At a May 25 promotional event, producer John Chan and actors Kelly Zhang, Chen Ying, Gao Haining, and Wu Zhuoxi addressed the persistent controversies surrounding the drama “Radiant City.” From a three-month production halt to heated debates over explicit content, the team provided detailed explanations and denied rumors of misconduct, emphasizing their commitment to professional standards.
Production Pause Rooted in Script Adjustments
Contrary to speculation that the filming stoppage resulted from Zhang’s refusal to perform a scene in her underwear, Chan clarified that the hiatus was driven by narrative revisions. “We paused to refine the script so characters wouldn’t all be antagonists,” he said. The disputed scene remained unchanged throughout, and Zhang ultimately filmed it after the adjustments.
Zhang herself explained her initial hesitation. “The scene contained over five pages of dialogue, and I doubted my ability to execute it effectively,” she said. “But after the script work, I felt confident in the team.” The scene was shot in a single, continuous take over four hours, requiring three takes, and Zhang expressed pride in the final result.
No Pressure on Actors for Intimate Scenes
Chan dismissed claims that he used other actors’ willingness to do nude scenes to pressure Zhang. “These are unfounded jokes. We never coerce actors,” he stated. He stressed that safety measures—including taping and strategic camera angles—are always employed to protect performers. “We ensure 100 percent protection,” he added.
Chen Ying faced backlash over her nude scenes, with allegations that a director privately circulated them before broadcast. During an online interview with Jessy Leung, the host revealed this rumor. Chan denied it outright. “My team is professional; such actions would never happen,” he said.
Handling Audience Complaints
The series drew viewer complaints about its sexual content, but Chan defended it as artistically necessary. “We use such elements to serve the story,” he said. He acknowledged receiving complaints but noted that the network will decide on airing sensitive scenes. “The company will handle it appropriately,” he said.
The controversies of “Radiant City” underscore the ongoing tension between creative freedom and audience expectations. As the drama continues airing, its approach may influence how future productions balance explicit content with actor welfare and regulatory standards.
