Chinese Santa Claus storms the internet
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E-mail chinadaily.com.cn, December 25, 2018
"We wish you a merry Christmas" with pictures of Elvis Tsui seems to be the latest trend among Chinese netizens during this year's Christmas.
Born in 1961, Hong Kong veteran actor Elvis Tsui has become the latest internet icon thanks to the classic character he played in the 1992 comedy movie Royal Tramp, where he looked a bit similar to Santa Claus, with a red hat and white beard.
The movie Tsui starred in was adapted from The Deer and the Cauldron, a novel by late Hong Kong novelist Louis Cha. Tsui played the role of Oboi, a malicious and greedy military officer who conspires to fight for the throne.
Also, the character's name Oboi is pronounced similar to "all buy" in English, which encourages people to buy some gifts for loved ones during the Christmas season. And the coincidence further increases the popularity of Tsui.
Reputed as China's Santa Claus, Elvis Tsui has been frequently searched on Dec 24 on Sina Weibo, China's answer to Twitter, and his images have been adapted into micro videos, gifs and emojis at very short notice. Some clever business minds have produced tailor-made products on China's e-commerce platform Taobao.
On Dec 25, an image of Tsui's character from the film has already been added into the Sina Weibo emoji list for users to choose from.
"I have been waiting for more than two decades to find the Chinese Santa Claus, and he just appeared. I believe that he is the perfect image in my heart," said weibo user Xiao Midou1993.
"In China's social media platforms, you never know who is the next internet icon, and I am waiting to hear from the actor," another weibo user Maao Guan added.
In response to the enthusiasm shown by online users, the 57-year-old was pleased to receive the new title, and wrote on his official weibo account, "It's Christmas and the old man with a red hat and white beard is bringing you the best wishes!"
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