Family rift healed as remains of actor’s ex-wife finally laid to rest following bitter feud over funeral arrangements and missing cremated remains
Hong Kong veteran actor Lee Ka Ding’s family turmoil over the handling of his late ex-wife Shi Ming’s remains has reached a resolution, with the cremated ashes finally being placed in a columbarium on Wednesday, six months after the 76-year-old’s death ignited a bitter feud between her sons.
Shi Ming passed away in March, but the grieving process quickly deteriorated into family conflict. Her eldest son, Li Yonghan, allegedly concealed her death, demanded excessive financial support from relatives, and unilaterally managed the funeral proceedings while refusing to disclose the location of her cremated remains. This behavior sparked deep resentment from Lee Ka Ding and his younger son, Li Yonghao, leading to a complete family breakdown.
The breakthrough came Wednesday when Li Yonghao announced that, with help from concerned individuals, the family had successfully located Shi Ming’s ashes and completed the formal placement ceremony at a columbarium. The development effectively ends the protracted dispute that had dominated local entertainment headlines.
Lee Ka Ding, visibly in better spirits, confirmed the news while appearing at TVB City. Speaking to TVB Entertainment News, the actor acknowledged the successful placement but declined further comment on the family discord.
The emotional toll of Shi Ming’s passing and the subsequent family strife had visibly affected Lee Ka Ding. However, under the care of Li Yonghao and his wife, the actor has shown remarkable physical recovery. He appeared with rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and regained facial fullness during his television appearance.
“Thank heaven for watching over me,” Lee Ka Ding told reporters, his voice full of energy. “My son and daughter-in-law take such good care of me. They plan everything I eat, ensure I get nutritious meals, and make sure I eat plenty of vegetables.”
Regarding his health regimen, he added with a laugh: “They make me exercise. I shout for help! They make me walk, telling me not to sleep too much, to move around naturally.”
Return to work on the horizon
When asked about resuming his popular cooking show, Lee Ka Ding remains open to new projects. “I’m fine with anything. If a booking comes, I’ll do it. I don’t get tired — once I get an order, I’m fully engaged,” he said.
However, the actor acknowledged needing to adjust his workload. “There should be new arrangements, but nothing is confirmed yet. I can’t push myself as hard as before — I truly can’t handle it anymore. Will I still film dramas? Yes, but I’ll let them know about my health condition so they can accommodate me. I’m not pretending — if they ask me to film every day, I can’t manage it.”
The resolution of the ashes dispute marks a significant step toward family healing, though the underlying tensions between Lee Ka Ding’s sons may require more time to mend. For now, the veteran actor appears focused on his health recovery and gradual return to the entertainment industry that has defined his career.
