BEIJING (SCMP): A pregnant Thai girl group member recently stunned Chinese social media with videos of her dancing on stage just three days before giving birth.
Footage of Mananya Limsatien, 40, also known as “Belle” from the four-member Thai girl group Girly Berry, singing and dancing passionately at an October concert in Thailand while 36 weeks pregnant went viral on December 12, making it to the trending list of a Chinese social media platform.
Girly Berry debuted in 2002 with a cute image, later transitioning to a sexy style, and impressing many with their longevity.
Although they disbanded and terminated their contract with their company in 2014, they regularly reunited for events.
Belle has been a member of the group since its inception and has 160,000 followers on Instagram.
Girly Berry debuted in 2002 with a cute image and later evolved to a more mature, sexy style. Photo: Instagram/@bellegb
She married the founder of a Thai sports agency in March last year and announced her pregnancy in May.
Instead of taking maternity leave, Belle continued to perform on stage and even practised yoga during her pregnancy.
She danced flexibly, at times supporting her belly with one hand while performing in October. Belle assured her fans that she and her baby were fine, mentioning that her baby was “asleep all the time and very fond of their music.”
She also stated that her doctor had given her approval to perform.
Three days after the October performance, Belle shared a photo of her newborn son, confirming that both she and the baby were in good health.
Her husband expressed his unwavering support for her dedication to her career, stating that he would back her in pursuing whatever brings her joy. Photo: Instagram/@bellegb
Her husband expressed support for her dedication to her career, stating that he would support her in doing “whatever makes her smile and brings her joy.”
The bold performance before childbirth sparked heated discussions online, with some praising Belle as a “super mum” and others expressing concern about the risks of pregnant women engaging in strenuous dances and questioning labour rights in the entertainment industry.
One commenter expressed fear that she might deliver on stage, while another remarked that the baby must be proud that his mother “brought him on stage”.
A Chinese online observer highlighted the risks of engaging in vigorous activity so close to the due date and questioned whether the entertainment industry was “so competitive that a pregnant girl group member had to work so hard”.
A pregnant Thai celebrity defended her performances, while fans asserted that women have the right “to shine at any stage”. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@bellegb
“Pregnant women can also be role models and shine at any stage of their journey. This is the kind of society we should strive for,” another commented.
Another observer praised Belle for demonstrating women’s independent and resilient spirit, stating: “Women do not become weak and require extra protection because they are pregnant. They can do whatever they feel is appropriate.”
Contemporary girl groups, iconic products of the K-pop and J-pop industries, are known for their rigorous training and strict requirements for members’ self-discipline. Pregnancy could mean suspension or even the end of a career in these industries.
According to Thai labour law, pregnant employees are entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, with only 45 days covered by a paid salary from the governmental social welfare system, leading to many women returning to work early and lacking post-delivery rest. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
