17 November 2025
GQ Local Heroes：One Cool by Louis Koo
“With great power comes great responsibility.” — This iconic line from Spider-Man finds a real-life embodiment in Louis Koo. As the founder of One Cool Group, Koo has emerged as the driving force behind the revival of Hong Kong cinema, building a comprehensive, all-encompassing film empire.
When our editorial team thought about the “Top 10 Local Heroes in Hong Kong”, Louis Koo’s name emerged as an obvious choice. In just 12 short years, One Cool Group has built a film empire spanning every facet of the industry: film production, post-production, visual effects, equipment rentals, PR and promotions, artist management, dubbing, and animation.
Rising stars like Adam Pak, Angus Yeung, and newcomer Elvin Wong, along with the multi-talented Louis Cheung, are just a few of the many talents under Koo’s management. It’s no surprise that people often say half of Hong Kong’s entertainers now work for “Boss Koo.” While reviving Hong Kong’s film industry and restoring its former glory is an ambitious goal, Koo’s focus is much simpler: “I just want to make sure everyone has work.” His priority is to ensure that film workers don’t have to worry about losing their livelihoods.
At a post-pandemic spring dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, veteran actress Helena Law Lan accepted an award and publicly thanked Guild President Louis Koo for his care and support of senior performers. It was a moment that reminded the public of the immense responsibility Koo shoulders as a key figure in the entertainment industry. Despite being in a position where he could easily retire, Koo remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation and supporting those in need.
He is seen as a guiding figure in the entertainment industry—mentoring newcomers, supporting the vulnerable, sharing others’ burdens before enjoying his own success. Is it driven by a sense of duty? He responds: “Whether or not it’s a sense of duty doesn’t matter. I just feel these are things I have to do. Every industry, every era, and every person will inevitably go through transitions between the old and the new—nothing lasts forever. So don’t think of this as ‘providing support.’ I simply hope that we can walk this path together.”
Whether or not it’s a sense of duty doesn’t matter. I just feel these are things I have to do. Every industry, every era, and every person will inevitably go through transitions between the old and the new—nothing lasts forever.
This kind of selfless, dedicated individual—who possesses both leadership and courage—is not far from what society typically defines as a “hero.” Yet Louis Koo humbly says, “The definition of a hero can be very deep. It depends on how you look at it. For example, a child might see their parents as heroes. Of course, someone who saves the world is a hero, but I think everyone has their own definition. As long as, in that moment, someone is your hero, that’s all that matters—it doesn’t need anyone else’s recognition.”
Koo never puts himself on a pedastal, but to those around him, like Louis Cheung, the qualities of a hero are clear: “Someone who leads by example, inspires others with positivity in tough times, listens, and stands by people through their lows.” As they describe it, doesn’t that perfectly encapsulate who Louis Koo is?
It’s no secret that Louis Koo is a devoted Star Wars fan, with a particular fondness for Darth Vader. When asked who his hero is, he doesn’t hesitate: “The first person that comes to mind isn’t a real-life figure, but Darth Vader from Star Wars. There’s no specific reason—I just can’t explain it.”
But this instinctive admiration isn’t random. Darth Vader, often ranked among the greatest movie villains of all time, fell from grace due to his deep attachment to those he loved. Yet his ultimate redemption came from a greater sense of duty—sacrificing everything for his family and for balance in the Force. His act of redemption wasn’t for applause, but rather a reflection of his inner beliefs. This understated sense of heroism mirrors Louis Koo’s role in the entertainment industry.
Being a hero isn’t about saving the world. It’s about the unwavering commitment to doing what must be done.
Photographer: Olivia Tsang
Styling: Sing Lei & Tung Kam
Louis Koo wearing Bottega Veneta
Locker Lam wearing Gucci
Elvin Wong wearing Sandro
Louis Cheung wearing Giorgio Armani
Kevin Chu wearing Emporio Armani
For Louis Koo- Make up: Carman Man, Hair: Dan Tam
For Louis Cheung- Make up: PinkyKu MakeUp, Hair: Sam Cheung
For Kevin Chu, Locker Lam & Elvin Wong- Make up: Will Wong, Hair: Lupus Chui@Hue
Location: Soho House Hong Kong
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