The 18-year-old man and 51-year-old woman at the center of the high-profile "spring-autumn romance" (老少配) were married in a mock televised wedding yesterday.
The televised wedding again raised questions about whether the media have been exploiting the affair to their advantage in the pursuit of higher ratings.
On other hand, some say it is the couple who are using the affair to their advantage, as the bride-to-be has signed up for several paid product endorsements.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Chao Hsiu-hua (
Yesterday, the television show's producers sent a Rolls Royce -- along with a white dress and tuxedo -- to pick up the couple for the televised union. On stage, Chao and Cheng accepted good wishes from the show's host.
Since news of the romance broke in April, the couple's affair has attracted much media attention. Cheng's family strongly opposes the relationship.
Many say the couple have used their newfound fame to earn money by appearing on TV shows or in commercials.
Still, other critics say media have been too harsh on the couple, while others say the media have been manipulating the conflict between Cheng and his family for the purpose of drawing a TV audience.
"Why should the public criticize the couple's obtaining financial resources by appearing on television?" said Lin Ho-lin (林鶴玲), associate professor mass communications from National Taiwan University. "Scholars also go on talk shows for the travel expenses."
In addition, Lin said the media's shallow coverage of the affair has reinforced gender stereotypes.
In Taiwan, it's acceptable for a man to date a younger woman, but not the other way around. "A woman is only valuable when she is young and pretty, and a woman should never be economically superior than her man," Lin said.
Another commentator found little problem with the couple using the attention surrounding their romance for financial gain. "I hope Lily could really profit from participating in the commercial deals," said culture critic Lu Ping (路平). After all, Lu reasoned, the media have been unfair to the couple.
Other complaints about the media include reports on accusations without further clarifying the charges. For example, the media repeated accusations from Cheng's grandmother that Chao had "raped Cheng after inebriating him."
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