Kenji Fan
A Hong Kong multi-hyphenate who transitioned from national water polo to captivating audiences as a model and screen actor.
Born 2002 (age 24)·Hong Kong model and actor·Birthday: August 21·Generation Z
Biography
Kenji Fan represents a new generation of Hong Kong entertainers, building a career that defies easy categorization. Born in 2002, his first arena of competition was the swimming pool, where he played water polo for the Hong Kong national team, demonstrating early athletic discipline. The son of former footballer Fan Chun Yip, performance seems to run in the family. He smoothly pivoted to fashion, where his striking looks made him a sought-after model. This visibility opened doors to television and film, with his acting debut coming alongside established star Aaron Kwok in 'My First of May.' Fan has since balanced roles in series like 'The Promise of the Soul' with hosting duties on lifestyle and variety shows, showcasing a versatile charm that connects with younger audiences across multiple platforms.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Kenji was born in 2002, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kenji Was Born
The biggest hits of 2002
#1 Movie
Spider-Man
Best Picture
Chicago
#1 TV Show
Friends
Kenji's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2002Born
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2007Started school
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2015Became a teenager
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Could drive
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2020Could vote
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2023Turned 21
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 24 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Hong Kong internationally as a member of the Hong Kong water polo team.
- Made his feature film debut in 'My First of May' starring opposite veteran actor Aaron Kwok.
- Landed a leading role in the television drama series 'The Promise of the Soul'.
- Hosted television programs including 'Taste Hunter' and 'Brain Fog Research,' displaying his range as a presenter.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former Hong Kong professional footballer Fan Chun Yip.
His first name, Kenji, is of Japanese origin, meaning 'strong, vigorous.'
He balances careers in modeling, acting, and television hosting simultaneously.
“My discipline from the pool is now for the camera and the script.”
