Wang Chuanjun, a well-known Chinese actor, has sparked a heated online debate after paying a fine to a park security guard so his daughter could pick a persimmon from a tree. The incident, captured in a viral video on November 5, has divided public opinion on social media.
Best known for his role as Sekitani Kamiya in the popular TV series iPartment, Wang rose to greater prominence in 2018 with his portrayal of a leukemia patient in the critically acclaimed film Dying to Survive, which grossed over three billion yuan (US$420 million). Known for his commitment to his craft, Wang once went without sleep for two days to capture the frailty of his character.
In the recent video, Wang is seen walking in a park with his young daughter, who became fascinated by the persimmons hanging from a tree. To help her reach the fruit, Wang lifted her onto his shoulders, but she was unable to grab any. A park security guard soon approached and informed them that picking fruit was against park rules.
Unwilling to disappoint his daughter, Wang negotiated with the guard and agreed to pay a fine. He then jumped to pluck a persimmon for her, fulfilling her request. This act has prompted discussions about parenting, privilege, and the importance of following rules.
Wang has previously shared his views on parenting, stressing the significance of keeping promises to children. “You cannot lie to children. They remember everything you tell them. Keeping your promises makes them happy; breaking them can make them lose trust,” he said in an interview with New Weekly.
Wang’s wife, Qi Xi, is also a respected actress known for her roles in artistic films. The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some praised Wang’s actions, saying it was a heartwarming moment between a father and daughter. “This is how you should raise a girl—by fulfilling her needs now so she won’t be easily deceived later,” one user commented.
Others found his actions practical, noting that the fruit would likely fall and rot if left untouched. However, many criticized Wang, arguing that fines are meant to uphold public order and should not be used to bypass rules. “He’s teaching his daughter that money can exempt you from the rules,” one critic wrote.
The debate highlights differing views on parenting and the implications of using financial means to resolve situations, sparking wider conversations about setting boundaries and teaching children respect for public regulations.
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