Cover The K-pop singer-turned-actress Tasha Low shares how her personal journey and cultural roots shaped her powerful performance in Singapore’s latest hit drama ‘Emerald Hill’ (Photo: Mediacorp)
The K-pop singer-turned-actress Tasha Low shares how her personal journey and cultural roots shaped her powerful performance in Singapore’s latest hit drama ‘Emerald Hill’ (Photo: Mediacorp)
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The K-pop singer-turned-actress Tasha Low shares how her personal journey and cultural roots shaped her powerful performance in Singapore’s latest hit drama ‘Emerald Hill’. Spoilers for the series ahead
When Singapore’s latest hit drama Emerald Hill premiered earlier this year, all eyes were on the trio of new “little Nyonyas”, with rising star Tasha Low among them. Although the series concluded in April, Low continues to make headlines, especially with her dedicated fans actively supporting and gathering votes for her ahead of the upcoming Star Awards.
Her widespread admiration is well deserved, especially after delivering a stellar performance as the main protagonist Zhang Xin Niang in Emerald Hill. In the hit series, Low confidently stepped into the spotlight, bringing depth and grace to her leading role.
Read more: Inside Emerald Hill, the neighbourhood at the heart of ‘The Little Nyonya’ spinoff
Above Although the series concluded in April, Low continues to make headlines (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
Although the series concluded in April, Low continues to make headlines (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
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Zhang’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Orphaned at a young age and forced to fend for herself on the streets, her life takes a turn when she is adopted into the affluent Zhang family. Her new life brings its own set of challenges, from navigating family politics to searching for her own sense of belonging. Low’s nuanced portrayal captured Zhang’s vulnerability and her quiet strength, making her journey from hardship to self-discovery deeply relatable.
To prepare for the role, Low shares how she had multiple discussions with the film’s producer and scriptwriter to learn more about the story and her character. She also received guidance from Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann and participated in multiple workshops with the Emerald Hill cast, which helped foster genuine on-screen chemistry. Along with being guided by mentors, Low also visited the Peranakan Museum to learn more about the culture and rewatched the entire The Little Nyonya series to better immerse herself in the storyline.
Above Throughout the series, Low worked alongside familiar faces including Ferlyn Wong and Chantalle Ng (Photo: Mediacorp)
Throughout the series, Low worked alongside familiar faces including Ferlyn Wong and Chantalle Ng (Photo: Mediacorp)
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Throughout the series, Low worked alongside familiar faces, including Ferlyn Wong and Chantalle Ng. Her friendship with Wong dates back to 2012, when they were members of the now-defunct South Korean girl group Skarf. As the group’s leader, dancer, rapper and vocalist, Low performed in South Korea and Singapore until the group quietly disbanded in 2014. “It [was] such a joy to be on set with her again. There’s this sense of familiarity but it also feels new because we’re stepping into completely different characters this time around,” Low reflects.
After leaving the K-pop industry, Low returned to Singapore and began her acting career in 2018. By 2021, she was starring in the local drama Live Your Dreams alongside Ng.
Reuniting with Wong and Ng in Emerald Hill, Low felt a strong sense of safety and support on set. “Ferlyn’s character has a heavier backstory so she often stayed in character even off set, which I deeply respect. As for Chantalle, being on set with her was just so much fun. We shared a lot of laughs and she was a huge emotional anchor for me during some of the more intense scenes,” she shares.
Above Reuniting with Wong and Ng in Emerald Hill, Low felt a strong sense of safety and support on set (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
Reuniting with Wong and Ng in Emerald Hill, Low felt a strong sense of safety and support on set (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
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Filming Emerald Hill was not without its hurdles. Low recalls long days on set, emotionally charged scenes and the pressure of living up to the beloved franchise. She highlights the portrayal of her character’s evolution as one of the toughest aspects. She continues: “Because we didn’t film the story in sequence, I had to do a lot of homework to track her emotional journey. Thankfully, the directors were incredibly supportive in helping me find the right emotional tone for each scene.”
Some scenes were particularly challenging to film. The rooftop scene in Episode 30 stands out as especially emotional. In this scene, it was Zhang’s final confrontation with troubled antagonist Zhang An Na (played by Ng). “That moment was incredibly emotional. At one point, I wasn’t just seeing An Na—I was seeing Chantalle, someone I truly care about. The vulnerability in her eyes made it so real for me. Watching her character jump was truly heartbreaking,” she shares.
To manage the emotional toll of these intense scenes, Low made it a point to prioritise her wellbeing, from spending time alone to doing things she enjoys. “It helped me reset and separate myself from the emotional weight of the character,” she explains.
Reflecting on the success of the spinoff series, Low believes Emerald Hill resonated with audiences of all ages. In an interview with Tatler Singapore, the star shares more about her experience.
Above Reflecting on the success of the spinoff series, Low believes Emerald Hill resonated with audiences of all ages (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
Reflecting on the success of the spinoff series, Low believes Emerald Hill resonated with audiences of all ages (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
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What inspired you to pursue singing and dancing as your career?
I was introduced to ballroom and Latin dance from a very young age, and I grew up watching a lot of local TV shows. I was also really into C-pop. Over time, my love for performing just kept growing, and that passion eventually led me to pursue this as a career.
How did your time as a K-pop idol shape your perspective on the entertainment industry?
My time in Korea was incredibly eye-opening. I gained so much experience and learned the importance of resilience and constantly improving my craft. It really shaped how I approach the industry today.
Above To manage the emotional toll of intense scenes, Low made it a point to prioritise her wellbeing (Photo: Mediacorp)
To manage the emotional toll of intense scenes, Low made it a point to prioritise her wellbeing (Photo: Mediacorp)
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Can you share what your experience was like coming into the industry?
Being in this industry has always been a dream of mine. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an artiste. I went for every audition I could from the age of 14. So when I was offered a trainee contract in Korea at 17, it was an immediate yes. That was the start of everything.
How did your interactions with Peranakan experts influence your performance?
Learning from the Peranakan experts gave me a much deeper understanding of the culture, which really helped in grounding my performance with authenticity.
Above Low reflects on her experience on the latest hit series (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
Low reflects on her experience on the latest hit series (Photo: Wild Entertainment Group)
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The series quickly became a hit. Why do you think it resonated so strongly with viewers?
I think many were excited because of the success of The Little Nyonya, and Emerald Hill brought that same nostalgic charm. It’s been a while since we’ve had such a grand period production in Singapore, and I think it really touched the hearts of both the older and younger generations.
What motivates you to keep going?
The love and support I receive from the people around me and my supporters mean everything. Knowing that I can brighten someone’s day or make even a small impact on their life keeps me going.
What’s next?
I’m currently working on two new singles and will be filming another drama series in July. I’m really excited for everything that’s coming up!
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
