[Age Gap Controversy] Director Claims Neo Hou and Amy 'Developed Real Feelings' While Filming, Netizens Slam It As 'Sick'

The 2025 drama 'Key to the Phoenix Heart' has ignited a major controversy due to the age difference between its lead actors. Male lead Neo Hou and female lead Amy have a 10-year age gap, and when the casting was first announced, Amy was still a minor. Recently, as the production team began promotions, the director's remarks about the two leads' relationship during filming—claiming he wondered if they had developed real feelings for each other—once again sparked a wave of criticism.

10-Year Age Gap Casting First Sparked Controversy, Director's Promotional Remarks Add Fuel to the Fire

According to the original report, when 'Key to the Phoenix Heart' first announced its casting, public sentiment was already negative due to the '17-year-old and 27-year-old' age gap pairing. Recently, as the actors promoted the new drama, the director stated in a video that he had wondered if the two leads had genuinely developed feelings during filming. In the video, both leads appeared quite shocked upon hearing this, and some also felt that Neo Hou seemed uncomfortable.

An X (formerly Twitter) user reposted the relevant clip, stating that it was unacceptable for the director to claim he believed Amy and Neo Hou developed 'real feelings' during filming.

The same netizen also described the expressions of the two leads as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing.

Netizens Criticize Director's Inappropriate Comments: 'Even Age-Appropriate Pairings Rarely Get This Kind of Talk'

Multiple X posts expressed dissatisfaction with the director's comments, arguing that not only was the age-inappropriate pairing questioned, but the director's public speculation, which could cause harm, was even more offensive.

Some netizens specifically brought up the age gap between Neo Hou and Amy, criticizing the director's remarks as 'absurd'.

This controversy, which began with discussions about the age gap during casting, has now escalated to the director's comments during the promotional period. The original report indicates that netizens are disgusted by the director's remarks, believing that such speculation could cause harm.