On February 19th, Jiangxi-born director and businessman Zheng Jifeng was recently arrested on suspicion of “molesting children while recruiting actors in Hainan”. It was reported that Zheng Jifeng had a role as “Zheng Zong” in Stephen Chow’s film “The Mermaid”.
According to a notification from the Longhua Branch of the Haikou Public Security Bureau on the evening of February 19th, the 58-year-old Zheng Jifeng was detained for molesting underage female participants during rehearsals in Haikou under the guise of teaching dance moves. Zheng Jifeng was apprehended on January 17th.
The suspect, Zheng Jifeng, who was arrested for allegedly molesting children, is a director and businessman from Jiangxi and had a role as “Zheng Zong” in the movie “The Mermaid”.
Public information indicates that Zheng Jifeng appeared as “Zheng Zong” in the film “The Mermaid” directed by Stephen Chow. Renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Tin Kai-man also appeared in “The Mermaid” and starred in the film “Zhu Bajie: Legend” directed by Zheng Jifeng in 2019.
On the evening of February 19th, Jinri News reached out to Tin Kai-man for confirmation, and he expressed shock upon hearing the news, stating that he needs to inquire with friends for more information.
Tin Kai-man mentioned that his interaction with Zheng was primarily due to their collaboration on “Zhu Bajie: Legend”. Although they occasionally communicated, they were not close friends. Tin Kai-man stated, “I had seen the news before but it only mentioned Zheng Jifeng without the full name, so I didn’t pay much attention. I’m definitely shocked to learn it’s him. I hope the truth comes out soon.”
A search in the Tianyancha app revealed that Zheng Jifeng currently owns 5 companies, all located in Hainan, with two related to the film industry.
Born in Lichuan County, Fuzhou, Jiangxi in 1971, Zheng Jifeng is a screenwriter, director, actor, film producer, and businessman. He serves as the Secretary-General of the CCTV A8 Forum, Chairman of Hong Kong HFIO Capital Management Company, Chairman of Jinxiang Films, Partner of the Culture and Entertainment Fund, Executive Deputy Director of the Advertising Art Professional Committee of the China Television Artists Association, and General Manager of Beijing Huayi Jinying Company.
In February 2016, Zheng Jifeng made his on-screen debut in Stephen Chow’s film “The Mermaid” as the extravagant and playful tycoon “Zheng Zong”. In December 2017, he appeared as the Thai gang leader “Bameifou” in the comedy-action film “Undercover Superstar” directed by Gu Dezhao.
In June 2019, Zheng Jifeng released the first trailer for his directorial debut “Zhu Bajie: Legend”. In February 2022, the film “The Monkey King: The Origin” in which he had a special appearance was exclusively streamed on Tencent Video.
According to a report by “Hong Kong 01” in August last year, a dispute between Stephen Chow and one of the investors, Huayi Brothers, during the filming of “The Mermaid” led to a halt in production due to budget constraints. Fortunately, wealthy investor Zheng Jifeng came to the rescue with the condition of having a role in the film.
Stephen Chow thought Zheng was joking and agreed with a smile. However, when Zheng provided the funds and inquired about the character on set, Chow realized he was serious. Despite the film’s roles already being cast, Chow hastily added lines and created a role for Zheng Jifeng as the eccentric billionaire “Zheng Zong” with limited screen time.
Ultimately, “The Mermaid” was a box office success, becoming the first Chinese film to surpass 3 billion yuan at the box office, and investor Zheng Jifeng reaped significant financial rewards as a result.