinely caring Chu Yi, who carries emotional scars from his mother’s death and has a strained relationship with his father.

What made you take this role? Chu Yi has such a fascinating and unique life story. I felt a real connection with him, and that’s why I chose to give this challenge a shot.  

What did you predict would be your biggest challenge in bringing this role to life? Was this the case – or were there different challenges? I must admit that shaving my head while in such a sickly state of battling cancer was a daunting task that I initially feared. However, I later discovered that it actually served as a significant boost to my performance and that of my co-stars. It was both a surprise and a blessing.

Thinking back, is there anything you might have done differently with this role? I made a very personal choice to keep the farewell scenes in the final two episodes calm and joyful. This was my parting gift to Chu Yi.

Is there anything in particular you did to  connect with this character? I spent a lot of time immersing myself in Chu Yi’s world – searching through every article and video I could find, and sitting down with his family and friends to hear their stories.

One of the most powerful moments in the series is Chu Yi’s reconciliation with his father. How did you approach portraying such a deeply personal and emotional relationship? I believe many adults are still like children at heart, experiencing phases of rebellion and defiance. But then, in a single moment or through a specific event – be it a ‘man’s talk’, a fleeting look, or a slight smile—that ‘knot’ in the heart quietly unravels. I didn’t approach the performance with any specific design or technique; I simply engaged in a sincere, raw exchange of emotions with my senior, Tsung-hua Tuo.

What do you hope audiences remember most about Chu Yi’s journey? Chu Yi’s passion, madness, unyielding spirit, and boundless love.

What kinds of responses have you received from viewers? Did you expect this? I was deeply moved to hear that my performance encouraged fellow patients. It has made me feel even more grounded in my mission and social responsibility within the performing arts.
  
What did you discover about yourself while bringing this character to life and how do you think the role changes you as an actor? From the filming of "A Second Chance of Life" in 2024 to this very day, the project and the character ‘Chu Yi’ have profoundly reshaped my values in both life and work. They taught me the impermanence of life and the preciousness of dreams. I’ve become braver in chasing my aspirations and more willing to listen to and embrace my true inner voice, learning to no longer be bound by insignificant opinions or obstacles.

What kinds of characters or stories are you most interested in exploring next? I want to spend more time with multidimensional characters who have real depth, and use my platform to give a voice to the marginalised.
  
What are you working on now? I am currently filming the series "The Specter in Samaji", a family-friendly suspense crime drama. It incorporates local travelogue elements, and we hope to introduce the beautiful island of Taiwan to audiences all around the world.