Hong Kong singer Li Longji, a veteran of the Cantopop scene, has confirmed the dissolution of his high-profile and long-term relationship with former partner Wang Qingxia, concluding their widely reported “grandfather-granddaughter” romance. The separation follows Wang’s highly publicized legal troubles in Hong Kong, which resulted in a prison sentence for immigration offenses.
Li, 75, disclosed to media outlets that the 14-year relationship with Wang, 39, unraveled following her release from prison in July of last year and subsequent return to mainland China. The final separation occurred just after the winter solstice, marking the end of a relationship often scrutinized due to their significant age difference, which led to the colloquial moniker.
Partners’ Legal Turmoil Revealed
The confirmation of the split comes alongside Li’s startling revelation that he was briefly detained by immigration authorities on the same day his fiancée, Wang, was arrested. Wang Qingxia faced serious charges, including overstaying her visa, using false documents, and violating conditions of stay by taking unauthorized employment in Hong Kong. She was ultimately convicted and sentenced to a combined 25 months in prison for the offenses.
Li recounted the dramatic events of the arrest, stating he was initially taken into custody but subsequently released after signing a good behavior bond for two years. “I was detained and had to acknowledge a two-year bond, but as the charges were minor and not formally filed—I was only suspected of concealing facts, which could not be proven—I was not required to surrender my travel documents,” the singer explained.
His situation created immediate speculation after his arrest, as he traveled to the mainland for work the very next day. This proximity in timing led to rumors that he had informed immigration officials about Wang’s transgressions.
Clearing His Name and Financial Burden
Li elaborated on the subsequent legal process, noting that he had been required to report regularly every three months. “Two years later, after Wang Qingxia was sentenced, and as insufficient evidence was found to prove I had aided her, my charges were eventually dropped. This is when I finally felt free,” he said.
The singer also highlighted the substantial financial toll the legal battle took on him. He confirmed spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Wang’s defense, retaining two senior barristers and three additional lawyers to navigate the complex immigration case.
The revelation of the shared legal entanglement adds a new layer of complexity to a case already brimming with public intrigue. Since her release and return to the mainland, questions have also arisen regarding Wang’s personal history, including reports that she was married to a man surnamed Chen in 2007 and has a 16-year-old son, facts she allegedly kept private from the public.
Li admitted the emotional strain of the break-up, twice covering his face while discussing the separation with reporters, signaling the deep impact the legal and personal turmoil had on him. He confirmed that the distance and challenges created by the scandal led to an inevitable drift between them once Wang returned to her family in Foshan.
The conclusion of this relationship underscores the significant personal costs that public scandal and stringent immigration laws can impose, even on well-known figures. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with immigration status violations and the devastating effect such issues can have on personal and financial security. Li Longji now seeks to move forward, focusing on his career after an intense period of legal and personal upheaval.
