Louis Koo and Universe Film face HK lawsuit over 149 million HKD debt

Hong Kong film industry veteran Louis Koo and his company, Universe Film Production Limited, are facing a lawsuit in the Hong Kong High Court regarding a significant unpaid debt. According to court documents, the dispute stems from a 2019 loan agreement with Sino Hero Ventures Limited, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands.

The original principal amount of 70 million HKD has reportedly escalated to over 149 million HKD due to high interest rates and default penalties. The agreement stipulated a 12% annual interest rate, which was set to increase to 18% upon default. While the debt was extended twice until late 2022, the plaintiff alleges that repayments have been insufficient, with only small amounts received throughout 2024.

In response to the legal action, actors associated with Universe Film, including Lai Jun-him and Liao Zi-yu, have declined to comment on the specifics of the litigation, stating they choose to support their employer. They expressed confidence that the legal matter would not impact their professional work or the company's operations.