Taiwanese television host and former professional basketball player Blackie Chen underwent emergency heart surgery on September 15 after suffering a heart attack earlier that day. Chen, 49, was reportedly visiting the National Taiwan University Hospital after experiencing chest tightness in the afternoon. Medical examination revealed a myocardial infarction, prompting immediate surgery to install a heart stent.

Chen’s wife, singer Christine Fan, also known by her stage name FanFan, recounted that her husband began feeling unwell while watching basketball training sessions. She disclosed that one of Chen’s arteries was 90 percent blocked, a condition she described as extremely dangerous. Chen had no prior history of heart issues, and the sudden onset of his symptoms deeply unsettled his family. Fan emphasized the critical nature of the timing, fearing what might have happened if medical intervention had been delayed by even a few minutes.

Following surgery, Chen was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Fan noted on September 16 that he showed signs of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, and was expected to remain in the ICU for at least two days. Chen posted an update on social media on the evening of September 15, assuring fans that his condition was stable and expressing gratitude for their support. He also apologized for causing concern and pledged to care for his health and return to work soon.

Prior to the heart attack, Chen and Fan had been traveling in Southeast Asia. They visited Singapore in August with their twin children after Fan’s concert at Resorts World Genting in Malaysia. During his visit to Singapore, Chen shared on social media the story of a knee injury he incurred there during a basketball match in 1999, which he identified as a turning point in his athletic career.

Chen remains actively involved in basketball as the deputy commissioner of P. League+, a professional men’s basketball league in Taiwan that he founded in 2020. His engagement with basketball development extended to Singapore, where the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) hosted him for discussions on growing the sport. The BAS shared photographs of Chen meeting with young players and officials, highlighting their exchange of ideas on grassroots and professional basketball initiatives.

Chen’s sudden health crisis shocked many in the Taiwanese entertainment and sports communities, and ongoing updates are awaited as he continues his recovery.