Liu Xiaoqing’s ‘Goodbye Geumsu’ Sparks Debate Over Age Representation in Chinese Drama
Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, often lauded for her youthful appearance and referred to as China’s ‘national actress’ and ‘preservative beauty,’ is at the center of a controversy surrounding her role in the mini-drama Goodbye to the Golden Beast. The drama, which began airing in February, features Xiaoqing, 75, portraying an 18-year-classic character and engaging in a kissing scene with a significantly younger actor, sparking a heated debate about age representation and double standards within the Chinese entertainment industry.
The Controversy: A Teenager at 75?
In Goodbye to the Golden Beast, Liu Xiaoqing plays ‘So Wan-cheong,’ an 18-year-old embroiderer. The intimate scene with Geum-ga (Jin Ji-ah, 45), 30 years her junior, has drawn significant criticism. While the production team employed acting techniques, makeup, and beauty filters to mitigate the age difference, viewers have expressed mixed reactions. Some viewers found the pairing uncomfortable, comparing it to a “grandmother and grandson” dynamic and questioning the continued portrayal of youthful roles by older actresses. Others defended Xiaoqing, praising her as a “pioneer who broke down the age boundary.”
Gendered Criticism and Double Standards
The controversy has also ignited a discussion about gendered expectations within the industry. Gender equality activist Wang Yang questioned whether a male actor 30 years older than his female counterpart would face the same level of scrutiny, highlighting potential double standards regarding age and gender. This observation underscores a broader conversation about the pressures faced by actresses to maintain a youthful appearance, a pressure that often doesn’t apply to male actors.
Liu Xiaoqing’s Response and Career Trajectory
Liu Xiaoqing defended her performance, stating the kiss scene was integral to the script and that she respects the creative process. She has announced plans to appear in ten short dramas this year, continuing her trend of taking on roles significantly younger than her actual age. This isn’t the first time Xiaoqing has faced such scrutiny; she previously played a 16-year-old princess at 58 and an 18-year-old bandit in 2023.
A Career Marked by Resilience
Liu Xiaoqing’s career has been marked by both success and adversity. Debuting in the 1970s, she garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including China’s Golden Globe and Baekhwajang. However, her path wasn’t without obstacles; she was imprisoned for over 400 days on tax evasion charges. Despite this setback, she successfully re-entered the entertainment industry and continues to be a prominent figure.
Streaming Details
《一路繁花》is currently streaming on iQIYI, with new episodes available every Saturday at noon VIP access. Watch here.