'Fake Brides' on the Rise, Demand Surges During Holidays
Former Movie Extra Chao Mei Turns to 'Fake Bride' Due to Low Income
"Not Sex Work"... High-Paying Part-Time Job Carries Legal Risks
Recently in China, the number of 'fake brides' who take on the role of the bride at weddings has surged, drawing attention to their work as a profession. Fake brides act as the bride on behalf of clients during wedding ceremonies, handling only the event without any sexual contact or legal procedures.
According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 6th, 20-year-old Chinese woman Chao Mei is a representative example of this profession. She said, "Demand spikes mainly during holidays or vacation periods, and I earn a daily wage of 1,500 yuan (about 300,000 won). The fee is adjusted based on requests." She also stated, "There is absolutely no sexual contact or legal procedures such as marriage registration involved; I only handle the wedding ceremony."
According to the '2024 China Undergraduate Employment Report,' the average monthly salary as of 2023 is 6,050 yuan. Working as a 'fake bride' just four times can earn an amount comparable to a college graduate's monthly salary, making it a 'high-paying part-time job.'
Chao Mei graduated from a vocational school and worked as a movie extra but, dissatisfied with the low income, chose to become a fake bride. She confessed, "I am afraid my family might think I am engaged in sex work, so I hide what I do from them."
This profession of 'fake brides' is gradually increasing, with many taking on various roles. Depending on the client's request, they play roles such as girlfriend, parent, or employer.
However, this job also carries legal risks. He Bo, a lawyer at Sichuan Hongqi Law Firm, said, "Playing the role of a bride itself is not illegal, but using forged IDs or impersonating government officials can lead to legal issues," adding, "There is also a possibility of being prosecuted for fraud."
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