TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese actor Yen Cheng-kuo (顏正國) died from lung cancer (lung adenocarcinoma) Tuesday (Oct. 7) at age 50. Yen gained fame portraying rebellious character A-kuo (阿國) in the 1992 film "Dust of Angels" (少年吔，安啦！). His Golden Horse Award (金馬獎), Taiwan's premier film award, nomination for Best Actor was later revoked due to criminal controversies.
Yen began acting at age 12 in "Young Dragons: Kung Fu Kids" (好小子) but faced school bullying that led to drug addiction. Between 1996 and 1998, he committed multiple offenses involving drugs, firearms, and theft. Authorities charged him with kidnapping and extortion in 2001, initially seeking capital punishment.
Yen served 11 years in prison before parole and subsequently dedicated himself to public welfare work. His character A-kuo dies tragically during the Moon Festival (中秋節), a traditional Chinese holiday, in "Dust of Angels." Yen's death occurred shortly after this year's Moon Festival, eerily mirroring his character's fate. ◼
