Lee Ka-yan Makes ViuTV Debut, Compares TVB and ViuTV Drama Cultures
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Former TVB "TV Queen" Lee Ka-yan (Ali) has made her first appearance in a ViuTV drama, starring as the lead in the Hong Kong adaptation of the 1990s Japanese classic Long Vacation. During a ViuTV interview, Lee revealed stark differences in dialogue freedom between TVB and ViuTV, expressing surprise at how liberal the language could be. She is co-starring with MIRROR member Edan Lui in the production.
Key Points
- Lee Ka-yan left TVB upon contract expiration in 2024 and has since diversified into films and stage productions before taking on this ViuTV role
- She portrays the Hong Kong version of the iconic character "Yamanashi Minami" from the 1996 Japanese drama, renamed "Wong Ji-nam" in the adaptation
- In an interview on ViuTV's "Popcorn Weekly" hosted by Derek Siu, Lee noted ViuTV's more liberal dialogue culture compared to TVB's strict guidelines, saying: "Sometimes I would ask, 'Can we really say that? That was not allowed before!'"
- The production received official authorization from Japanese copyright holders, with guidance on script, casting, and character development, while updating the 30-year-old story for modern audiences
- Edan Lui plays the character based on "Shinagawa Hidehiko" (originally portrayed by Takuya Kimura), a young pianist, with the original soundtrack officially licensed for use
Why It Matters
Lee Ka-yan's ViuTV debut marks a significant shift in Hong Kong's television landscape, demonstrating how independent broadcasters are offering creative freedom that differs markedly from established players. This production also represents ViuTV's continued investment in high-profile adaptations, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in Hong Kong's entertainment industry .
Lee Ka-yan's ViuTV debut marks a significant shift in Hong Kong's television landscape, demonstrating how independent broadcasters are offering creative freedom that differs markedly from established players. This production also represents ViuTV's continued investment in high-profile adaptations, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in Hong Kong's entertainment industry .