Victoria Song, once hailed as one of the “top traffic stars” in Chinese entertainment, appears to be facing a downturn in her career. After debuting in 2009 with SM Entertainment’s girl group f(x), Victoria gained popularity with her multi-faceted talents in singing, dancing, acting and hosting. Her image as a global star has been bolstered by a strong fan base in both South Korea and China, leading to deals with major brands and high-profile drama roles.
However, recent years have painted a different picture.
In the music arena, his debut solo album VICTORIA (2020) failed to live up to expectations. Although visually well produced, the album received lukewarm feedback, with criticism focusing on its weak vocal performance and reliance on post-production. Reviewers described her as “decent, but forgettable”, questioning her viability as a serious solo artist.
His follow-up single Chu Shou (2023) was an even quieter success, barely making a splash on streaming platforms or social media, in stark contrast to his previous visibility.
“Releasing music without impact only reinforces the idea that he can’t compete in today’s demanding C-pop landscape,” one netizen commented.
Things aren’t any better in the acting department. His science fiction film Per Aspera Ad Astra, which was once supposed to mark his leap into serious cinema, remains unreleased despite filming finishing long ago. The reason given? Extensive post-production, though fans speculate there may be other issues at play. The once heavily promoted project is now in limbo with no release date in sight.
Even television does not offer a lifeline. Many of his dramas, including Flowers Bloom, No Sorrow Seen and Wild Flower, remain in post-production purgatory. Although listed on platforms like Douban, these titles have yet to air or even release trailers, raising further questions about its marketability and the confidence producers have in the value of its name.
Despite maintaining her star power and name recognition, Victoria currently doesn’t have a signature hit that defines her post-Idol era. Numerous “shelved” projects and low-impact releases have led many to question whether his “top star” label still holds weight in today’s ultra-competitive industry.
As the entertainment landscape becomes more saturated and fast-paced, being popular is no longer enough. Victoria’s career illustrates a harsh reality: Even former idols with huge fan bases must continually prove their worth through impactful work. Without a successful comeback, she risks being remembered more for past glories than current achievements.
