In the early hours of April 2, 2026, Chinese social media was abuzz with photos of Li Yitong showing up at a hospital emergency room in alarming condition. Dressed in her familiar purple bunny pajamas, the actress looked completely different from her usual radiant self. He appeared so weak that he could barely stand, walked unsteadily and relied heavily on his assistant and staff for support. Witnesses reported that he even struggled to lift his head, his pale face clearly showing tiredness after long days on set.
Shortly afterwards, her studio confirmed her worsening health following work and announced that all filming plans for the day had been urgently canceled to allow her to rest. However, it is not the first time that concerns have been raised about his health. In less than two months, he had to deal with several serious problems: from an acute allergic reaction after filming in artificial rain for two consecutive hours at the end of March, to the worsening of a lumbar spine injury that made movement extremely difficult. Despite this, he continued to push forward with his show, even joking about his puffy eyes during a live stream to reassure fans.
This incident reignited an intense debate about the harsh working conditions in the historical drama The Noblewhere Li Yitong is currently filming. The production is known for frequent night shoots and extreme pressure, which leaves not only the actors but also the crew members exhausted. More worrying, in order to achieve a certain “ethereal” image on the screen, Li Yitong would have maintained an extremely underweight physique. With a height of 165 cm and a weight of just 42 kg, his body weight falls approximately 7 kg below the healthy minimum. Combined with a strict diet and demanding filming schedule, this dealt a severe blow to his immune system.
The public has expressed growing concern, realizing that behind his dedication lies a dangerous level of physical sacrifice, where the line between artistic passion and self-harm is increasingly blurred.
Fans’ concerns are increased by this fact The Noble is one of the most anticipated upcoming dramas. From the first day of filming, it topped the pre-release charts, surpassing many of its major competitors. Li Yitong’s character Chen Que’er alone accounts for 58% of the total discussion, far surpassing the 35% of the male protagonist Lu Xingzhi, played by Chen Xingxu, highlighting his overwhelming influence in the project.
The drama follows the journey of a girl from humble origins in the Northern Song Dynasty who takes on the identity of a noble princess to change her destiny. Rising from a position of powerlessness within a web of political intrigue, he gradually grows stronger, engages in battles of wits with aristocrats, and fights to survive under harsh conditions. This “tending fate” narrative adds emotional depth but also places heavy physical and psychological demands on the role.
As the drama continues to garner attention even before its release, the conversation is no longer just about its success, but also the limits of an artist’s dedication. Behind polished imagery and compelling storytelling often lies a significant health cost, something the public is increasingly reluctant to ignore.
Sources: kenh14
