Carlos Mendes – Sports Editor, World Today Journal
In the wake of the passing of veteran Hong Kong entertainer Shi Ming, a public dispute has emerged between her former husband, veteran actor Li Jia Ding and their eldest son, Li Yong Han, concerning financial support and funeral arrangements. The controversy, which unfolded in the days leading up to Shi Ming’s memorial service on April 22, 2026, has drawn significant attention in Hong Kong media, with both parties giving conflicting accounts of their relationship and responsibilities.
According to multiple reports from Hong Kong-based outlets including Hong Kong 01, Sing Tao Daily, and Ming Pao, Li Jia Ding stated in interviews conducted on April 21, 2026, that he had been financially supporting Li Yong Han’s household for approximately seven to eight years, providing a monthly allowance of at least HK$50,000. He described this support as necessary due to what he characterized as Li Yong Han’s lack of stable employment and financial independence. Li Jia Ding further claimed that Li Yong Han had only briefly assisted at his private restaurant, “Ding Jia Private Kitchen,” for a period of eight to nine months before leaving, dismissing his son’s involvement as nominal.
In response, Li Yong Han publicly countered these assertions during media interactions on the morning of April 22, 2026, at the Tai Wo Ping Memorial Centre in Tai Wai, where his mother’s memorial service was being held. He stated that he had been earning a monthly income of HK$15,000 through his own function and emphasized that he had never requested financial assistance from his father for his wedding or household expenses. Li Yong Han maintained that he was fulfilling his mother’s wishes by overseeing the funeral arrangements and insisted that his actions were motivated by respect for her final wishes, not personal conflict.
The dispute intensified over the inclusion of the name of Li Yong Han’s sister-in-law, Agnes Lam, the wife of his younger brother Li Yong Hao, on the funeral wreaths. Li Yong Han reportedly refused to allow her name to appear on the floral tributes, citing what he described as a lack of respect shown by Agnes toward his mother during her lifetime. He reportedly told his father that “even tiger crabs would not accept her name,” using a Cantonese idiom to express his firm opposition. In response, Li Jia Ding said he opted to create an additional wreath to be placed in the center as a compromise to avoid further confrontation during the service.
Li Jia Ding also revealed that he planned to skip the “solving the resentment” ritual (a traditional post-funeral gathering) following the cremation, citing his desire to avoid direct conflict with his eldest son. He stated that he would instead accompany his younger son, Li Yong Hao, and expressed concern about his own health, noting that he had lost weight and now weighed approximately 120 pounds. He urged family members to remain calm and avoid confrontation during the proceedings.
The public exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the family following Shi Ming’s death, with both father and son presenting contrasting narratives about financial dependence, familial duties, and the interpretation of the deceased’s wishes. As of the time of the memorial service, no formal reconciliation had been reported, and the situation remained a subject of discussion in local entertainment and news circles.
For updates on this story, readers are encouraged to follow official statements from family representatives or verified reports from established news outlets in Hong Kong.
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