Kai Ko Biography: Movies, Controversy, Net Worth, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Arrest, Songs, Girlfriend

Kai Ko, born Ko Chia-kai on June 18, 1991, is a Taiwanese actor, singer, and film director best known for his breakout role as Ko Ching-teng in the 2011 hit film You Are the Apple of My Eye.

His debut performance won him Best New Actor at the 48th Golden Horse Awards, catapulting him into stardom across Asia. Over the years, Kai Ko has expanded his portfolio to include music, film, and directing, maintaining his place as one of Taiwan’s most recognized contemporary actors.

Profile

• Full name: Ko Chia-kai
• Nickname: Kai Ko
• Date of birth: June 18, 1991
• Age: 36 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Penghu County, Taiwan
• Nationality: Taiwanese
• Profession: Actor, singer, film director
• Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
• Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs)
• Eye color: Dark brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Li Hsiu-chen (mother), Ko Yao-tsung (father)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Unmarried
• Children: None
• Relationship status: Single
• Religion: Buddhism
• Ethnicity: Han Chinese (Taiwanese)
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Ko Chia-kai (34 years old) was born on June 18, 1991, in Penghu County, Taiwan. His parents, Li Hsiu-chen and Ko Yao-tsung, supported his education and creative pursuits. He attended Chinese Culture University in Taipei, where he studied film and drama.

Growing up, Ko showed early interest in the arts, often participating in local performances and student productions. His move to Taipei marked the beginning of his transition from a small-island upbringing to Taiwan’s entertainment spotlight.

Personal Life

While Kai Ko keeps his romantic life private, he has been linked to a few public figures in the past, including actress Tia Lee and model-actress Hebe Tian, though none were confirmed as long-term relationships.

He shares a strong emotional connection with his late pet dog, Max, whose passing in February 2025 he publicly mourned on Instagram, showing his compassionate side to fans.

Career

Kai Ko’s cinematic debut came with You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011), which became one of the most successful Taiwanese films ever. His portrayal of a rebellious yet sentimental teenager resonated across Asia.

Following the success, he released his debut music album “Be Yourself” (2011), exploring pop and R&B themes.

From 2013 to 2015, he starred in the Tiny Times film franchise, further cementing his fame in Greater China. His 2016 film The Road to Mandalay earned him a Best Leading Actor nomination at the Golden Horse Awards.

In 2024, he headlined the high-budget Netflix/Taiwan fantasy drama Agent from Above, portraying the fallen deity Han Jie. The show’s production was notable for its cinematic quality and visual effects.

A major on-set drone accident in 2023 left Ko with facial injuries, but he made a full recovery and returned to complete filming, earning widespread respect for his resilience.

Awards and Nominations

• 2011 – 48th Golden Horse Awards, Best New Performer (You Are the Apple of My Eye) – Won
• 2011 – 12th Chinese Film Media Awards, Best New Performer – Won
• 2016 – 53rd Golden Horse Awards, Best Leading Actor Nomination (The Road to Mandalay)

Net Worth

Kai Ko’s estimated net worth is $5 million USD. His earnings come primarily from film roles, brand endorsements (including luxury and lifestyle brands in Taiwan and Hong Kong), royalties from music, and his directorial and production projects.

Controversy

In August 2014, Kai Ko was arrested in Beijing alongside Jaycee Chan (son of Jackie Chan) for marijuana use. He served 14 days in detention, after which he publicly apologized. The incident caused a temporary halt in his career, particularly in mainland China.

In 2023, while filming Agent from Above, Ko was struck in the face by a drone camera, suffering serious injuries that required surgery. His recovery and eventual return to acting were widely covered in Taiwanese media.

Social Media

• Instagram: @kaikaiko

Filmography

Films:

• You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011)
• When a Wolf Falls in Love with a Sheep (2012)
• Tiny Times (2013)
• Tiny Times 2 (2013)
• Tiny Times 3 (2014)
• Tiny Times 4 (2015)
• The Road to Mandalay (2016)
• Mon Mon Mon Monsters (2017)
• A Choo (2020)
• Till We Meet Again (2021)
• Mama Boy (2022)
• Bad Education (2022)
• Miss Shampoo (2023)

Television Series:

• Agent from Above (2024)

Discography

• Be Yourself (2011)