TVB Stars Promote “The Game of Couples” as Gao Hailing Reveals Slapping Regret and Marriage Plans

HONG KONG — TVB actors Kenneth Ma, Samantha Ko, Rosina Kwok, and Yau Ka-yan took to the catwalk today to promote their upcoming drama “The Game of Couples,” with Kwok winning a “Best Dressed” honor before being playfully kissed by Ko in a lighthearted moment that delighted fans.

The event, held in Hong Kong, saw the cast strut down a makeshift runway to unveil their characters. Kwok, 28, earned the style prize for her youthful ensemble, prompting Ko to plant an unexpected kiss on her cheek, drawing laughter from the audience. The promotional session also featured a teaser clip of a kissing scene between Yau and co-star Matthew Ho, which left the pair visibly awkward during a subsequent game segment. When asked to reenact the moment, they declined, opting instead for an air kiss — Ho touching his own lips with his finger before pressing it to Yau’s finger for a staged photo.

Gao Hailing on Slapping Scene: “I Felt Terrible”

In interviews, Ko, 37, revisited a dramatic scene where her character slaps actor Jonathan Cheung after a marriage proposal. She admitted the on-screen moment felt cathartic but came with real-life guilt. “To get the right camera angle, I had to slap him several times,” Ko explained. “One time I hit too hard — there was a loud noise — and I saw his face turn red. I apologized immediately after the director called cut.”

Kenneth Ma, 50, who plays Ko’s on-screen husband, said he would rather be the one slapped than have to strike a female co-star. “I’ve been slapped by many colleagues before,” he joked. “The most memorable was when Natalie Tong hit me during filming of ‘The Invisibles.’ That really stung.”

Gao Hailing Rejects Elaborate Wedding, Eyes Feng Shui Studies

When asked about her own wedding fantasies, Ko revealed she has no interest in a lavish ceremony, citing a recent experience wearing a heavy wedding gown for a shoot. “It was exhausting,” she said. “If I ever get married, I want it simple — no heavy dresses, no big celebration.”

The actress also shared plans to study feng shui and Chinese zodiac under renowned master Simon Su, after picking up tips from him during previous TV shoots. “I want to understand yearly fortunes better,” she said, laughing when asked if this was to screen potential partners. “I can already tell basic personality traits and whether someone is good for me, but I wouldn’t ask for their birth chart right away — that would be too awkward.”

Gao Hailing Warns of Impersonation Scams

Currently shooting a mainland Chinese drama “Blossoming” alongside actress Bai Lu, Ko praised the collaborative atmosphere on set. She also addressed a recent TVB “East Week” report about scammers using her name to solicit 3 million Hong Kong dollars for fake endorsements. “I had nothing to do with it — I feel very wronged,” she said. “There are fake accounts impersonating me online. I never make friends or borrow money over the internet. Please don’t believe anyone claiming to be close to me. Honestly, I only have two friends: Kenneth Ma and another colleague.”

Co-Stars Open Up About Beauty and Roles

Yau Ka-yan, 26, defended her natural appearance, saying she looks back at old photos and sees a “puffy face.” “I don’t aim to be skinny — I want definition, so I’m working on building muscle,” she said.

Rosina Kwok, who plays a manipulative “green tea” character in the drama, welcomed the attention, whether positive or negative. “I accept all feedback humbly,” she said. “I hope to break through and do even better next time.”

Broader Impact

“The Game of Couples” is set to air later this year, exploring themes of love, deception, and marital power struggles. As Hong Kong’s entertainment industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery and rising competition from mainland productions, the show’s promotional tour — complete with candid cast revelations — aims to draw viewers back to local TV dramas. For now, fans can expect more behind-the-scenes clips and cast interviews leading up to the premiere.