Hong Kong Host and Influencer Lillian Sze Dies of Ovarian Cancer at Around 20-Something, Surrounded by Boyfriend and Family

Hong Kong emcee, actress, and K-pop content creator Lillian Sze (施可瑩) has died this morning, June 21, 2026, after a battle with ovarian cancer that had progressed rapidly since her diagnosis was first revealed publicly last month. She was in her twenties. Her family confirmed her death through her Instagram account on the afternoon of the same day, saying she passed away "peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones and family."

Who Was Lillian Sze

Known professionally as Lillian, Sze built a career as one of Hong Kong's most sought-after multilingual event hosts, fluent in Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Korean. That linguistic versatility made her a first-choice emcee for Japanese, Korean, and Thai celebrity fan meetings, Hong Kong film premieres, and red-carpet "thank you" events — including multiple appearances alongside K-pop star Jung Yong-hwa, and hosting duties this year for a fan meeting with Thai actress LingOrm and an event tied to the film "A Step Into the Past." She also hosted ViuTV's program "Innovative Teen" (創新Teen) and built a following as a YouTuber sharing K-pop content and news.

The Diagnosis and Rapid Decline

Sze's health crisis became public last month when she posted hospital photos to social media, revealing she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had initially undergone surgery in April after what doctors believed was simply fluid buildup in her fallopian tubes, only to discover a 10-centimeter tumor that grew rapidly to 17 centimeters within months — swelling her abdomen to the size of a five-month pregnancy. She underwent a full hysterectomy and, in order to survive, required a stoma (an artificial opening) to manage her bodily functions.

She was candid with fans throughout her treatment about how painful the process was. Earlier this month, she described having to receive blood-thinning injections that caused her to vomit blood, writing on social media: "This process is really painful. Constantly throwing up is genuinely hard. But I'll push through it — next week is round two of chemo, so I absolutely have to hold on!!!!"

On June 17, just days before her death, Sze shared that doctors had told her she was too weak to continue chemotherapy, and that treatment going forward would shift to palliative, comfort-focused care. In a remarkable final act of generosity, she revealed she had applied to become a "silent mentor" — Hong Kong's term for body donors who allow medical students to use their remains for anatomical study and surgical training — saying she hoped to help future generations of medical students and was grateful for everyone's support.

Her Boyfriend's Devotion Throughout

Throughout her illness, Sze was supported by her boyfriend of nearly four years, Chan Cheung-kai (陳章棨), a 35-year-old Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter and guitarist who first gained public attention as a contestant on the 2019 talent competition "King Maker II" (全民造星II). Chan wrote and performed the song "覓" (Seek), which was featured in the film "Lovely Exchange" and in which he also made a cameo appearance as a street singer alongside fellow King Maker contestant MC Cheung Tin-fu.

Chan and Sze had been in a stable relationship for close to four years, with the couple frequently and openly supporting each other's careers — Chan regularly posted photos and videos with Sze on Instagram, including helping promote travel videos she filmed herself; his most recent post before her death, on June 13, shared a short travel video she had filmed in South Korea.

After her diagnosis, Chan devoted himself to caring for her with patience and unwavering presence, never leaving her side — a relationship many in Hong Kong's entertainment circles and her fanbase have described as a genuine example of love proven through hardship. Following her death, Chan posted a tribute to her on his Instagram Stories, writing simply: "Forever remember you, full of energy and life."

The Family's Announcement

Sze's family confirmed her passing through her own Instagram account on the afternoon of June 21: "To all our dear friends, fans, and everyone who has cared about Lillian: With heavy hearts, we announce that Lillian Sze passed away peacefully this morning (June 21, 2026), surrounded by her loved ones and family. Whether in her hosting work or in daily life, Lillian always faced everything with positivity and optimism. Even in the face of illness, she continued to encourage herself with that same positive energy, and in return received countless support and blessings from everyone. We are grateful for all the care and love you have shown her. At this time, we ask for some space to handle the arrangements that follow. Lastly, we hope everyone will remember Lillian as the vibrant, energetic person she always was. — Lillian's beloved Chan Cheung-kai, and family and friends."

Tributes Pour In

Following the announcement, fans and members of the entertainment industry shared an outpouring of condolences on social media. Among them was Thai-Hong Kong actress Lin Pinpla (鄺玲玲), known for the Thai drama "Our Skyy 2," who had previously voiced support for Sze during her illness. One fan wrote: "Lillian Sze, we know you didn't give up — you held on for so long, it was so hard. But now you don't have to be in pain anymore. For you, this is a release. Rest well, R.I.P." Others wrote: "Your optimism and kindness will never be forgotten. I'm so glad I had the chance to know you," and "Thank you for all the memories you gave us."

Lillian Sze is remembered by friends, fans, and colleagues across Hong Kong's entertainment industry as someone who faced an extraordinarily difficult illness with grace, humor, and an unwavering desire to help others — choosing, even at the end of her life, to give back through her decision to become a body donor for medical education. She is survived by her boyfriend Chan Cheung-kai and her family.

Sources

1. HK01 — 施可瑩與創作歌手陳章棨拍拖4年甜蜜恩愛 男友不離不棄悉心照顧
2. Sing Tao Headline — 施可瑩離世丨《造星II》歌手男友陳章棨痛別摯愛 拍拖近4年伴女友抗癌：永遠記住活潑的你
3. HK01 — 施可瑩逝世｜日泰韓星御用司儀精通四語 為鄺玲玲《尋秦記》主持
4. On.cc East Week — 施可瑩不敵卵巢癌病逝 摯愛陪伴下安詳離世
5. TVBS News — 快訊／不到30歲！女主持人施可瑩卵巢癌病逝 親友悲痛發聲
6. HK01 — 施可瑩不敵卵巢癌病逝 IG證實死訊：摯愛和親友的陪伴下安詳離世
7. UDN Stars — 正妹主持施可瑩卵巢癌擴散醫判「無法再化療」！申請當大體老師：想做個有用的人
8. Sing Tao Headline — 施可瑩不敵卵巢癌離世 經歷全子宮切除 早前停止化療申請做大體老師 曾任韓星泰星見面會司儀