Hong Kong actors Ngo Ka-nin and Ali Lee marked the upcoming Year of the Horse by embracing festive traditions, drawing public attention following the successful premiere of their Malaysian political drama, Yihe. The series has generated significant buzz and strong reviews in the region, leading the stars to participate in a bustling public outing to select traditional New Year flowers, where they were warmly received by scores of well-wishers and fans.
Following the popularity of their new series, the pair took time to observe vital Lunar New Year customs, including the annual tradition of purchasing auspicious blossoms to usher in good fortune. Their public flower-buying excursion underscored the strong connection between beloved celebrities and the enduring cultural significance of the Spring Festival, leading to large crowds gathering for shared greetings and photographs.
Embracing Floral Traditions for Prosperity
For Ngo Ka-nin, the act of purchasing New Year flowers is a non-negotiable part of his annual celebrations, a practice he maintains even as other family customs have evolved. “New Year flowers bring a certain sense of joy and festivity,” Ngo explained, noting that while older mandates—such as restrictions on washing hair or sweeping on the first day of the Lunar calendar—have lessened, his personal habit of sourcing flowers remains. He expressed a preference for orchids, specifically variegated types: “I favor a blend of colors; white tinged with pink is the most beautiful.”
Ali Lee also shared her deep connection to the festival’s traditions, detailing her obligatory visits to elders, scouting flower markets on New Year’s Eve, and stocking up on celebratory treats like traditional candies and Nian Gao (sticky rice cake). “These items carry such great significance,” Lee noted, “They symbolize continuous elevation and increasing prosperity across all aspects of life.”
The Immunity to Inquiries and Giving Back
The festive period often brings unavoidable personal inquiries, particularly concerning marriage, but Lee confirmed she is now immune to such probing. “I haven’t minded relatives asking about it for nearly a decade; I’ve built up immunity,” she laughed. “In fact, I’d be more worried if they didn’t ask.” Since she only interacts with some relatives once or twice a year, Lee views these exchanges as necessary updates on her life.
Ngo, who mentioned having fewer extended family obligations, rarely faces similar scrutiny. He revealed that in previous years, he typically opted to travel with his son during the holiday, but this year he is staying in Hong Kong. He added that he will be significantly increasing the value of the lai see (red packets containing money) he distributes, extending this generosity to his staff and co-workers to ensure everyone shares in the joyous atmosphere.
Yihe Success Fuels Future Ambitions
The overwhelmingly positive reception and strong viewership of Yihe in Malaysia have greatly encouraged both actors, fueling hopes for a sequel. Beyond the current project, Lee expressed aspirations for a diverse workload in the coming year, seeking opportunities to explore different performance styles, whether through television dramas, feature films, or digital streaming channels.
The successful reception of Yihe illuminates the growing demand for shared regional content and the powerful appeal of established Hong Kong talent in Southeast Asian markets. As the industry evolves, both stars are committed to exploring nuanced roles and expanding their creative endeavors, building on their momentum as they transition into the Year of the Horse.
