Self-Funded Drama Pulled After 60 Added Kissing Scenes
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
A controversy in mainland China’s short-drama industry erupted after a director alleged that a wealthy female investor financed a period mini-series, cast herself as the heroine and handpicked actor Zhong Yufei (鍾宇飛) as the male lead. During production, the number of kissing scenes was reportedly expanded from more than 10 to more than 60, drawing accusations that the project was being used for personal gratification. After the dispute drew public attention, the drama was taken offline. Zhong later said he was new to the industry at the time and did not dare offend the investor, even though some on-set behaviour crossed his boundaries
Key Points
- Director Meng Xing, also referred to in reports as Meng Xin, said the investor asked for a custom-made 50-episode short drama starring herself
- The investor allegedly specified Zhong Yufei as male lead and increased kissing scenes from over 10 to more than 60 during filming.
- Zhong said scripted kissing scenes were acceptable professionally, but objected to tongue-kissing and what he described as repeated saliva exchange.
- He said he endured the situation because he was a newcomer and felt unable to challenge someone financing the production
- Reports said the drama was later removed, with explanations including unpaid post-production fees, excessive intimate footage and chaotic editing continuity.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong audiences following the fast-growing short-drama market, the case raises questions about how much control investors can exert over casting and scene changes once production is under way. It also puts attention on workplace boundaries for younger performers in low-budget, high-volume productions, where commercial pressure may outweigh normal professional safeguards.