HONG KONG – Actress Mandy Yuen, a cast member on the dating reality series The Matchmaking Project 2, took center stage in the show’s second episode this week—not for finding love, but for her fiery reactions and candid takes on relationships, age gaps, and personal pasts.
In the latest installment, Yuen brought her close friend, actress Irene Tang, onto the show as part of a “bestie peanut gallery” segment. While the pair didn’t actively play matchmaker, Yuen revealed a deep-seated trust in her friend, noting that Tang freely shares stories without prior rehearsal. “Irene was the first friend I made when I joined the company,” Yuen said. “We’ve supported each other for the past decade. She’s constantly introduced me to guys, but the chemistry just wasn’t there. In upcoming episodes, she’ll be more worked up than I am!”
The episode’s most talked-about moment came when 19-year-old contestant Choi Nam made a “rejuvenation” comment aimed at the female cast. Yuen’s visibly animated response sparked online chatter, but the actress brushed off any offense. “He was on screen for only about 20 minutes, so there wasn’t much time for proper communication. He just said whatever came to mind—I took it as a joke,” she explained. “He directed the remark at all the women, not just me. The other ladies playfully provoked me to react, and I played along. I’ve always had a cheerful outlook on life; I absolutely don’t need rejuvenation.”
When asked whether she minded the idea of a younger partner, Yuen was forthright. “Normally, I prefer older men because they give me a greater sense of security,” she said. “But if someone is much younger, it depends on how sincere he is. Love shouldn’t be bound by restrictions—it’s about how you feel at that moment. That’s what love is to me.” Pressed on which of her co-stars might need “rejuvenation,” she quipped, “Nobody does! A successful woman is someone who makes her own life happy and keeps a youthful spirit. I can definitely do that.”
The conversation took a more serious turn when Yuen was asked about a contestant’s past infidelity. Her primary concern, she admitted, was “hygiene”—a response that prompted netizens to joke that she was “very tolerant” of boyfriends. Yuen defended her stance, saying, “Everyone has a past. Dwelling on old stories is meaningless. What matters is being well-behaved during the relationship.”
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more of Yuen’s unfiltered commentary—and possibly a fiery matchmaking side from her trusted friend, Irene Tang. For now, the actress remains focused on enjoying the ride, with or without a romantic spark.
