Once dropping to 49kg due to stomach illness, 56-year-old love ballad icon Steve Chou makes a major announcement!

(Taipei, April 16) Renowned Mandopop “King of Love Ballads” Steve Chou has officially announced a major career move at 56—joining Sony Music Entertainment to embark on a new chapter in his musical journey.

According to Taiwanese media, Sony Music will collaborate closely with his management company, Lejia Entertainment, across three key areas: new album releases, music catalog rights, and artist management. Leveraging its global network and industry expertise, the partnership aims to elevate Chou’s career to new heights.

Chou previously worked with Sony Music in 2000 on his landmark album Transfer, featuring timeless hits such as Dusk, Betrayal, and Notebook. These emotionally resonant tracks became defining soundtracks for a generation and solidified his legacy in Mandopop history.

Marking this new phase, Chou has also released a brand-new single, Reunion, symbolizing the continuation of a musical bond spanning over two decades. The track will be available globally at midnight on April 18 and will debut live at the opening show of his “Unforgettable · Reunion Plus” concert tour in Guiyang on the same day.

Notably, Chou faced a serious health setback in 2011 due to a Helicobacter pylori infection that led to gastric ulcers, causing his weight to drop to just 49 kg. He temporarily stepped away from the industry to recover. In recent years, however, he has regained his health and returned to the stage with renewed vitality, impressing fans with his improved condition.

With over three decades in the industry, Chou remains a defining figure in Mandopop, known for his distinctive voice and emotionally powerful songwriting. Beyond his own success, he has also produced hits for top artists including Na Ying, Kelly Chen, and Emil Chau, earning his reputation as a true “godfather” of music production.