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

Netizens also pointed out that another hit Chinese variety show, Keep Running – which first aired in 2014 and is now in its 14th season – reportedly also photoshopped seat belts on its guests in post-production.

TNT is one of China’s most popular boy bands, with a combined following of more than 16 million across Weibo and Xiaohongshu. Meanwhile, This is My Adventure, now in its second season, has garnered strong audience interest, according to streaming platform Youku.

The show’s producers had not publicly commented on the controversy as of Thursday.

The gaffe has also caught the eye of Chinese 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 bureau, under the Ministry of Public Security, said in a Weibo post on Monday.

China’s traffic laws require drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts while a vehicle is in motion. Offenders can be fined, with penalties varying across local jurisdictions but generally amounting to tens of yuan.

It added that celebrities should “strictly lead by example in matters of public interest and safety, noting that their influence “should not be underestimated” given their “considerable” number of fans and viewers.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, the traffic management bureau once again reminded the public to fasten their seat belts while riding or driving.

“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’,” it said.