2025 has been mockingly nicknamed by netizens as “the year of the heirs of C-entertainment”, while more than ten children of famous stars entered show business one after another, hoping to follow in their parents’ footsteps. However, instead of delivering impressive debuts, most of them left audiences deeply disappointed. Despite having opportunities practically thrown at them, many have failed to demonstrate their abilities, prompting widespread criticism of their lack of talent and over-reliance on family fame.
Online discussions reflect growing weariness with children of celebrities entering the industry through connections rather than skills. While the public is not averse to stars’ children pursuing careers in show business, frustration arises when privilege exceeds professionalism and skills fall far short of expectations.
Zhang Sile
Zhang Sile was once seen as a highly anticipated newcomer thanks to her illustrious artistic background. His father is veteran actor Zhang Guangbei, famous for classic roles such as Chu Yunfei Drawing sword and Lü Bu in Romance of the Three Kingdomswhile his mother was one of the most renowned “Five golden flowers” of the Central Academy of Dramatic Art. Viewers expected Zhang Sile to inherit his parents’ strong acting genes and make an amazing debut. Reality has proven the opposite.
Even with a role in the well-received drama The age of awakeningalongside top-notch actors, she failed to make her mark. Worse, his over-the-top and superficial acting was widely criticized the weak link of the show, with many claiming that it alone has worsened the overall quality. Reports from 163.com revealed that Zhang Guangbei had once tried to dissuade his daughter from entering showbiz, apparently aware of her limitations.
Zhang Keying
Zhang Keying, daughter of respected actress Zhang Kaili, also entered the industry thanks to her parents’ strong support. Zhang Kaili reportedly arranged major projects, appearances on variety shows, and even played supporting roles herself to boost her daughter’s career. However, Zhang Keying’s limited skills and lack of professionalism made it difficult for the public to engage him. Her obsession with appearance, excessive use of filters and heavy make-up regardless of suitability for the role attracted ridicule. More damaging was his repeated display of arrogance, including allegedly berating his own mother on television and disrespecting senior performers. With low emotional intelligence and a perceived “princess complex,” netizens widely believe her chances of success are slim.
Shen Jiarun
Shen Jiarun, daughter of actor Xiao Shenyang, was known to the public from a young age Where are we going, dad?. At the time, her appearance became a cruel topic of online ridicule. A decade later, she surprised audiences by debuting as a solo K-pop idol with the stage name NINA.
Despite powerful family support, his entry into the highly competitive Korean music market failed. His debut album reportedly sold just 65 copies in its first week, with the title track receiving just seven likes in the first hour and around 2,000 views in its first week, mostly from Chinese viewers. His social media following also remains surprisingly low. Although Shen Jiarun continues to work hard to improve, many believe that she may simply not be suitable for the entertainment industry.
Chen Feiyu
Chen Feiyu stands out as an example of a second-generation star who has been active for years but still stumbled badly in 2025. As the son of acclaimed director Chen Kaige and famous actress Chen Hong, he entered the industry as the so-called “Crown Prince of C-entertainment”, Easily execute big-budget projects in all genres. However, his acting is yet to convince the audience.
Even major personal scandals failed to significantly derail his career, presumably due to strong family influence. In 2025, his drama When destiny brings the demon disappointed viewers with stiff expressions and awkward performances, squandering a much-loved original work. The continued flow of major roles despite stagnant progress in acting has only fueled public resentment.
Ultimately, the reaction is not against the entry of celebrity children into the world of entertainment itself. Rather, the public is becoming increasingly intolerant of those who rely solely on their parents’ fame despite lacking the skills to justify the opportunities they receive. If these second-generation stars hope to survive and thrive, they must work harder, prove their worth and stand on their own two feet instead of hiding in the shadows of their famous families.
Sources: K14
