Darren Chen

Darren Chen is a Taiwanese actor known for his role as Hua Ze Lei in the 2018 reboot of Meteor Garden. His performance in that series introduced him to a pan-Asian audience and remains his most recognized work. Since then, he has taken on a range of roles in youth romance and historical mystery dramas, building a steady career in television.

Born Guan Hong in Taiwan, he goes by the English name Darren Chen professionally. He is also credited as a singer, though acting is his primary focus. As of 2026, he continues to work in the Chinese-language entertainment industry, with his most recent project being the 2024 drama Pretty Boy. [edit]

Darren Chen was born on January 15, 1995, in Taiwan. Public details about his childhood and family are scarce. He grew up in Taiwan, but information about his schooling and early interests has not been widely shared.

His path to acting began by chance. In 2016, while he was out on the streets of Taiwan, he was spotted by veteran producer Chai Zhi Ping. Recognising his potential, Chai recruited him into the entertainment industry. At the time, Chen had no formal acting training or industry connections. That encounter set him on a path that would lead to his breakout role two years later. [edit]

In 2018, Darren Chen landed the role of Hua Ze Lei in the reboot of Meteor Garden, the iconic Taiwanese drama from 2001. He played the cool, aloof, violin-playing member of the F4 group, alongside Dylan Wang, Shen Yue, and Yihan Sun. The series became a pan-Asian phenomenon and turned Chen into a recognised face across the region.

He followed that with two projects in 2020: My Unicorn Girl, a youth romance, and The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty, a historical mystery that showed his range. In 2024, he starred in Pretty Boy, an adaptation of a Korean webtoon about a prince living anonymously in a small town. Chen continues to take on roles that broaden his portfolio. [edit]

Darren Chen is seen as a refined and elegant presence, a trait amplified by his Meteor Garden role as Hua Ze Lei. His casting capitalised on his composed demeanor and visual appeal. On Instagram, he shares a mix of professional updates and personal moments, such as posts about his dog, which gives him a friendly and approachable image. Media coverage often frames his career as a classic talent-scout success story, from street discovery to leading roles. [edit]

Darren Chen commands a dedicated following that, while substantial in numbers, operates without a formalized collective name or distinct brand identity. His audience, primarily drawn from the pan-Asian reach of his 2018 breakout role, engages through social media channels where he maintains two million followers on Instagram, yet no specific terminology defines this group as a unified entity like the "Flowers" of *Meteor Garden*. This lack of an official moniker does not diminish his standing within the industry, where his career trajectory has been tracked with precision by global metrics. In August 2026, his professional stature was quantified by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, which placed him at a significant position among his peers. Specifically, Darren Chen is the 22nd most famous person in Taiwanese Drama, a placement reflecting his sustained relevance and steady output in the genre since his debut. This ranking, holding steady from the previous cycle, underscores his status as a reliable leading man whose work resonates across the region. The assessment relies on comprehensive data regarding media coverage, digital engagement, and consumption patterns worldwide, capturing the full scope of his influence beyond simple viewership numbers. While he lacks the chaotic energy of viral legends or organized fan campaigns that disrupt public spaces, his fame rests on a foundation of consistent performance and visual appeal that has secured him a prominent spot in the hierarchy of regional television.[edit]

Chen was discovered on a street corner with no prior acting experience, a fact that often frames his early career narrative. He holds dual credits as both actor and singer, though his musical contributions remain secondary to his dramatic work. Born Guan Hong in Taiwan, he utilizes this name for local markets while operating professionally under the English name Darren Chen. A personal detail frequently noted is his pet dog, Mickey, whom he publicly expressed missing during Halloween celebrations. His portrayal of Hua Ze Lei in the 2018 reboot of *Meteor Garden* established him as a member of the F4 quartet, alongside Dylan Wang, Connor Leong, and Caesar Wu. Despite his rise to prominence, there are no recorded incidents of extraordinary crowd reactions, fainting fans, or viral lore surrounding specific scenes in his filmography. No documented rituals or legendary stories define his relationship with the public, distinguishing his career path from those marked by intense fan mythology. His recent work includes the 2024 drama *Pretty Boy*, continuing his focus on youth romance and historical mystery genres.[edit]

Details about Darren Chen's family are not publicly documented. He has not shared information about his parents or siblings. Within the entertainment industry, his Meteor Garden F4 co-stars have been a notable part of his public circle. He has a pet dog named Mickey, who appears in his social media posts. [edit]

Darren Chen was discovered by producer Chai Zhi Ping in 2016. He co-starred with Dylan Wang, Shen Yue, and Yihan Sun in Meteor Garden. His F4 co-stars included Connor Leong and Caesar Wu. [edit]

As of 2026, no confirmed public romantic relationships have been documented for Darren Chen. He has not publicly confirmed dating, engagement, or marriage with any partner. Based on available information, he appears to be single. [edit]

No reliable net worth estimates for Darren Chen have been published. His income is presumed to come from acting salaries, modeling work, and potential endorsement deals, but specific dollar figures are not available. [edit]