The Malaysian drama series Yi He, starring Hong Kong actors Lai Lok Yi and Jessical Li, was abruptly pulled from its scheduled broadcast on HOY TV in late October, prompting a wave of industry speculation. HOY CEO Yafen Huang acknowledged during a recent programming event that the Malaysian distributor Astro had requested the cancellation, adding that it was due to “pressure” without offering specifics. “What kind of pressure, everyone can guess,” Huang said, fueling debate over whether Lai’s ties to rival network TVB or Li’s involvement played a role.
Jessical Li addressed the controversy at a promotional appearance on October 24. She expressed disappointment but emphasized that actors have limited control over distribution decisions. “I haven’t looked into it deeply. From what I understand, it’s a contract issue,” Li said. “The distributor has the authority to decide where the show airs. There are many rumors, but I can’t verify the truth.” Li noted that she had spoken with Lai after the news broke, and both agreed contractual complications were the likely cause. She dismissed concerns that future projects might face similar obstacles, stating she believes the incident is unrelated to her career.
Li also confirmed she will not appear in the sequel to Yi He, attributing her absence to scheduling conflicts with the ViuTV Hong Kong drama Long Vacation, which she has just completed filming. She is now rehearsing for her December stage play Meeting Is Hell, and plans to attend a performance by friend Liang Xiaqi.
Beyond the drama controversy, Li spoke about her health and work-life balance. She warned about the increasing risk of stroke in young people, citing a friend who suffered a stroke in their 20s. Li said she undergoes annual checkups and has no issues with high blood pressure, sugar, or cholesterol, though she has experienced low blood pressure and anemia. She revealed she underwent ovarian surgery several years ago, which she attributes to the intense stress of her workload. “I was young and took on three dramas in a year. The pressure was immense, and it affected my emotions,” Li said. “I’ve learned that balance is key.” When asked about family planning, Li said she remains single and prioritizes health before making decisions about motherhood.
Broader Implications
The cancellation of Yi He highlights the fragility of cross-border productions, where contractual disputes and market pressures can derail projects. The incident also underscores how actor affiliations with competing networks may influence distribution agreements. Industry observers suggest that clearer contracts and transparent communication between partners are essential to prevent such disruptions. For now, the fate of Yi He remains uncertain, but the case serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in regional media cooperation.
