After divorce rumors involving Derek Tsang, Venus Wong speaks candidly about the “seven-year itch” in marriage and says she won’t be a stay-at-home “tai tai.”

(Hong Kong, Feb 10) — Actress Wong Man Yi, 34, recently won Best Supporting Actress at the TVB Awards 2025 for her role as “Lau Yim” in the anniversary drama The Queen of News 2, boosting her popularity. While her career has been in the spotlight, her marriage to acclaimed director Derek Tsang (son of Eric Tsang) has remained notably private. With their 7th wedding anniversary approaching in 2026, Wong gave a rare media interview, addressing the so-called “seven-year itch” and sharing what she described as a less conventional approach to marriage.

Rumors about their relationship have surfaced repeatedly in recent years, largely because the couple often spends long periods apart due to work. In 2022, speculation intensified after Wong removed couple photos from social media and was rumored to have had a “wedding ring” tattoo removed. She previously denied any marital issues, explaining that the tattoo matter was related to work requirements. She also acknowledged that living in different places—especially during pandemic-era quarantine restrictions—made maintaining a relationship challenging, but said they had already overcome the toughest period.

In her latest interview, Wong admitted both she and her husband are extremely busy as they pursue career growth, but stressed that they still make time to meet “no matter how busy.” She emphasized the importance of personal space and “me time,” even describing it as learning the “art of being temporarily out of contact”—not as avoidance, but as a deliberate way to preserve room for reflection and recharging.

Wong explained that constant messaging and checking in can limit independent thinking and creativity. She noted that Tsang, as a director, needs substantial uninterrupted time to read, watch films, and develop ideas, making solitude essential for his creative process. Their relationship, she suggested, is built on “being fulfilled individually” rather than staying constantly attached.

She also said she shares less of her relationship online now, believing social media can create pressure to present a certain image. “What people see is only one side,” she said, adding that she prefers to protect a more complete and authentic private life.

Wong attributed much of her outlook to her mother, a hardworking career woman who raised her largely on her own. That upbringing shaped Wong’s belief that women’s work deserves respect. She said she never imagined giving up her career after marriage, adding that staying at home every day “wouldn’t work” for her. Work, she explained, is a key part of how she finds meaning and fulfillment.

On having children, Wong said she and Tsang had reached an understanding long ago: they would rather invest time in their work and lifestyle together than pursue parenthood simply to meet expectations. Although her mother hopes for grandchildren, Wong said people should live by their own plans, not by others’ wishes. Having helped raise her younger brother, she views parenting as a serious, long-term responsibility—an awareness that makes her more cautious and rational about the decision.