'Pursuit of Jade' actor addresses Zhang Ling He's 'foundation-wearing general' controversy

On April 1, Pursuit of Jade actor Yan Yi Kuan appeared on host Chen Chen's podcast program and publicly addressed the debated "foundation-wearing general" controversy over lead actor Zhang Ling He's makeup in the drama. 

On March 27, the official Weibo account of Jun Zhengping Studio (run by the People's Liberation Army Daily) published a commentary titled "The 'generals' in costume dramas wearing makeup cannot bear the social responsibility of embodying masculine vigor". Although no names were taken, netizens perceived that the criticism was aimed at Pursuit of Jade, in which Zhang Ling He's look as a general went viral all over the internet.

Zhang's character was jokingly called the "foundation-wearing general" by netizens due to the makeup and styling. Yan Yi Kuan, who plays Zhang Ling He's uncle in the drama, shared his own perspective on the matter during the podcast.

"[If there are] questions [criticism], it means that you are receiving attention," Yan Yi Kuan said. He stated that, regardless of the reason behind the "foundation-wearing general" label, such criticism directed at Zhang Ling He "shows that he can go even further."

His advice to Zhang Ling He is to follow the standards expected of an actor and accept criticism with a humble attitude, and "there are still many opportunities to gradually change, and he will surely grow and become an outstanding actor." He hopes that Zhang Ling He works hard to race against himself rather than be trapped by outside opinions.

Host Chen Chen commented that Yan Yi Kuan's response was "simple and sincere," and "as someone who has been through it all, he himself is the answer."

Born in 1979 in Shanghai and graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, Yan Yi Kuan was once referred to, along with Wallace Chung, Qiao Zhen Yu, and Hu Ge, as one of the "Four Beauties of Tianya," known for his handsome appearances in historical costume roles. His famous performances include Yan Qing in Water Margin and General Qin Qiong in Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties.

Yan Yi Kuan also revealed on the program some details about filming a key scene in Pursuit of Jade. In the drama, Zhang Ling He's character Xie Zheng had to endure 108 lashes as punishment. To portray a realistic sense of being struck and exhaustion, Yan Yi Kuan actually delivered 108 hits, and Zhang Ling He reacted 108 times.

"Every time it's real hits and real reactions," Yan Yi Kuan said, noting that this kind of dedication is the embodiment of an actor's professionalism. 

In his response, Yan Yi Kuan also pointed out the current state of the entertainment industry: such makeup and styling are often the result of platform demands, market preferences, and industrialized production of historical dramas, leaving individual actors with limited decision-making power.

He admitted that when a series gains popularity, actors are the first to get the spotlight; when criticism arises, actors are also the first to bear the brunt. This situation — where fame and controversy coexist — is a reality many young actors today must confront.

Pursuit of Jade tells the story of butcher's daughter Fan Chang Yu (Tian Xi Wei) and Xie Zheng (Zhang Ling He), a fallen noble, who meet by destiny on a snowy day. 

Chang Yu, having lost both of her parents, strives to support her remaining family, while Zheng hides his identity, digging deep into a blood feud from 17 years ago. With each harboring their own motives, the two concoct a marriage of convenience. Though they initially joined hands to use one another for their own purposes, their alliance gradually blossoms into genuine emotions.

Stream Pursuit of Jade on Netflix, WeTV, iQIYI, and iflix.  

Source: Jinan Daily