The controversy surrounding actress Xu Ruo Han, born in 1998, recently sparked widespread outrage online. Her management team is accused of enabling or even orchestrating her fandom’s efforts to defame fellow actor Zhang Ling He, who co-starred with her in the drama. The best thing.
According to trending discussions on Weibo under “Zhang Ling He Xu Ruo Han”, Zhang’s fans accused Xu’s fans of using his image as an avatar during The best thingis broadcast to promote a romantic pairing between their idols. However, these same fans would criticize Zhang’s acting, claiming that she only looked good on red carpets and offered nothing beyond her looks.
In contrast, Zhang Ling He’s fans repeatedly defended Xu Ruo Han whenever she was criticized, striving to protect her image and prevent viewers from abandoning the show. To add fuel to the fire, Xu’s agency, Hesong, is now accused of deceptive marketing, manipulating public perception to make it appear that Xu was more popular than Zhang during the show’s airing, despite actual sentiment suggesting otherwise.
The controversy deepened when Xu recently joined the cast of The lament of autumna republican-era romance starring Cheng Lei. The drama was criticized for imitating elements of Exaggerateespecially the iconic “princess transportation” scene originally performed by Zhang Ling He and Wang Chu Ran. Online comparisons between the two scenes sparked further reactions, with viewers accusing Xu’s team of exploiting Zhang’s success.
Netizens largely side with Zhang Ling He, pointing this out before The best thingXu Ruo Han was relatively unknown. Thanks to Zhang’s drama and popularity, she managed to gain exposure. However, in the aftermath, it is Zhang who is dragged into the negativity, while Xu seems to benefit from it without recognition or gratitude.
Online comments express growing frustration, with many accusing Xu Ruo Han of being ungrateful and manipulative. Some who once defended her during her The best thing I’ve been regretting doing it for days.
Netizens’ comments:
“Anyone with common sense knows who deserves credit here. Zhang’s fans protected drama while Xu’s fans stirred up drama. Let each actor get their due in future works.”
“I’m sorry for Overdo. It ended quietly, but Xu’s team is using his heat and even teasing him. I like Cheng Lei, but I can’t stand Xu.”
“At the time, Zhang’s fans defended Xu harshly, calling her images fitting for the character. And this is what she gives in return?”
“If there is concrete evidence of this sabotage, Zhang’s fans have every right to speak out. They should not be exploited.”
“I liked Zhang, but I couldn’t finish The Best Thing because I had already abandoned one of Xu’s past dramas. Now my opinion of her is even worse.”
Sources: K14
