Leading stars of TVB’s new spy drama, Undercover Beauties, brought high glamour to Causeway Bay street level today, generating significant buzz while navigating questions about the conspicuous absence of cast member Yumi Chung, who faces recent entanglement in a dating controversy. Main protagonists Kelly Cheung, Jeannie Chan, and Lydia Law donned striking short skirts for the promotional event, joined by co-stars Brian Tse and Hero Kwan, drawing a massive crowd of supporters eager for details on the new series.
Though Yumi Chung appears prominently in promotional materials for the drama, the idol and actress did not participate in the launch, fueling ongoing speculation that she has been sidelined by the network following recent reports regarding her personal life.
Addressing the Controversy: Is Yumi Chung “Frozen”?
The perceived snub comes after media outlets reported on Chung’s alleged dating history during her secondary school years, potentially impacting her carefully curated image as someone who has “never been in a relationship.” Compounding the issue was recent public criticism she received after performing at a property company’s annual dinner.
However, the cast members present sought to quell rumors of official censure. Kelly Cheung stated she had not heard any confirmation of Chung being “frozen” (banned) by TVB, nor was she aware of the backlash from the property dinner performance.
Jeannie Chan offered a narrative explanation for the actress’s absence, clarifying Chung’s role in the series. “Yumi plays a member of a girl group, but not the undercover team,” Chan explained. “Her character, a high-society heiress, is actually the target of our investigation. She doesn’t appear in the very early episodes, so I assume this is not a freeze-out. I believe she will join promotional activities when the episodes featuring her air.”
Action, Intrigue, and Charm Define the New Series
The actors revealed dynamic details about their on-screen roles, highlighting the juxtaposition of action, music, and physical comedy. Kelly Cheung, who had to practice singing and dancing for her role, humorously admitted anxiety about potential demands for live performances. “I’m not a ‘devil voice’ singer, and while I have performed on stage, I wouldn’t say I’m ready to debut,” Cheung laughed, adding that her childhood dance training aided her agility. She noted that Lydia Law and Yumi Chung took on the primary singing duties in the fictional group.
The show promises steamy scenes and playful interactions. Brian Tse, who co-stars with Cheung, described a memorable scene involving physical contact. “It’s something many men dream of,” Tse joked about a moment where he grabbed Cheung’s rear, adding he didn’t mind becoming a target of envy for the sake of the show. Cheung complimented Tse on his professional “gentlemanly conduct” during filming.
Jeannie Chan, whose character holds the nickname ‘Golden 32C,’ clarified she occupied the action role, designating Cheung as the main sexual siren because most of Cheung’s costumes were miniskirts. Chan only had two slightly revealing scenes necessary for solving a case. Meanwhile, the petite Lydia Law, who is 156cm tall, embraced her role as the “childlike and cute” one. Addressing public doubts about her suitability for a police role due to her height, Law offered encouraging advice: “I researched this online, and the police force has no height limit. If you sincerely want to apply to the police, don’t worry about height; keep forging ahead.”
Navigating High-Profile Relationships
The stars also offered personal updates regarding their love lives ahead of Valentine’s Day. Kelly Cheung, who recently ended an eight-year relationship with her foreign boyfriend, said she planned to spend the holiday with her cats and dogs, finding it “full of love and not lonely at all.”
Jeannie Chan addressed recent photos with rumored non-celebrity boyfriend Howie, which many interpreted as a public announcement of their relationship. Chan clarified: “We have always been close friends, and we remain close friends. I thank everyone for their concern.” She joked that she has to clarify to neighbors that he is not her boyfriend when they are out. She anticipates seeing Howie on Valentine’s Day strictly for work-related New Year’s photoshoots.
Lydia Law revealed she and her boyfriend, fellow actor Sheldon Lam, had an early celebration before she began her work schedule, involving an intimate dinner and heartfelt gifts. “He gave me flowers and a handmade ring,” she shared. When asked if it was a proposal, Law admitted being startled but quickly clarified, “No, but if it was, I would certainly share the news with everyone.”
