China’s entertainment industry entered 2026 amid increasingly fierce competition for fame and status among young stars, particularly among the highly scrutinized post-95 generation of actresses. Recently, a brief incident involving Esther Yu unexpectedly sparked intense debate online, spurring widespread discussion about whether she truly holds a leadership position among her colleagues.
A 14-second clip quickly circulating on platforms such as Weibo and Douyin captured a moment from Esther Yu’s fan meeting. In the video, the Love Between Fairy and Devil actress becomes visibly emotional as fans chant and declare her “The First of the Post-95 Actresses.” Instead of deflecting or modestly denying the statement, Esther Yu appeared touched and appreciative, openly embracing the sentiment.
Her twinkling eyes and emotional expression were quickly interpreted by netizens as a “silent acknowledgment” of the title, leading to heated discussions in forums. Keywords related to Esther Yu “accepting the No. 1 position” soon shot to the top of trending charts.
However, the reaction was far from unanimously positive. A large number of neutral viewers and fans of other actresses have expressed strong objections, criticizing Esther Yu for appearing overly satisfied despite what they see as insufficient acting credentials and a limited body of work.
Many netizens bluntly commented, “To be in the Top 1, you need explosive nationwide hits, major acting awards, or at least controversy-free performances. Esther Yu still relies on the same simpering and monotonous acting style – what qualifies her to lead?” Critics argued that he was overestimating the power of fandom and hype on social media, while neglecting the fundamental importance of artistic substance.
The controversy has also reignited comparisons within the post-95 lineage of actresses, a generation full of strong competitors. Zhao Lusi remains Esther Yu’s closest rival, supported by multiple high-viewership dramas and strong public recognition. Zhou Ye and Zhang Jingyi are praised for their cinematic images and gradual transition into more serious roles, while Tian Xiwei has steadily gained attention for his improved performances and ability to anchor projects.
When placed side by side, Esther Yu is widely recognized for her personal brand and influence on fashion, but her acting skills continue to divide opinion. His apparent acceptance of a senior title over these colleagues was seen by many as tactless and bordering on arrogance, potentially straining professional relationships within the industry.
While praise from fans is natural, observers have noted that a professional artist must remain clear about his position. By publicly accepting the label, Esther Yu may have unintentionally put enormous pressure on herself. Going forward, every project and every performance will likely be scrutinized much more harshly. If his next drama fails to achieve breakout success, the so-called “self-proclaimed Top 1” title could quickly turn into a source of ridicule.
Industry veterans point out that true recognition in Chinese entertainment has historically come only after years – if not decades – of consistent work. Icons like Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi, and more recently, post-85 actresses like Yang Mi and Zhao Liying have earned their status through consistent excellence rather than fan declarations at promotional events.
Esther Yu undeniably benefits from a strong starting point, financial stability and a distinctive personality. However, many believe that securing a true Top 1 position among post-95 actresses will require heavier, more challenging roles, not just quickly consumed idol dramas. Ultimately, humility, artistic growth, and openness to criticism can prove far more valuable than basking in fleeting applause.
