According to Sina on 20/7, actress Huang Yi sparked a discussion about educational choices when she revealed her 13-year-old daughter, Huang Tianlin, plans to become a K-pop trainee in South Korea. Despite multiple conversations where Huang Yi outlined the pros and cons and encouraged her daughter to pursue higher education abroad, Tianlin remained firm in her decision.

When asked why she dislikes school, Tianlin responded, "School is outdated, Mom. There's nothing fun; students are like machines."

Huang Yi and her daughter at an event in March. Photo: Red note

Huang Yi and her daughter at an event in March. Photo: Red note

The actress explained the intense competition Tianlin would face against millions of other hopefuls, highlighting the potential for negative comments and the possibility of not debuting with a group. Tianlin retorted, "Mom, you work in entertainment, why can't I? How do you know I can't do it if I haven't tried?"

Huang Yi admitted to feeling conflicted about whether to support her daughter's choice or insist on her own preference for Tianlin's future.

Huang Tianlin is almost as tall as her mother. Video: Red note

On Weibo, thousands of users shared similar experiences of generational clashes, with opinions divided on Huang Yi's situation. Some emphasized the importance of education, while others suggested letting Tianlin experience trainee life firsthand, believing she would change her mind if it wasn't suitable. Several commenters encouraged Huang Yi to support her daughter's dream if she had the means.

A single mother since her 2014 divorce, Huang Yi occasionally appears with Tianlin at fashion shows and on reality programs. She receives no financial support from her ex-husband, Huang Yiqing, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking in Shanghai in 2020.

Huang Yi in "Wrong Carriage, Right Groom." Video: Bilibili

The 46-year-old actress was one of China's top stars in the 2000s, rising to fame with her debut role in "Wrong Carriage, Right Groom" (2001). She further solidified her status with roles in "Princess Pearl 3", "The Storm Riders 2", and the television series "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." In recent years, Huang Yi has taken on supporting roles in productions like "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils 2021" and "The Lady in the House."

By Nhu Anh (via Sina)