A steamy scene in Chinese primetime drama Mommy tofu sparked widespread debate among viewers, pushing the boundaries of what is typically seen on peak-hour television.
According to HK01, the controversy centers on new plot developments involving Chu Jiaxuan (played by Li Yunqing), a married man with a family who becomes entangled in an illicit affair with a younger woman. The role of the “third party” is played by Wang Qing, whose character courageously initiates the relationship and shares an intimate scene in bed with Chu Jiaxuan.
Although the scene avoids overt nudity, its suggestive nature was enough to leave audiences blushing and divided. Many viewers questioned whether such content should be broadcast on mainstream television, while others praised the drama for portraying adult relationships with realism.
Reflecting on the experience, Wang Qing revealed that this was her first 18+ scene since debut. She admitted that she felt enormous pressure during filming, especially due to her lack of previous experience with kissing or intimate scenes.
“The costume wasn’t my biggest concern,” Wang shared. “What made me nervous was how small the room was. The crew was very close together and most of them were men. Having to portray seduction and temptation in front of so many people was honestly embarrassing.”
She confessed that the psychological pressure initially made her feel stiff and uncomfortable. Sensing her discomfort, the production team took the initiative to ease the mood by chatting and lightening the mood, which ultimately helped her relax and immerse herself in the role more naturally.
Meanwhile, Li Yunqing faced backlash from overly involved viewers who blurred the lines between character and actor. Some fans have leveled harsh criticism at him simply because of his role in the affair.
Responding to criticism, Li Yunqing calmly responded: “Most of my social media posts are about my family, my wife and caring for my loved ones. If viewers visit my Instagram for this role, they will see that I am a completely different person in real life.”
Although he expressed satisfaction that his acting convincingly portrayed the character, Li Yunqing admitted that it was “hated by the association” it still left him conflicted.
The surrounding debate Mommy tofu reflects a broader shift in Chinese television storytelling, where creators are increasingly testing narrative boundaries to reflect the complex realities of adults. As audiences become more diverse, so do expectations, but the question remains: How far is too far for primetime TV?
Whether it is praised as bold or criticized as inappropriateone thing is clear Mommy tofu he managed to get people talking.
Sources: Znews
