A popular television drama series captivated audiences this week as its second story arc swiftly launched, replacing an initial resolved plotline with a complex narrative centered on celebrity identity and alleged abandonment, which viewers are already dubbing a “modern-day abandonment saga.” The provocative storyline, which began airing Tuesday evening, immediately established a compelling mystery involving a high-profile K-pop idol and a woman claiming to be his estranged wife.
The controversy unfolds when Korean idol Chan Sun-mei (played by Karl Ting) arrives in Hong Kong for a fan meet and performance of his new song, “Tears of Vengeance.” During his set, a woman in the audience, Chin Cheung-yin (portrayed by Hera Chan), fixated on the star with tearful intensity. Moments later, the situation escalated dramatically when Cheung-yin rushed the stage, tackling the idol and assaulting him by forcefully touching his chest. She was subsequently arrested and charged with indecent assault. However, the ensuing legal turmoil focuses less on the assault and more on Cheung-yin’s persistent claim that Sun-mei is her husband, a relationship the celebrity vehemently denies, creating a high-stakes “Rashomon” effect for both the characters and the judiciary.
Actress Hera Chan Delivers Compelling Performance
Although her role comprised only a fractional part of the episode, actress Hera Chan’s performance as Cheung-yin earned significant praise from viewers for its depth and disturbing nuance. Chan’s immediate impact derived from her portrayal of emotional instability; her portrayal featured fluctuating eye contact, constant murmuring, and an overwhelming mixture of heartbreak and delusion.
The performance skillfully navigated several highly contrasting emotional states—from infatuation and bewildered sadness to sudden, vacant laughter—all conveying a powerful sense of internal oppression and vulnerability. During the intense on-stage confrontation, Chan conveyed a jarring shift: initially approaching Sun-mei with hopeful joy for a reunion, she quickly descended into a state of wounded confusion when met with his complete lack of recognition and cold dismissal.
Psychological Turmoil Unfolds in Interrogation
The complexity of Cheung-yin’s mental state continued during the police interrogation led by prosecutor Yim Hung-fei (played by Andy Ng). While being questioned about the assault charges, Cheung-yin retreated into a self-dialogue that highlighted her confusion and denial.
Statements such as wondering aloud, “Why is he pretending not to know me? I am his wife, isn’t he perhaps suffering from amnesia?” or suggesting, “He must be possessed by a ghost,” demonstrated a profound psychological disconnect. Yet, mixed into this erratic behavior were moments of unsettling sweetness when recalling cherished memories, affirming her belief in his identity: “His voice is the same, his smile is the same.”
Chan cleverly layered the character’s emotional responses throughout the scene, alternating between moments of determined certainty—particularly when she was convinced she had not mistaken the idol for another man—and profound loss. The episode also used brief flashbacks to illustrate the stark difference in Cheung-yin’s life. Pre-abandonment, her initial connection with Sun-mei was framed as innocent and romantic, depicting a character full of fresh optimism, contrasting heavily with the weary, marginalized figure she becomes after her alleged rejection.
The unfolding “husband recognition” case promises a deep dive into celebrity culture, mental health struggles, and the high price of fame, ensuring high viewer engagement for the remainder of the series arc.
