Relationship rumors involving Chinese actor Zhang Linghe and influencer Tsukino Usagi have unexpectedly resurfaced online, reigniting widespread speculation among netizens.
Photos previously circulated on social media as alleged evidence of a romance between Zhang Linghe and Tsukino Usagi have once again become a hot topic. After the controversy had apparently calmed down, online discussions exploded again when images purportedly showing the actor checking into a hotel with the influencer began to spread on forums. The renewed attention reportedly followed a recent statement from Tsukino Usagi herself.
As reported by Koreaboo, Tsukino Usagi recently addressed the long-running dating speculation involving Zhang Linghe once again. The influencer strongly denied ever having a romantic relationship with the Chinese actor and strongly rejected claims that the two spent time together in a hotel.
She declared that the actor born in 1997 has absolutely no connection with her and underlined, “I have no romantic interest in actor Zhang Linghe. I don’t follow his daily activities, nor am I interested. For a long time, I have tried every possible way to draw boundaries and avoid being associated with him. I honestly don’t understand why I have to continue to do this when there has never been any relationship between us. The endless scrutiny and unfounded assumptions of some people have left me emotionally exhausted and I feel unfairly judged.”
Previously, fans and online communities were thrown into a frenzy after alleged “dating evidence” involving Zhang Linghe and Tsukino Usagi surfaced online. At the time, an entertainment gossip account claimed the pair were secretly dating. Internet sleuths then began comparing videos uploaded separately by Zhang Linghe and Tsukino Usagi, pointing out similarities in locations and surroundings, which sparked speculation that the alleged couple may have visited the same hotel together.
When the dating rumors first gained traction, both parties quickly denied the allegations. Tsukino Usagi also clarified that she is in a relationship with someone else and has no romantic involvement with the actor.
Aside from the rumors involving Tsukino Usagi, Zhang Linghe was previously linked to actress Bai Lu in one of the most talked about alleged relationships in Chinese entertainment. The two reportedly became close after working together on the 2023 drama History of Kunning Palace. Behind-the-scenes moments showing affectionate interactions and fans spotting matching couple elements have further fueled the speculation.
Although neither Zhang Linghe nor Bai Lu have publicly addressed the dating rumors, many fans believed that the two were more than colleagues due to multiple supposed signs pointing to a romantic relationship.
At the height of the rumors, the relationship attracted enormous attention, especially since Bai Lu was considered one of the most prominent actresses in China after the 1990s, while Zhang Linghe was quickly emerging as one of the industry’s promising young stars. Despite their three-year age gap, many fans saw them as a visually striking and compatible couple.
However, in late 2023, public speculation intensified after the pair appeared noticeably distant during the iQIYI Scream Night event, interacting like strangers. Fewer “relationship clues” involving the two have emerged during 2024.
Industry rumors later suggested that producer and entertainment executive Yu Zheng, who has long supported Bai Lu’s career through Huanyu Entertainment, would oppose the relationship. According to reports, career image concerns and limitations on promotional “couple marketing” with co-stars are among the reasons the alleged romance ended.
Born in 1997 in Jiangsu, China, Zhang Linghe is widely recognized for his beautiful visuals and elegant image, which make him especially popular in costume dramas. Since his debut in 2019, he has gained widespread recognition through successful projects, including Love between fairy and devil, My journey to youAND History of Kunning Palace.
Sources: K14
