A woman in central China has sparked public outrage after calling off her wedding and demanding a “hugging fee” of 30,000 yuan (about Rs 4 lakh) from her former fiancé, citing his low income and overly honest nature.
The couple were introduced last year through a matchmaker and got engaged in January. Their wedding was scheduled for November, with hotel bookings made and pre-wedding photos already taken.
As is customary in many parts of China, the groom’s family had paid a betrothal gift of 200,000 yuan (about Rs 25 lakh) to the bride’s family. But, weeks before the wedding, the woman abruptly withdrew from the engagement.
‘Hugging fee’ triggers backlash
According to Henan TV, the woman told her matchmaker that she found the man “too honest” and financially inadequate. While she agreed to return the bride price, she insisted on keeping 30,000 yuan as a “hugging fee” — a reference to physical contact during their photo shoot, which she claimed was at the photographer’s request.
“She said she would return the money but deduct 30,000 yuan for hugging,” the matchmaker, surnamed Wan, told local media. “Her family is the most unreasonable I’ve encountered in over a decade of matchmaking.”
The woman later clarified that the amount also covered expenses she incurred while spending time with the man. “We do not have major disputes. I just do not want to marry him,” she was quoted as saying.
Families settle on partial refund
After negotiations, both families agreed that the woman would return 170,500 yuan (about Rs 21 lakh) to the groom’s family. The incident has since gone viral on Chinese social media, garnering over 23 million views and sparking debate over bride prices and relationship ethics.
In many parts of China, bride prices can range from 100,000 (about Rs 12.5 lakh) to 500,000 yuan (about Rs 62 lakh), often placing a heavy financial burden on the groom’s family.
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