HONG KONG — A bitter family feud that erupted after the death of a veteran Hong Kong actor’s ex-wife appears to have reached a resolution, with one of her twin sons announcing he has located and properly interred her ashes, ending months of uncertainty and public acrimony.
Lee Wing-ho, known locally as the younger twin son of acclaimed actor and chef Li Ka-ding, posted on social media Thursday that with the help of compassionate volunteers, he had finally discovered the burial site of his mother, Shi Ming, and completed a formal interment ceremony earlier that morning. The announcement comes six months after Shi Ming’s death in March sparked a rancorous public dispute between the twins and their father.
“The younger twin, Lee Wing-ho, shared a throwback photo with his mother and wrote: ‘Thanks to the many kind-hearted people who helped during these days. With their care and assistance, I finally found my mother’s ashes and they were properly interred this morning. I’m truly grateful to you all – words cannot express my thanks,'” the post read.
The family rift began after Shi Ming, the ex-wife of Li Ka-ding—widely known by his stage name “Uncle Ding”—died from an illness at an undisclosed age. Her older twin son, Lee Wing-hon, was accused by relatives of keeping her death a secret and using his guardianship to block communications before her passing. He then reportedly took sole charge of funeral arrangements, refusing to share the location of her ashes with either his father or younger brother.
The secrecy led to the ashes’ whereabouts becoming a mystery, triggering a public war of words between Li Ka-ding and his older son. The elder Lee allegedly accused his father of neglect, while Li Ka-ding blasted his son in media interviews for “disrespecting the family.” The dispute became tabloid fodder in Hong Kong, with fans and observers dismayed by the public breakdown of a once-close family.
Lee Wing-ho’s disclosure Thursday did not address whether his older brother had been involved in the discovery or reconciliation, nor did Li Ka-ding immediately comment. However, the younger twin’s gratitude toward unnamed “helpful and caring people” suggests third-party intervention played a key role in locating the remains.
The case has highlighted the difficulties families face when disputes over end-of-life arrangements and assets devolve into public confrontations. In Hong Kong, where traditional filial piety remains culturally significant, such feuds can carry social stigma. Legal experts note that without clear wills or advance directives, surviving relatives often clash over funeral decisions, burial sites, and inheritance.
The drama also underscores the personal toll on Li Ka-ding, 75, a beloved television chef and actor known for his gruff persona and culinary skills. He had previously expressed deep regret over the estrangement from his older son, stating, “No matter what, he is still my child.”
With the ashes now interred, observers hope the family can begin healing. The next step, according to sources close to the younger twin, involves potentially settling remaining asset disputes privately—though no public statement has been issued. For now, the simple act of laying their mother to rest may offer a small measure of closure after months of turmoil.
