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Photoshopped seat belts on hit Chinese variety show draw warning from traffic authorities
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

Photoshopped seat belts on hit Chinese variety show draw warning from traffic authorities

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Chinese variety show digitally added seat belts to celebrities in post-production, drawing criticism from viewers and a warning from traffic authorities.
  • The gaffe, which went viral on social media, prompted China's traffic management bureau to emphasize road safety and the importance of celebrities setting a good example.
  • Authorities reminded the public that seat belt use is legally required and stressed that safety should not be faked, comparing proper seat belt use to a

A popular Chinese variety show has sparked controversy after viewers noticed digitally added seat belts on celebrities, leading to a public safety warning from traffic authorities.

Safety is not about putting on a show for others, nor should it be a matter of self-deception!

— China's traffic management bureauIssued in a Weibo post on Monday, responding to the photoshopped seat belts incident.

The first episode of "This is My Adventure 2," which aired on May 29, featured members of the boy band Teens in Times (TNT) and hosts in a minibus. While the celebrities appeared to be wearing seat belts, sharp-eyed viewers spotted that many were photoshopped in post-production. In one instance, a seat belt visibly moved with a celebrity's body as he turned, highlighting the edit.

Such (photoshopping) skills. Even if you don’t have sharp eyes, it is noticeable.

— Weibo userCommenting on the obvious digital edits of seat belts on social media.

The edited seat belts quickly became a trending topic on Chinese social media, with millions of views on related hashtags. Netizens expressed amusement and criticism, with some pointing out the awkwardness of being called out for such obvious digital manipulation. Reports also emerged that another popular show, "Keep Running," had similarly photoshopped seat belts in the past.

I think you should just not photoshop (seat belts in post-production), it’s really awkward when you’re called out by viewers.

— Weibo userExpressing criticism about the show's post-production editing.

Responding to the incident, China's traffic management bureau, under the Ministry of Public Security, issued a stern warning on Weibo. The bureau stated that "Safety is not about putting on a show for others, nor should it be a matter of self-deception." It emphasized that celebrities should lead by example in public interest matters, given their significant influence on fans. The bureau reiterated the legal requirement for seat belt use and advised the public to prioritize genuine safety over staged appearances, calling proper seat belt use the real "one-take wonder."

Scenes can be shot again, but life doesn’t have a second take. Fastening your seat belt when getting into a vehicle is the real ‘one-take wonder’.

— China's traffic management bureauA follow-up reminder on Weibo emphasizing the importance of genuine safety.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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