The latest episode of the highly anticipated television drama, The Queen of News 2, intensified its focus on media ethics and workplace safety, intertwining a fictionalized murder resolution with a hard-hitting expose on systemic issues plaguing the filmmaking industry, directly referencing a major real-world accident. Viewers on Tuesday observed main protagonist Man Wai-sum (played by Charmaine Sheh) and colleague Lau Yin (Venus Wong) successfully uncovering the suspicious death of internet personality Paula, while simultaneously launching an investigation into a catastrophic on-set accident involving a collapsing elevated work platform.

Fatal Incident Highlights Industry Neglect

The dramatic storyline featuring a grievous injury to a crew photographer following the collapse of a lift structure resonated with shocking real-life events. Producers confirmed that the fictional accident was directly inspired by a widely reported 2023 incident in Kowloon City, where a mobile elevating work platform suddenly tipped backward, sending eight crew members plunging to the ground and sustaining injuries. While the series focuses on negligence and subsequent cover-up attempts by a production company, the real-life investigation at the time revealed severe overloading: experts noted the vehicle was rated for only two occupants, yet it was simultaneously carrying eight individuals and heavy equipment, underscoring critical industry safety lapses.

Executive Producer Chung Shu-kai explicitly stated that the drama aims to use its platform to examine the precarious conditions faced by low-level and freelance workers within the entertainment sector. Key systemic problems highlighted include worker exploitation, a severe lack of adequate safety guarantees, excessive overtime shifts, the overreach of production departments, and a fundamental imbalance in labor-management relations.

Man Wai-sum, the show’s star anchor, delivered powerful dialogue that articulated the disparity in how the industry treats its personnel. “A celebrity is a human; a behind-the-scenes staffer is also a human,” she argued in the episode. “Why does a slightly injured female star receive front-page headlines while a seriously injured photographer gets a passing mention?”

Advocating for Unseen Crew Members

Chung Shu-kai stressed that these dramatic scenarios are geared toward advocacy. “I hope to speak up for the industry through these cases,” he remarked. He emphasized that the central duty of the series’ news journalist characters is to expose and publicize instances of unfairness and nonexistent safety protections within the field.

“Our industry suffers extensively from inequitable contractual arrangements, which often silence those striving to make a living, forcing compromises, or even sacrifices,” Chung asserted. The narrative, he hopes, will increase public awareness of these harsh realities and encourage a search for better equilibrium between labor and management.

The producer’s comments reflect widespread concerns about the prevalence of “head-of-contract” or project-based agreements, which often leave technical and support staff without the standard benefits and protections afforded to full-time employees.

Future Episodes Promise Deeper Scrutiny

Upcoming developments suggest further high-stakes confrontation. In the forthcoming ninth episode, journalists Ka Yin and Lau Yin are set to focus their attention on celebrity issues involving actress Sasha (played by Celina Harto). Harto spoke about the difficulty of performing challenging action sequences, emphasizing the precise movements required for high-altitude jumps and running scenes. She publicly acknowledged the immense effort and risk taken by unseen crew members, echoing the drama’s central theme that all personnel deserve fair and equal treatment.

By mirroring traumatic real-life events, The Queen of News 2 transcends mere entertainment, actively functioning as commentary on structural workplace safety issues and demanding greater industry accountability—a necessary and vital discussion within a sector increasingly reliant on precarious labor.

Hong Kong pop idol and actor Edan Lui (呂爵安) of MIRROR fame is making a significant international leap, joining the cast of the highly anticipated South Korean drama series, Taxi Driver 3. The season premiered tonight in South Korea, with audiences in Hong Kong being able to stream the episodes starting this weekend via Viu, marking a major milestone for the popular Cantonese star as he takes on a demanding, bilingual role.

Lui enters the established franchise, known for its gripping social commentary and vigilante justice themes, portraying an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) detective. This role represents a notable shift from the comedic persona fans often associate with him, demanding a serious and focused portrayal delivered entirely in English dialogue.

A Change of Pace and Linguistic Challenge

The casting of Lui in the global hit signals a growing trend of cross-regional collaboration within the Asian entertainment industry. To prepare for the part, Lui demonstrated a high level of commitment, traveling to South Korea ahead of filming to participate in script readings, costume fittings, and makeup sessions alongside the local production team.

Lui’s primary challenge was mastering the sustained English dialogue required for his character. He dedicated substantial time to honing his proficiency and ensuring the fluency of his conversational English, a necessary step for integrating seamlessly into the international law enforcement narrative.

Recent publicity stills offer a glimpse into the star’s serious new look. In one image, Lui, dressed sharply in a white shirt overlaid with a black leather jacket and matching trousers, stands next to a vending machine. Another photo captures a high-stakes moment: Lui standing on a rooftop with series lead Lee Je-hoon, both staring intently in the same direction, hinting at the intense and potentially fluctuating dynamic between their characters.

Filming Locations and Character Dynamics

Production for Lui’s scenes reportedly took place in Japan, adding further international scope to the already geographically varied series. The relationship between Lui’s Interpol detective and Lee Je-hoon’s central character, Kim Do-gi, is expected to be fraught with tension and complexity, central to the season’s overarching conflict.

For Hong Kong artists, succeeding in the highly competitive K-drama market is a rare achievement, underscoring Lui’s rising profile in the region. His turn in Taxi Driver 3 not only broadens his acting portfolio but also introduces him to a massive global audience already captivated by Korean content.

Fans across the region can watch Taxi Driver 3 starting today, with new episodes airing every Friday and Saturday night exclusively on Viu platforms, charting the serious new chapter in Edan Lui’s evolving acting career.

Hong Kong celebrity couple Benjamin Yuen (袁偉豪) and Bowie Cheung (張寶兒) celebrated a major family milestone this week, honoring their eldest son’s second birthday just two weeks after welcoming their second child. Despite being in mandatory postnatal recovery (zuo yue zi) following the birth of their baby boy, affectionately nicknamed “Yuen Tam Tam,” Cheung orchestrated a heartfelt, intimate home celebration for their two-year-old, “Yuen Goo Luk.”

The actress and former Miss Hong Kong shared a series of warm family portraits on social media yesterday, capturing the essence of the low-key festivities. Newborn Tam Tam was cradled snugly in his mother’s arms throughout the shared pictures, while Cheung, still physically recuperating from childbirth, beamed alongside her husband and toddler.

A Low-Key but Meaningful Celebration

Cheung emphasized the special nature of this year’s birthday, noting the recent addition to the family and her current state of confinement. “Yuen Goo Luk is two! Your birthday is somewhat special this year because Mommy is still observing postnatal confinement, and your little brother is still tiny,” she wrote in a poignant message accompanying the photos.

The couple chose a uniquely familial approach to mark the occasion, focusing purely on closeness and affection. “We opted for the coziest way—celebrating with the family we love most,” she explained. The simple gathering was enhanced by a homemade, healthy treat, with Cheung personally baking an apple and banana cake for her son’s birthday dessert.

Embracing Toddlerhood and New Adventures

Cheung reflected on the profound changes in her eldest son over the past year. As children move from infancy into toddlerhood, development accelerates rapidly, something the family has clearly witnessed.

“Although it was simple, the love was no less,” she stated. “In this past year, you’ve begun to develop your own personality, moods, social connections, and ideas. You still bring us many life ‘surprises’ daily.”

The actress expressed her hopes for the next phase of her son’s life, which officially begins with his second birthday. The transition to two years old marks a period of fierce independence, curiosity, and rapid linguistic growth. Cheung concluded her message by wishing her son persistence in his natural development: “The two-year journey officially begins! May you forever maintain this moment’s curiosity and innocence to explore this interesting world.”

Family Dynamics and Postpartum Recovery

The photos offered a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics of a growing celebrity family, balancing public life with the intense private demands of new parenthood. Cheung’s decision to celebrate while still under postpartum confinement underscores the significance of family milestones, even during a demanding recovery period. Traditional Chinese postpartum confinement is a critical 30- to 40-day recovery phase focused entirely on rest, warmth, and specialized nutrition to aid the mother’s recovery.

Benjamin Yuen and Bowie Cheung, who frequently share updates on their family life and careers, celebrated the birth of their first son, Goo Luk (Yuen Ching Yiu), in November 2021. Their second son, Tam Tam, was born on November 6, completing the family. Their public display of affection and dedication to making these moments special for their children resonates with many parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising multiple young children in quick succession.