Hou Minghao

Personal Information

• Full Name: Hou Ming Hao (侯明昊)
• Stage Name: Neo Hou
• Korean Name: Hoo Myeong-ho (후명호)
• English Name: Neo Hou
• Childhood Name: Liang Liang (梁梁)
• Date of Birth: August 3, 1997
• Zodiac Sign: Leo
• Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox
• Height: 179 cm
• Weight: 57 kg
• Fandom Name: Kiwi Fruit (猕猴桃)
• Social Media:
  • Weibo: 侯明昊Neo
  • Studio Weibo: 侯明昊Neo工作室
  • Instagram: houminghao

Early Life and Education Hou Ming Hao, popularly known as Neo Hou, was born on August 3, 1997, in Beijing, China. Growing up in the Fengtai District, Neo was affectionately called Liang Liang (梁梁) during his childhood. He developed an early interest in music, particularly the accordion, at the age of four, committing eight years to mastering the instrument. Additionally, Neo took vocal lessons focused on bel canto singing in the tenor range, laying the foundation for his future career in entertainment.

Despite his passion for performing, Neo faced challenges early on. During his primary school years, he aspired to join a singing competition. Lacking initial support from his parents, his singing coach stepped in to cover the registration fee. Neo’s determination paid off when he secured second place in the competition. In 2012, he became a trainee under SM Entertainment in South Korea. However, due to his mother’s health issues, Neo decided to return to China, prioritizing his family’s well-being over his debut in Korea.

Neo attended the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, where he further honed his musical talents. Balancing his studies, he also assisted his grandparents in maintaining their fruit garden, fostering a deep connection with his family and nature.

Career

Music Career Neo Hou debuted in the entertainment industry as a singer with the C-group FRESH極客少年團 (Fresh Geek Junior) on October 13, 2014. During his time with the group, Neo showcased his vocal prowess and stage presence, contributing to the group’s rising popularity. In 2016, seeking to explore his individual artistry, he departed from Fresh Geek Junior to embark on a solo career. Neo’s musical journey reflects his versatility, as he not only sings but also plays the guitar and accordion.

Acting Career Neo’s foray into acting began with supporting roles in various films and drama series. His film debut was in “Xiao Lin Zu Qiu” (笑林足球) in 2016, where he portrayed Xiao Shu Ai. He continued to build his filmography with roles in “Angel Institute” (天使学院的爱情战记) and “The Devotion of Suspect X” (嫌疑人X的献身), where he played Tang Chuan.

In 2017, Neo expanded his acting repertoire with roles in “Inference Notes” (推理笔记), “Rakshasa Street” (镇魂街), and “Cambrian Period” (寒武纪). His performances earned him recognition and paved the way for more significant roles. Notably, in 2019, he starred as Wu Xie in “The Lost Tomb 2” (盗墓笔记2), a role that solidified his standing in the industry.

Neo’s television career includes notable performances in “Haunted House Handbook” (心宅猎人), “The Monkey King 3” (西遊記女兒國) where he portrayed Jiang Liu Er / Tang Seng, and “A Chinese Ghost Story” (倩女幽魂) as Ning Cai Chen. In 2020, he appeared in popular drama series such as “The People’s Property” (人民的财产) and “To Our Ten Years” (十年一品温如言).

Personal Life Neo Hou is known for his down-to-earth personality and close-knit relationships with his family. He shares a friend-like relationship with his parents, rarely engaging in formal conversations. Despite his busy schedule, Neo remains committed to his family, especially his grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. He maintains a strong bond with her, ensuring regular contact even amidst his acting commitments.

An animal lover, Neo owns a Shiba Inu dog named Monkey, who often features in his social media posts, endearing him further to his fans. Neo is also musically inclined, playing both the guitar and accordion, and has a penchant for alcohol, boasting a good tolerance.

Achievements and Awards Neo Hou’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. On December 17, 2019, he was honored with the “Fashion Icon Prize” at the IFENG Fashion Selection Award Ceremony, highlighting his influence and style within the entertainment industry.

Trivia

• Neo once trained under SM Entertainment in 2012 before returning to China to prioritize his family’s needs.
• During his childhood, Neo was passionate about accordion and dedicated eight years to mastering the instrument.
• Despite his fear of disturbing others and admitting to having a poor memory, Neo’s resilience and dedication have propelled him to success in both singing and acting.
• He has a remarkable alcohol tolerance, which is a fun fact often shared among his fans.

Filmography

Movies

1. Xiao Lin Zu Qiu (笑林足球) | 2016 – Xiao Shu Ai
2. Angel Institute (天使学院的爱情战记) | 2016 – Xiao Minghao
3. The Devotion of Suspect X (嫌疑人X的献身) | 2017 – Tang Chuan
4. Over Again (回到过去拥抱你) | 2019 – Gao Si Lin

Drama Series

1. Cambrian Period (寒武纪) | 2017 – Jian Zi
2. Rakshasa Street (镇魂街) | 2017 – Bai Jing Xuan
3. Inference Notes (推理笔记) | 2017 – Mi Kaka
4. When We Were Young (人不彪悍枉少年) | 2018 – Hua Biao
5. The Lost Tomb 2 (盗墓笔记2) | 2019 – Wu Xie
6. A Chinese Ghost Story (倩女幽魂) | 2020 – Ning Cai Chen
7. The Monkey King 3 (西遊記女兒國) | 2020 – Jiang Liu Er / Tang Seng
8. Haunted House Handbook (心宅猎人) | 2020 – Jiang Shuo
9. The People’s Property (人民的财产) | 2020 – Role Unknown
10. To Our Ten Years (十年一品温如言) | 2020 – Role Unknown

Social Media and Fan Engagement Neo Hou actively engages with his fans, affectionately known as “Kiwi Fruit” (猕猴桃), through various social media platforms. His Weibo accounts and Instagram are platforms where he shares updates about his work, personal life, and interests, fostering a strong and dedicated fanbase.

Conclusion Hou Ming Hao, or Neo Hou, exemplifies the modern Chinese entertainer with his multifaceted talents in both singing and acting. From his early beginnings in Beijing to his rise in the entertainment industry, Neo’s dedication, resilience, and genuine personality continue to endear him to fans worldwide. As he progresses in his career, Neo Hou remains a promising figure poised for greater achievements in the years to come.