HONG KONG, Feb 21  - Hong Kong singer and actor Edison Chen said on Thursday that he would step away from the Hong Kong entertainment industry, in his first public appearance since a nude picture scandal broke in January.

Hong Kong singer and actor Edison Chen reacts during a news conference in Hong Kong February 21, 2008.  [Agencies]

"I've decided to step away from the Hong Kong entertainment industry," Chen told reporters, while apologising to Hong Kong for the scandal which has drawn blanket media coverage over several weeks.

He said in a brief statement he would fulfil existing commitments before stepping down "indefinitely".

About the scandal: Sex photos spark celeb apology

Following two weekend arrests of men in connection with recent online postings of illicit celebrity photos, actor/singer Edison Chen Kwoon-hei issued a public apology yesterday.

Police believe the arrest they made Saturday - one of seven total - is that of the man who initially uploaded the photos he found on a computer he was repairing.

Police have not released any names of suspects in the case, or the name of the computer's owner.

Another suspect was arrested Sunday, but police said they didn't find any of the photos on his computer.

The man arrested Saturday is expected to appear in court today.