The title of Hong Kong's first male athlete to win Olympic gold belongs to Cheung Ka-long, the title of Hong Kong's first Hollywood male lead belongs to Bruce Lee, the title of Hong Kong's first Nobel Prize winner in Physics belongs to Charles K. Kao, and the title of Hong Kong's first Japanese AV actress belongs to this name—Erena So (絵麗奈 / 素海霖). Now 28 years old, her real name is So Hoi-lam, and she officially debuted in Japan on March 15, 2023, under the stage name Erena (Japanese: 絵麗奈) with FALENO Star company. Before her debut, she appeared in Hong Kong films, such as playing the role of Wan Wan in "PTGF Rent-a-Girlfriend," sold personal sexy photos on Patreon, participated in MV shoots, and interview programs. One short video on her personal YouTube channel, "No Bra Walk in Tsim Sha Tsui," went viral, garnering over a million views to date.
What exactly made this recently most talked-about rising star in Hong Kong take this path that most people would never choose? Are you curious about her private life and past romantic experiences? Do you want to know her feelings after achieving this unprecedented feat? The following article will answer these questions one by one, revealing sides of her beyond being Hong Kong's first JAV actress that are less known to the public.
Inspired by Ex-Boyfriend to Become a JAV Actress - Erena So (絵麗奈 / 素海霖)
Every JAV actress who benefits fans has a reason and opportunity to enter the industry, and Erena is no exception. She stated: "Choosing this path first to break through myself, and another motivation traces back to a previous boyfriend. An ex once said something that inspired me—he said he thought I really, really love having sex." This comment lit a bulb in Erena's mind, and she added: "I thought since I love sex so much, why not turn this passion into my career? I believe this way it's easier to succeed. Of course, every industry has unpleasant aspects, but the satisfaction this path brings me far outweighs the negatives."
When asked if it was for money, she admitted: "It's impossible not to be for money—if I told you I do JAV not for money, that would be lying. What job in the world isn't for money?" However, Erena emphasized money wasn't the main reason: "JAV pay isn't as high as people imagine—if it was just for money, I definitely wouldn't choose this path. Every job involves money to some extent. Even your dream job—if it doesn't bring income, would you still do it? I think not!" Regarding actual pay, she didn't reveal specifics: "Not extremely high, but I think the compensation is fair, as income in Japan differs from Hong Kong."
(Erena says her main reason for entering JAV isn't purely money, but to challenge herself and do something unprecedented; another trigger was her ex-boyfriend's comment "You really love having sex," inspiring her to turn a passion into work for greater success. Image source:FALENO Official)
Admires Ken Shimizu, Determined to Become JAV Actress
Long before her official Japan debut, Erena prepared by selling photos on Patreon. When ready, she took this historic step. Aware no Hong Kong JAV actress existed before, she proactively sought opportunities. Initially emailing agencies directly with no reply, she revealed: "After the first emails got no response, I was full of passion and persistence—this is unprecedented. After about a month, I tried contacting Taiwan connections. Taiwan develops faster in this area and has close ties to Japan's JAV industry, so I emailed them!" Thanks to Taiwanese help, she caught FALENO's eye, becoming their first overseas actress.
After the opportunity in 2023, Erena flew to Japan, filming two works in 12 straight hours. Her debut featured intense scenes with three male actors, including famous Ken Shimizu. On "representing Hong Kong" in debut: "It's like filming a regular movie—no choosing co-stars. Professionals do their best regardless. Some differences: AV often one-take, no repeated angles." On challenges: "Few difficulties—maybe avoiding periods. Strangest is intimacy with strangers, not easy to adapt! I watched Ken Shimizu's works and YouTube interviews—he's humorous, I admire him!"
(Erena succeeded via Taiwanese connections to gain FALENO's favor; her debut work featured intense scenes with famous actor Ken Shimizu, whom she admires and researched beforehand.)
Hardest Post-Debut Challenge: Facing Family
What would be your biggest hurdle after debuting? Public judgment? Gossip? Family feelings? "The hardest psychological barrier is from closest people—since the news broke, no contact with family." As the only daughter, Erena prepared mentally: "I avoid things I don't want to face, so I chose not to confront parents, not daring to hope for understanding." She shed family constraints for freedom, requiring immense courage.
Facing criticism is inevitable, and Erena experienced doubt: "I firmly believed I must take this step, no backing down—though there were hesitations, I persisted." From conservative Hong Kong, pressure was heavy. Worst comment: entering JAV due to desperation—"If desperate, I wouldn't need to! Many opportunities outside—I follow principles! Some still call me loose!"
Public opinion mattered less than family: "Family is hardest—even in Japan, parents struggle accepting; in Hong Kong, as the only one, they know!" Close to parents but independent, living alone post-Japan decision. After news exploded, contact stopped: "Temporary no-contact is good—they need time. Not ready yet, no expectation of forgiveness. If my future kids did the same, I might not understand immediately!"
(Since Erena's debut news, criticism flooded in. Prepared, she faced it calmly, finding public opinion easier than family concerns. No contact since, understanding parents' need for time, not expecting forgiveness. Image source:Erena So Official Twitter)
Views Past Relationships as Unhealthy, Open to Sugar Daddy Arrangement
Like everyone, JAV actresses have romantic histories. On hers: "Deepest were two most-loved exes—others fleeting. Gave sincerely, immersed, but can let go after breakup." She called past loves flawed: "Previous relationships unhealthy—perhaps from my extreme lack of security, hard to trust. Not bad—unhealthy love helps maturity. Better early than when unbearable."
Defining unhealthy love: "Love should make you happier, comfortable, authentic, confident—not demean, cause inferiority, self-doubt." On memorable ones: "Two unforgettable—not best in sex, but treated me best. Rare true devotion in life—those two most loved and unforgettable."
Open about arrangements: No offers yet—"Curious why none?" On having a price: "Blurred lines—if dating boyfriend gives money, is it sugar? For pure money, I earn myself. If unable to, might accept—but I'll work hard to avoid that."
(Erena reveals two unforgettable loves, views others unhealthy/flawed. True devotion matters more than sex. No price offers yet, open to sugar if needed. Image source:Erena So Instagram)
Cheated 6 Times in One Year, Suffered Domestic Violence
Her unhealthy past detailed in ViuTV interview "Talker: What Love You Say"—cheated 6 times in a year to revenge two-timing boyfriend, even hospitalized from violence. She proactively confessed, as he hadn't noticed. Suspecting lack of attention, she showed chats in anger. Result: violent beating. Later, suspicion led to another assault requiring stitches, leaving scars.
(Erena confessed cheating 6 times in a year to revenge boyfriend, proactively revealed as unnoticed, leading to violent hospitalization.) Image source:ViuTV Talker
Viral No-Bra Walk in Tsim Sha Tsui Video
Japan's no-bra walk trend spread to Asia, including Hong Kong. Erena uploaded her version on YouTube—short video gained over a million views. In white top, she removes jacket on bridge, full shape visible. Tense at crowded promenade, soon enjoyed freedom: "First no-bra walk in Tsim Sha Tsui—nervous, shy."
(Erena's Tsim Sha Tsui no-bra walk video exceeded million views on YouTube. Image source:Erena So Official YouTube)
Loves Toy Play Scenes Most, Says "Body So Hot, Want Sex Now"
In debut work, nervous yet authentic Cantonese lines like "I can't take it" enhanced immersion. Second work more relaxed, new positions. Co-starring Yoshimura Taku, criticized expressions—she said: "Just too pleasurable!" Favorite: toy scene in red outfit—"Body so hot... want sex now!"
(Erena more liberated in second work, loved toy play most, craving more.)
【Recommended Works】
FSDSS-644 Born and Raised in Hong Kong Girl - Newcomer Erena AV Debut
FSDSS-645 First Time Full of Sensory Development 3 Rounds Special!! Erena
【Related Videos】
Interview on "National Mission":
No Bra, Extremely Attractive:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Erena So (絵麗奈 / 素海霖)?
Erena So is Hong Kong's first Japanese JAV actress, debuting with FALENO in 2023. Known for her bold career choice, viral no-bra videos, and Cantonese performances.
When did Erena So debut in JAV?
She debuted on March 15, 2023 (release April 2023) with FSDSS-644 under FALENO Star.
What is Erena So's background?
Born February 9, 1997, in Hong Kong. Acted in local films like PTGF, sold photos on Patreon, went viral with no-bra walk video.
Why did Erena So enter JAV?
To challenge herself, inspired by ex-boyfriend's comment on her love for sex, and turn passion into career.
Is Erena So still active in JAV?
Her last known works were in late 2023; she remains a pioneering figure in Hong Kong adult entertainment.
What are Erena So's measurements?
Height: 163cm, Measurements: 82-62-94cm (E Cup).
Where can I follow Erena So?
Check her official social media for updates, including Twitter and Instagram.
