Taiwanese pop star Elva Hsiao has not made a public appearance for more than 18 months.

During this time, she has been romantically linked to a man who is 16 years younger than her.

Hsiao was first spotted with him together in late 2017 but she said that she was merely playing host to him then.

The man was later identified as model Justin Huang, aged 24 who had moved from Canada to Taiwan to pursue an acting career.

According to Taiwan’s China Times Weekly, Huang had spent the night at Hsiao’s home in June this year.

The singer went public with their relationship on her 40th birthday on Saturday (Aug 24), posting four photos of them together on Weibo with the caption “Love requires us to be together”. She tagged him in the post.

Huang then shared the post and commented, “Be with you”, but he has since deleted the post on his new Weibo account.

In an interview with Apple Daily, Hsiao shared that she has known Huang for a few years as she took the opportunity to explain her long absence from the public eye.

She revealed that she suffered from internal injuries after hitting her chest in the bathroom, and she was unable to sing due to breathing difficulties caused by the injuries.

Because of that she had to cancel the launch of her album which she has prepared for three years.

Hsiao said Huang kept her company during the low point in her life and gave her psychological support during her treatment.

She appreciated Huang’s concern as they became a couple later.

She also admitted to having an impulse to form a family with him by getting pregnant.

This is not the first time Hsiao is dating someone younger. She was previously linked with Taiwanese actor Kai Ko, 28, Singaporean businessman Elroy Cheo, 34, and Taiwanese professional actor Michael Chen, 27.

Hsiao is famous for her songs such as Theme Song Of Love (2002), Confession (2006) and Shining Love (2009). Her last album, Shut Up And Kiss Me, was released in 2014. -/TISG