Ken Chu Repeatedly Gets Hit By Cast Mate On Variety Show As Part Of Improv Acting Segments; Sparks Concern From Netizens

Fight scenes are sometimes unavoidable in filming, but when does it cross the line? 

Ken Chu probably wants to know the answer too.

The former F4 member recently joined Chinese variety show Memories Beyond Horizon where he had to perform a few scenes with Chinese actress Su Qi.

During a particular “desert island survival” acting segment, the two characters they played were set to fight over the only escape opportunity.

That was when the 47-year-old Meteor Garden star unexpectedly became a punching bag. 

According to reports, Su Qi apparently went all out — she picked up a prop wooden stick and struck the back of Ken’s head, causing the latter to exclaim: “Is she really going for it?”

Ken also revealed in a subsequent interview that it was the first time in years he had felt fear on set as he could sense her strong “killer instinct”.

But that was not the end.

In another episode, the two were paired to reenact a classic scene from 2018 Chinese comedy Dying to Survive.

To his horror, Ken was again chased and hit with sticks.

“Why is it always you?” Ken exclaimed, bewildered by how he was repeatedly assigned to roles where he has to get hit by Su Qi. “Do I have bad luck with you?”

In a later segment, the two met again, and Ken was once more struck on the head as Su Qi swung her arms aggressively, prompting him to protect his head with his hands in a defensive posture.

When the director called “cut", Ken covered his face and pretended to cry.

He helplessly quipped: “I haven't felt this way in a long time. I want to stay far away from this person. Whenever she comes near me I feel like something bad will happen!”

“I want to go home!” yelled Ken.

While the scenes were probably dramatised for comedic effect, many fans have since expressed concern after the clips were circulated.

Some said that they felt distressed seeing Ken being 'beaten up' and urged variety shows to clearly define safety boundaries for improvisational acting.

They also called for professional medical staff on set and for mentors to have the authority to stop dangerous performances, so that real harm would not be used as entertainment or promotional spectacle.