Long-running Taiwanese variety show “Super Sunday” (綜藝大集合) is facing a wave of criticism after a recent episode showed a controversial moment between veteran host Hu Gua and co-host Lan Lan (籃籃), a popular cheerleader turned TV personality.
The backlash erupted after a segment aired featuring the show’s signature game “投懷送抱” (“Into the Arms Balloon Pop”). During the game, Hu Gua repeatedly sat on Lan Lan’s lap forcefully to pop the balloons, as per the game’s format. However, in one case, Hu Gua appeared to do so unintentionally touches Lan Lan’s chestforcing her to do it fall to the ground.
Netizens were quick to point out the embarrassing moment, with screenshots circulating online. Fans of Lan Lan have expressed frustration and discomfort, especially given her public image as a girl “Baseball Cheerleader Goddess.” Many felt the segment had crossed the line of professionalism and appropriateness.
“It’s not funny anymore: respect your co-hosts,” one user commented on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where the incident quickly gained traction.
In response, the show’s production team issued a public apology:
“Super Sunday has always aimed to provide joyful and wholesome content. However, we recognize that inadvertent physical contact may occur in some game segments. We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate contact during the recent episode. Going forward, we will review our game design and implementation more carefully to prevent such situations.”
The game segment itself is not new, having been part of the show for years, often using unstable chairs for comedic effect. But as audiences mature and sensitivity to personal boundaries increases, what was once seen as playful humor now comes under scrutiny.
Notably, Hu Gua is currently in negotiations for a new contract with Formosa TV, while Lan Lan has remained silent on the matter, reportedly choosing to handle it privately to prevent the situation from worsening. Although she is considered one of Hu Gua’s favorite young colleagues, her silence suggests a cautious attitude amid growing public criticism.
The incident attracted even more attention from the fellow host XiaoZhen made an unexpected remark during a separate media appearance, suggesting that Lan Lan has a boyfriend. “Lan Lan is like another goddaughter of Jacky Wu. She even gets along well with her boyfriend,” Xiao Zhen casually mentioned during a press event.
This led fans to speculate whether Xiao Zhen was confirming the long-standing ties between Lan Lan and the professional baseball player Kuo Yen-Wen. However, Lan Lan quickly addressed the situation through his agency.
“It was just an inadvertent touch during filming,” Lan Lan clarified via a statement. “Everyone was deeply immersed in the game and I didn’t even notice it at the time.”
Regarding the rumors regarding his relationship status, Lan Lan clarified: “Maybe Xiao Zhen mistook a past dinner companion for someone I was dating. There was interest at the time, but we never dated. I’m currently single.”
Sources: ETtoday Starlight Cloud
