Lee Lung Kei accused of capitalizing on 37-year-younger fiancée’s detention for financial gain

Hong Kong actor Lee Lung Kei and his fiancée Chris Wong. Photo from Wong’s Instagram

Reports by ON reveal that promotional materials for Lee’s restaurant show at the end of this month, an event that combines dining with live music, have garnered significant online interest. Lee is set to perform a song during the dinner, which he and Wong co-wrote, themed around the notion that "normal is happiness."

However, critics argue that Lee is leveraging the recent controversy surrounding his fiancée to enhance the appeal of his concert.

Wong, originally from mainland China, was arrested on Feb. 19 and charged the following day with falsifying documents, deceitful entry into Hong Kong, and overstaying her tourist visa. She has been held in custody without bail since her arrest, awaiting her court date on Apr. 16.

A legal analyst pointed out that violations of residency rules like Wong’s could lead to deportation, a two-year jail term, and a fine of up to HKD50,000 (US$6,392).

Lee shared that Wong overstayed her visa to look after him and he was unaware of her document falsification and deceit. He expressed regret, stating he would have encouraged her to come forward had he known.

Denying allegations of exploiting the situation, Lee stated: "This concert had been in the planning stages for a long time."

He emphasized his adherence to contractual obligations and pleaded for understanding.

The actor has been visiting Wong daily at the Tai Lam Center for Women and has cleared his March schedule to support her. In a previous interview, he voiced his commitment to marry her post-release, even if it necessitates relocating to mainland China should she be deported.

The couple, who first met when Lee was 66, initially scheduled a wedding for the end of 2023, but it was delayed due to the death of Wong’s father.

Accusations have recently been leveled against Wong, including trading sexual favors for money and fraud, alongside skepticism about her claimed wealthy background and education, with many suggesting those claims were fabricated to attract support from wealthy individuals. Despite these controversies, Lee supports Wong by dismissing claims of her financial interest in him, noting his assets are under his ex-wife’s name and he possesses limited funds.

Lee is also known for roles in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," "Journey to the West," and "Forensic Heroes." He has three children from a marriage in the 1970s, all older than Wong.