Yu Shuxin (Esther Yu) has been hit with a new wave of controversy as her name is reportedly removed from a highly anticipated costume drama, stirring online debates about her career trajectory and public image.
Following Speed and Love (双轨)’s recent release, eagle‑eyed netizens noticed that the official Weibo account for the upcoming drama A Thought South of the River (一念江南) deleted the June announcement post that had confirmed Yu Shuxin as the female lead. The drama’s account also unfollowed Yu’s personal Weibo, keeping only male lead Wang Anyu’s name in its updates — a move widely interpreted as a public disassociation from the actress, despite no official statement on cast changes or production status.
The unexpected adjustment comes as Yu has been largely absent from public view since late August. She became embroiled in allegations of past bullying and negative attention centered on her family’s business dealings, including questions about a reported 1.5 billion RMB state asset transaction. The controversies triggered a major drop in her online popularity, with her Weibo follower count declining by over 3 million and several brands reportedly ending partnerships.
While Speed and Love debuted on December 12 with a modest initial buzz — a Weibo index heat of around 1,300 — the show quickly gained traction overseas. Within 12 hours, international views exceeded 200 million, and its Weibo series index climbed beyond 90 million, indicating solid viewer interest despite controversies surrounding its lead.
Social media reactions to the removal of Yu Shuxin’s name have been mixed. Some netizens view the drama’s decision as a necessary step to preserve its reputation, while others argue it reflects the growing influence of public sentiment on entertainment productions.
Yu initially gained popularity for her roles in youth dramas and variety shows, building a vibrant fanbase before the recent scandals. With the industry’s increased sensitivity to celebrity conduct, her future projects and public engagements now face heightened scrutiny.
As the situation evolves, the entertainment community continues to watch closely whether the drama’s production team will formally announce a cast change or reinstate Yu Shuxin in the project.
Sources: ETtoday星光雲
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