Chinese actress Janice Wu has become the center of a heated public debate after new rumors emerged that she may have reconciled with her ex-husband, actor Zhang Yujian. Although the couple divorced almost four years ago, their increasingly frequent appearances together have reignited speculation and this time the public reaction was extremely negative.
Two years ago, Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian officially announced their divorce on Valentine’s Day. At the time, public sentiment was firmly on his side. Many fans sympathized with the actress, often called a “goddess of youth drama”, believing that she sacrificed a promising career to quietly get married, give birth and raise a child away from the spotlight. In contrast, Zhang Yujian was criticized for allegedly maintaining a “single” image while his wife was pregnant and later caring for their daughter.
That hard-won goodwill is now being put to the test.
Recently, paparazzi photos reportedly showed Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian shopping together at a supermarket in Wuhan. Shortly after, more images emerged suggesting the pair were traveling together in Northern Europe with their daughter. The photos quickly spread online, quickly sparking rumors that the former couple may have rekindled their relationship.
Instead of blessing, many fans reacted with disappointment and anger. On social media and forums, netizens declared: “If Janice Wu truly returns to the man who once refused to recognize her, we will never defend her again.”
Much of the negative reaction stems from Zhang Yujian’s past behavior. It was previously labeled as a “former junkie” by netizens after allegedly flirting with others on variety shows and projecting a bachelor persona while married. To many supporters, Janice Wu represented a woman who courageously walked away from a one-sided, emotionally damaging marriage. Seeing her repeatedly photographed with her ex-husband has left fans feeling like their long-standing support, especially in the name of women’s empowerment, has been rendered meaningless.
Some comments were particularly harsh: “We loved her because she had the courage to walk away, to not see her patch things up with someone undeserving.” Others went further, threatening to boycott his upcoming dramas if the reconciliation rumors proved true.
While some argue that Janice Wu is putting personal grievances aside for the sake of her son, this explanation has failed to calm public anger. Netizens pointed out the couple’s unusually close interactions and suspicious proximity between Zhang Yujian’s workplace and Janice Wu’s residence, further fueling speculation that they may already be living together again.
For now, Janice Wu has remained silent amid the growing controversy. However, that silence only heightens scrutiny and pushes her into what many describe as a new reputational crisis. Finding herself at the crossroads of personal choice and audience expectations, Janice Wu faces one of the most difficult challenges of her career since returning to the entertainment industry.
If the rumors are confirmed, critics warn it could become the most damaging self-inflicted blow to the 1992-born actress’ image, a blow that even years of public goodwill may not be able to repair.
