On September 26, 2024, in his hometown of Qingdao, Shandong Province, mainland China, well-known actor Huang Bo encountered the most embarrassing moment of his career while recording a program. He was stopped by a middle-aged man with whitening hair who pleaded, “Can you help me find a job? I really have no other options.” This scene not only left Huang Bo at a loss for words but also sparked heated discussions among netizens in mainland China.
In a video shared by mainland netizens on social media, Huang Bo, dressed in casual attire, was seen on the streets of Qingdao, dancing joyfully while surrounded by fans clapping and cheering. The atmosphere was lively, but as the performance neared its end and security guards and crew were preparing to escort Huang Bo to his vehicle, a middle-aged man with white hair and wearing an old t-shirt rushed to him, pleading, “Huang Bo, could you please help me find a job? Save me, I really have no other options.”
The man’s voice was filled with urgency and desperation, causing the onlookers to pause in surprise. Initially thinking the man was one of his fans, Huang Bo stopped in his tracks, ready to listen attentively. However, to his surprise, the man asked him for help in finding a job.
Known for his high emotional intelligence, Huang Bo was momentarily speechless. After regaining his composure, he responded, “You have to find a job yourself.” Despite being urged by security to step back, the man continued to follow Huang Bo until he boarded his vehicle, finally saying, “I don’t want to bother you!”
This unexpected encounter elicited laughter from the crew and photographers on site. Having followed Huang Bo for many years, they had witnessed numerous interactions with fans but had never seen a passerby asking Huang Bo to help with job hunting.
After the incident went viral, netizens jokingly commented, “Buddy, do you know how to look for a job? This method is innovative, directly seeking help from a celebrity.” Some even remarked, “If he actually finds a job, this method could be used in the future.” While these comments carried a tone of humor, they also revealed a sense of helplessness and cynicism towards the current job market.
Many netizens expressed sympathy for the man, saying, “Did you see that? People are seeking help from celebrities now, it’s tough for ordinary folks.” “This man is asking for a job, which is much better than asking for money directly. It reflects the current social phenomenon; he’s just bravely speaking out.” “If he wasn’t truly desperate, who would ask for help in front of so many people? It’s really tough.” “Huang Bo isn’t unwilling to help, but rather afraid to help. The man’s words showcase the harsh reality of the employment situation, exposing those in power.”
Some netizens also mentioned that even Huang Bo couldn’t do much in the face of so many unemployed people in China.
Having started his career as a singer and later becoming famous for his acting skills, Huang Bo won the Best Actor award at the 46th Golden Horse Awards for his role in the film “Cow.” Transitioning from a “struggling singer in the north” to a “Golden Horse Best Actor,” his humorous and witty remarks, coupled with a natural sense of humor, have won him a good reputation. It’s unlikely that he ever imagined being mistaken for a “job agent” on the street, let alone realizing the harsh living conditions faced by the grassroots population in mainland China today.