All what you said is applying to democracies, not for a dictatorship. Now they suggest, if they don't follow:…
I think what I said can apply to any country, regardless of its political system. At the end of the day, if you want to create successful programming, especially dramas, you have to understand what draws audiences in.
Why penalize actors for being visually appealing when that has clearly been part of what attracts viewers in the first place? Visual appeal has always been part of entertainment across every industry, and that doesn’t take away from the importance of talent.
They may operate within a different system, but their audience is global. If you take away what made these dramas popular, you risk losing the very audience that helped build that success. Viewers have choices, especially international ones, and they are not obligated to watch if the content no longer appeals to them.
The country has openly framed its dramas as a form of “soft power,” and idol dramas have arguably been the most effective vehicle for that over the past few years. They are the entry point for many international viewers and have played a huge role in expanding global interest in C-dramas.
Now that they are reaching even greater heights, it feels counterproductive to suddenly push back against what made them successful in the first place. Wanting stronger storytelling and better acting is completely fair, but that should not come at the expense of casting visually appealing actors.
You can have talent and visual appeal at the same time. In fact, that combination is part of why these dramas resonate so widely. Saying there should be “no more pretty people” in dramas feels like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The goal should be balance, not removal.
I saw this question on X, "why would this data manipulation scandal happen now, with him?" The answer…
His talent is far from mediocre. Being considered attractive does not automatically mean someone lacks ability. Those two things are not mutually exclusive.
Zhang Linghe has talent. Say what you want about his public missteps, but he is a capable actor. He is not just a pretty face. If there was no acting behind “the face,” C-drama fans would not stick around. There are too many dramas being released right now for audiences to invest their time in someone who brings nothing to the table.
The idea that platforms like Tencent Video or iQIYI would build an entire push around someone with no ability just because of visuals does not hold up. Visual appeal might draw initial attention, but it does not sustain long-term interest. Audiences will drop a drama quickly if the acting or the story is not there.
Also, throwing around accusations about “unscrupulous methods” without any proof is irresponsible. Serious claims like that should be backed by evidence, not speculation. It is fine to have opinions about an actor’s performance or behavior, but making unverified accusations crosses a line and only fuels unnecessary negativity.
You can critique him where you feel it is deserved, but reducing his success to looks alone and attaching baseless claims ignores the actual work he has put into his roles and the performances that have clearly resonated with viewers.
I see many people complaining that the drama is too fast-paced in the last few episodes.Some can't even understand…
@Mimi. I agree with your take. Pursuit of Jade is easily in my top 5 C-dramas of all time, and I don’t see the last few episodes changing that. I’m 35 episodes in and I’ve been fully invested the whole time.
Zhang Linghe has been outstanding in this role. Since the story is really about a female general and her rise, I don’t see him as sidelined at all. He complements the female lead perfectly and they feel equal in presence and impact. You don’t need the most screen time to stand out, and he definitely makes every scene count.
I also agree that no 40 episode drama is perfect. There are always moments where the pacing slows, but what matters is whether the drama still holds up. Here, the writing and acting stayed strong even in those slower parts. Strong enough that I’ve been rewatching episodes daily because they are that good.
I’ve been looking forward to new episodes every day, and honestly nothing else is hitting the same right now. Everything else just feels like 垃圾 (lájī) in comparison.
The only thing that really bothers me is the piracy and the leaks. I’ve had to actively dodge clips and spoilers because of those leaked episodes. If you choose to watch it ahead of the official broadcast, that’s your decision, but keep it to yourself. Why ruin the experience for everyone else. Then people come online bragging that they’ve already seen the ending like it’s some kind of achievement. What do you want, a cookie. It just takes away from the excitement for the rest of us and disrespects the work that went into the drama.
Also, please don’t support these illegal sites. When people go there to watch, it gives the thieves the incentive to keep doing this again in the future because they know there’s an audience for it.
How about when the Marquis finally got Changning back and they are around the campfire and he gives her one of his precious candies, when she was still in shock. Even the little subtleties in this drama are so meaningful they take your breath away.
Deng Kai, I hope you get your flowers and the recognition you deserve. My sexy scene stealer. It has been hard…
Totally agree about Kong Xueer. I really began to notice her in Serendipity. After her performance in this drama, I am really going to support her more. Even the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level storylines in this drama are worth watching. I skip nothing! The casting director for this drama deserves and award. There is no weak link.
Ep23Writers/directors FAILED us. We were supposed to get a huge hug from Changning and BIL. I was so expecting…
Regarding this non celebrated reunion, I beg to differ. He is on a battlefield men dying all around. He has to keep his wits and emotions in check. He made sure little sis was protected. That little girl was in shock as reported. He showed the affection needed when they were sitting around the campfire and he gave her the candy from her sister. She let him feed her and give comfort to her in that one single act. That moment connected all three family members and cemented their family ties for all to to see.
Fast forward, honey I go back to watch scenes over and over again because they are so good. How many of you all rewatched the scene when the falcon finally caught up with Fan Changyu and it landed on her arm with the note from hubby? OMG...all the feelings.
Deng Kai - I've seen him in numerous dramas - often portrays a villain (with one exception for a short drama series…
Both brothers are raving psychopaths. I mean little bro brough a little girl on the battle field. I can just imagine the house of horrors they grew up in to warp their Psyches like that. And can I just say Kudos to the amazing little actress Cao Yanning who portrays Fan Changning. This little angel is a better than some seasoned actors. Another scene stealer. Both child actors have been knocking it out of the park. There is really no weak link in this cast of actors. Can someone let MDL know that she is not listed with the the cast at all. She deserves her flowers for doing such a phenomenal job.
Deng Kai, Kong Xueer, and Lin Muran are absolute scene stealers… like wowie. Just staying to watch them and…
Deng Kai, I hope you get your flowers and the recognition you deserve. My sexy scene stealer. It has been hard for me to watch you be a raving psychopath in this drama. Although you did come back to save the girl but then you turn around and kill the Nanny. Boy, I don't know what to do with you. But this drama shows your beautiful range so I with muddle through.
The director is the sculptor. Young actors are good most of the time. But they become better once they come across…
To me TXW has always been a strong capable "cute" actress. She never phones in any of her performances. But in this drama, I almost didn't recognize her at first. She is shot beautifully in this drama. I was actually wondering if the had some "work" done on her face. The drama is pure magic all around. Even if they are never presented as this good looking ever again or act as well, we will always have their "Camelot", The pursuit of Jade to go back to and revel in.
I know!! That time precious for me!!!! And I guard those 45 mins from outside interference like my bank account guards itself..."Don't come for Me, I have nothing to give you at this moment".
1 
Why penalize actors for being visually appealing when that has clearly been part of what attracts viewers in the first place? Visual appeal has always been part of entertainment across every industry, and that doesn’t take away from the importance of talent.
They may operate within a different system, but their audience is global. If you take away what made these dramas popular, you risk losing the very audience that helped build that success. Viewers have choices, especially international ones, and they are not obligated to watch if the content no longer appeals to them.
Now that they are reaching even greater heights, it feels counterproductive to suddenly push back against what made them successful in the first place. Wanting stronger storytelling and better acting is completely fair, but that should not come at the expense of casting visually appealing actors.
You can have talent and visual appeal at the same time. In fact, that combination is part of why these dramas resonate so widely. Saying there should be “no more pretty people” in dramas feels like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The goal should be balance, not removal.
Zhang Linghe has talent. Say what you want about his public missteps, but he is a capable actor. He is not just a pretty face. If there was no acting behind “the face,” C-drama fans would not stick around. There are too many dramas being released right now for audiences to invest their time in someone who brings nothing to the table.
The idea that platforms like Tencent Video or iQIYI would build an entire push around someone with no ability just because of visuals does not hold up. Visual appeal might draw initial attention, but it does not sustain long-term interest. Audiences will drop a drama quickly if the acting or the story is not there.
Also, throwing around accusations about “unscrupulous methods” without any proof is irresponsible. Serious claims like that should be backed by evidence, not speculation. It is fine to have opinions about an actor’s performance or behavior, but making unverified accusations crosses a line and only fuels unnecessary negativity.
You can critique him where you feel it is deserved, but reducing his success to looks alone and attaching baseless claims ignores the actual work he has put into his roles and the performances that have clearly resonated with viewers.
Zhang Linghe has been outstanding in this role. Since the story is really about a female general and her rise, I don’t see him as sidelined at all. He complements the female lead perfectly and they feel equal in presence and impact. You don’t need the most screen time to stand out, and he definitely makes every scene count.
I also agree that no 40 episode drama is perfect. There are always moments where the pacing slows, but what matters is whether the drama still holds up. Here, the writing and acting stayed strong even in those slower parts. Strong enough that I’ve been rewatching episodes daily because they are that good.
I’ve been looking forward to new episodes every day, and honestly nothing else is hitting the same right now. Everything else just feels like 垃圾 (lájī) in comparison.
The only thing that really bothers me is the piracy and the leaks. I’ve had to actively dodge clips and spoilers because of those leaked episodes. If you choose to watch it ahead of the official broadcast, that’s your decision, but keep it to yourself. Why ruin the experience for everyone else. Then people come online bragging that they’ve already seen the ending like it’s some kind of achievement. What do you want, a cookie. It just takes away from the excitement for the rest of us and disrespects the work that went into the drama.
Also, please don’t support these illegal sites. When people go there to watch, it gives the thieves the incentive to keep doing this again in the future because they know there’s an audience for it.