China reality show criticised for making actor who was Myanmar scam victim re-enact ordeal
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The show, Memories Beyond Horizon, produced by China's Zhejiang TV, aims to highlight emerging acting talents. The first episode of its third season aired on April 5.
In a viral clip from the episode, Wang stands alone on stage, performing a scene from the 2023 Chinese film No More Bets, which narrates the plight of Chinese individuals trafficked overseas for internet fraud.
Wang was tasked with portraying an abducted man allowed to make a phone call to his girlfriend, under the grim condition that 'he could be killed at any time'. His performance was so authentic that it blurred the line between acting and reality.
During the video call with his girlfriend, Wang asks her to show him their two cats and urges her to take care of them. Overcome with emotion, he bursts into tears, his body trembling and his hand banging against his head. He continues to cry even after hanging up from the simulated call.
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Wang was rescued from the scam hub in Myanmar largely due to the relentless efforts of his girlfriend, Jiajia, who urgently posted online asking for help after losing contact with him. After his rescue, Wang expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: 'Love can fight everything.'
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