How the God of Songs became an accidental magnet for wanted criminals in China

Music · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jacky Cheung is a Cantopop icon whose massive concert tours have broken global attendance records. Yet, his most bizarre legacy emerged in 2018, when Chinese authorities began capturing wanted criminals who were brazen enough to attend his shows. The singer’s immense popularity turned his concerts into unexpected traps for fugitives.

Born in 1961, Jacky Cheung rose from humble beginnings in a crowded 100-square-foot apartment to become one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop. After winning an amateur singing contest in 1984, he evolved into a global powerhouse, selling over 60 million records. His 1993 album, The Goodbye Kiss, remains one of the best-selling Chinese music albums in history, propelling him into the Mandopop market and earning him the moniker God of Songs.

Cheung’s career is defined by relentless touring and technical precision. He holds multiple Guinness World Records for concert attendance, including the largest combined audience for a live act in a 12-month period. His A Classic Tour, which spanned 27 months and 97 cities, grossed approximately US$330 million and drew over 4.5 million attendees. These massive gatherings became so ubiquitous in China that, between April and June 2018, police successfully apprehended four wanted criminals who had purchased tickets to his performances, earning the singer the humorous nickname Fugitive Bait.

Beyond his musical dominance, Cheung is a versatile actor and a pioneer in Cantonese musical theater. His 1997 production, Snow.Wolf.Lake, set a record for consecutive full-house performances at the Hong Kong Coliseum. He has also explored diverse genres, including his 2009 jazz album Private Corner, which featured the track Everyday Is Christmas—the only Chinese-language song to reach the global top ten list for most-downloaded holiday tracks in 2010. Despite his immense fame, he remains a figure of intense public scrutiny, as seen during a 2006 legal controversy involving his domestic staff that sparked widespread debate regarding labor relations in Hong Kong.

Cheung’s influence extends into the cultural fabric of Asia, from his role as a spokesperson for Hong Kong Disneyland to his performances at major international events like the 2006 Asian Games. Even as he entered his 60s, he continued his rigorous performance schedule, launching the 60+ Concert Tour in 2023. His ability to maintain popularity for over two decades in the volatile pop music industry is considered a rare feat, cementing his status as a pre-eminent figure in Chinese entertainment.

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