Chinese actress Liu Haocun is experiencing a career resurgence after years of controversy, with the success of her latest drama helping audiences reevaluate both her acting skills and the personal principles she has held since her debut.
Since entering the entertainment industry in 2018, Liu Haocun has maintained a strict policy “no kissing scenes” clause in his contracts. The actress previously explained that she had never been in a real romantic relationship and was hoping to save her first kiss for someone she genuinely loved.
His position quickly became a topic of debate among Chinese netizens. Critics have accused her of being unprofessional or deliberately cultivating a unique image to attract attention. However, Liu Haocun has remained consistent with her decision throughout her eight-year career.
Despite the controversy, insiders often described her as collaborative and professional on set. Although she maintains personal boundaries when it comes to intimate scenes, she is not known for making excessive demands during productions.
Liu Haocun’s career has rarely been free from public scrutiny.
In 2021, he faced criticism after confidently responding to a question about whether he possessed a natural talent for acting, saying: “Why shouldn’t I?” The brief remark was widely circulated online and became the subject of heated discussion.
Around the same time, an old controversy involving a dance academy run by his mother resurfaced. The incident, which involved a seriously injured student, sparked renewed criticism from the public despite being legally resolved before Liu Haocun entered the entertainment industry.
As a result, the actress spent several years facing intense online criticism and accusations that she was heavily promoted in the industry.
Liu Haocun came into the spotlight as one of the so-called filmmakers of the famous Zhang Yimou “Mou girls”, a term used to describe actresses cast through his films.
Due to Zhang Yimou’s support, some critics argued that his rapid rise was due more to industry support than proven talent. The actress has often faced accusations that she received preferential treatment early in her career.
The biggest turning point in Liu Haocun’s career came in May 2026 with the premiere of the television drama Lead.
In the series, Liu Haocun portrays a woman whose journey spans nearly fifty years, following her transformation from an ordinary young woman into a celebrated theater artist. To prepare for the role, he reportedly spent nearly a year studying traditional performing arts in Shaanxi and underwent extensive training to master the character’s skills.
The production achieved excellent ratings on Chinese television and received positive reviews from critics. Many viewers praised Liu Haocun’s ability to convincingly portray the different stages of his character’s life, calling it one of the strongest performances of his career.
The success of Lead caused many viewers to reconsider their opinions on Liu Haocun. Although she was once known primarily for controversies surrounding her comments, family background, and industry support, recent discussions have focused more on her dedication and growth as an actress.
Rather than respond to criticism through public statements, Liu Haocun chose to let his work speak for itself. For many observers, his recent successes demonstrate that his tenacity and commitment to his craft have gradually begun to overcome years of negative publicity.
Sources: DL
