The burly security guard at the entrance of the Regent Beijing Hotel is not a music industry enthusiast. But he knows who Jay Chou is.

Thus, when he is put on duty during a recent news conference involving Chou, he is elated.

His mission is to keep order as nearly 200 fans swamp the hotel entrance and to lead them to the ballroom where Chou is scheduled to launch his new album, Opus 12.