Huang Bogao

Wong Pak Ko** (English: Paco Wong Pak Ko, born July 29, 1951) is a renowned entertainment manager in Hong Kong, often referred to as the "Gold Medal Manager." He was formerly the chairman of Gold Typhoon (Hong Kong division) and held key positions at Warner Music and East Asia Records. In 2012, he joined Sun Entertainment Culture as Managing Director until stepping down in mid-2020. Wong is credited with mentoring numerous top artists and has had a profound impact on the Hong Kong entertainment industry. He has worked with artists such as Danny Chan, George Lam, Sally Yeh, Kelly Chen, Sammi Cheng, Ronald Cheng, Leo Ku, Stephy Tang, Kary Ng, Fiona Sit, and Zhou Bichang.

Life

Wong’s first job at the age of 22 was as a salesperson in a record store. In 1978, Warner Music established a branch in Hong Kong (later merged with EMI to form Warner Hong Kong), and Wong was hired to work in the warehouse department. Due to a comment he made criticizing local music, he caught the attention of the company's boss and was transferred to the Chinese records department to work in music production. He participated in the production of Danny Chan’s song "Ripple." During his time at Warner, he successfully signed artists such as Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, and Dave Wang.

Joining PolyGram and founding East Asia Records

In 1995, after disputes at Warner, Wong—then a senior executive—attempted to bring artists and producers with him to form East Asia Records under PolyGram (now Universal Music). Though many artists couldn’t leave due to existing contracts, he still managed to sign talents like Anthony Wong Yiu-Ming and Tats Lau from Tat Ming Pair. He helped launch and promote artists such as Andy Hui, Kelly Chen, and Miriam Yeung.

Founding Gold Label Management Ltd.

In 1998, Wong founded Gold Label Management Ltd. to formally provide management services for artists.

Establishing Gold Label Entertainment Ltd.

In 2002, Wong left East Asia Records following the departure of his superior and friend Norman Cheng (father of Ronald Cheng). Though rumors suggested he might join EMI or Rock Records, he instead expanded Gold Label Entertainment (now Gold Typhoon) and collaborated closely with EMI.

In 2003, Wong signed Leo Ku and helped revive his music career, turning him into a top-tier pop star—a hallmark success in Wong's career.

That same year, Wong signed a management contract with the EMI group Cookies, retaining only four members—Stephy Tang, Theresa Fu, Miki Yeung, and Kary Ng. He successfully revitalized the group and launched the solo careers of all four members.

In December 2006, Wong ended his long collaboration with Miriam Yeung as her contract expired. She left for Amusic, which was considered a significant loss.

In August 2008, Wong and EMI Greater China chairman Norman Cheng acquired EMI’s regional operations, renaming the company Gold Typhoon. The new entity focused on music, film, artist management, concert production, and music distribution, including for HIM International and EMI International. At its peak, Gold Typhoon attracted numerous top artists in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In May 2009, Wong was promoted to chairman of Gold Typhoon (Hong Kong division), with his former duties passed to Herman Chan. Rumors spread that Wong’s influence was waning. Earlier in February, Leo Ku declined to renew his contract and joined Emperor Entertainment.

Joining Sun Entertainment Culture

In January 2011, Wong left Gold Typhoon and was rumored to be transitioning to other industries. In 2012, he joined Sun Entertainment Culture and produced the film "Love in the Buff." That January, he officially became a free agent and relaunched his career at Sun Entertainment.

In June 2020, Paco appeared as a producer at a film screening and confirmed he had recently undergone surgery due to illness from past heavy drinking. He stated, “Thank heaven it was serious, but I found a good doctor early. The surgery went well and I’ve recovered. I’ve almost quit drinking for a year now.” At the end of June, he officially left Sun Entertainment amid reports of downsizing.

Notable Quotes

- "Leo Ku is good, Gold Label is good; if Gold Label is good, Leo Ku becomes even better." - "I directed 'Dragon Reloaded' for Ronald Cheng. I believe he’ll be the next Stephen Chow." - "Hu Yanbin can be as great as Jay Chou, absolutely possible." - "I’ll help Wu Jing break into Hollywood and become the next Jet Li." - "Justin Lo’s next album must come out within a year—I won’t wait a year and eight months again." - "People say these two years were Show Lo’s peak—I say it’s just the beginning." - "Singing and acting are equally important to an artist. In 2008, besides Show Lo’s concert at Hong Kong Coliseum, we’ll also release his movie across Asia—that’s my main goal for the year." - "I’ll get Alex Fong the 'Most Popular Male Singer' award in 2008." - "Justin Lo is the highlight of my career in music and management." - "Eason Chan and Nicholas Tse have bright futures. As for Joey Yung, I prefer not to comment." - "Paco Wong really knows how to boost stars."

Current Artists

See: Sun Entertainment Culture

Former Collaborations

Sun Entertainment Culture (Hong Kong & Beijing)

• • Female Singers:** Chan Hiu Yi (deceased), Huang Jiayi, Chan Wai Man, Deanie Ip, Stephy Tang, Qiu Nian En, Chan Yuen Ching, J.Arie
  • Male Singers:** Nat Chan, Fu Ka Chun, Hanjin Tan, Louis Cheung, Alex Fong
  • Groups:** Tai Chi Band
  • Actresses:** Iris Chung, Jeana Ho
  • Actors:** Dominic Lam

• • Sun Entertainment Culture (Beijing):** Zhang Xinyue, Wu Yilin, Ge Rui, Deric Wan, Han Lei, Kim Han Il, Zhong Chunyan
  • Sun Power Media (Beijing):** Ye Zuxin
  • Sun Entertainment Culture (Taiwan):** Landy Wen, Skin Band, Rainie Yang, Simon Wu, Evan Yo, Carrie Tan, Derrick Hoh, Nick Chou

Gold Label and Gold Typhoon Period

• • Gold Label Management:** Faye Chan, Mavis Fan, Stephen Fung, Eddie Ng
  • Gold Label Entertainment:** Karena Lam, Miriam Yeung, Se7en, Huang Pin Yuan, Richie Jen, Benny Chan, Patrick Tang, Raymond Lam, Hui Wai Yan
  • Gold Typhoon:** Sandy Lam, Miki Yeung, Theresa Fu, Tong Suki, Kary Ng, Vangie Tsang, Samantha Chan, Wu Jing, Leo Ku, William So, Sammy Leung, Jan Lamb, Wu Qing Lan, Justin Lo, Edmond Leung, RubberBand, Ronald Cheng, Zhou Bichang

Universal Music (East Asia Records)

• • Artists:** Kelly Chen, Laura Lee, Joey Yung, Lam Chor Kei, Li Qin Yi, Fu Wei, Anthony Wong, Steven Ma, Kevin Chang, Matt Wu, Huang Zhong Qi, Shen Yi Zhi, Jimmy Lin, Beyond, Alec Su

New Artiste Records

• • Artists:** Priscilla Chan, Flora Chan, Kit Chan, Ivana Wong, Bowie Lam, Julian Cheung, Mavis Fan, Chet Lam

Forward Music

• • Artists:** Valen Hsu, Mavis Hee, Jacky Cheung, Sky Wu, Dick Cowboy, Power Station

Warner Music Period

• • Artists:** Sally Yeh, Nancy Sit, Gigi Lai, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, Danny Chan, George Lam, Dave Wang, Kenny Bee, Dicky Cheung, Bowie Lau, Alex To, Jimmy Lin, Beyond, Alec Su

References

• Apple Daily Life Column – "Nostalgic Talk with Paco Wong" (archived)

External Links

• [Sun Entertainment Culture Official Site (Archived)](http://www.suneg.com/)
• [Paco Wong on Weibo](http://weibo.com/pacowong)