Chinese actor Zhang Linghe has become the center of online criticism after his latest on-screen appearance in the drama Zhu Yu sparked heated debate across social media.
According to Sina, Zhang Linghe’s portrayal of General Xie Zheng—particularly in scenes where the character returns victorious from battle—has drawn widespread attention, but not for the expected reasons. Instead of praise, viewers have questioned the realism of his styling and overall presence.
“He looks more like a model than a battle-hardened general,” one comment read, reflecting the tone of many online reactions.
The controversy stems from his heavily stylized appearance. Zhang Linghe was seen wearing noticeable makeup, including red lip tint, defined eyeliner, and a thick base foundation. Combined with smooth skin filter effects, his look appeared overly polished, even in intense battlefield scenes. Critics also pointed out that his carefully styled hair and decorative feather accessories felt out of place for a military character.
This led to a wave of sarcastic remarks online, with some netizens dubbing him the “foundation general.” Others compared his portrayal to actors from previous generations, arguing that modern productions prioritize visual perfection over authenticity.
“Dramas these days lack realism—after a full battle, there’s no sweat, no dirt, not even messy hair,” one user wrote. Another added, “Fight after applying foundation, not before,” while a different comment mocked, “Generals in the past feared losing battles, now they fear ruining their makeup.”
However, not all reactions were negative. Some viewers defended the actor, noting that Xie Zheng in the original novel is described as a “scholarly general,” suggesting that a refined appearance may align with the character’s concept.
The criticism comes amid lingering controversy surrounding Zhang Linghe’s past remarks. During a promotional appearance, he jokingly commented on a poorly drawn portrait of himself, saying, “I feel like I was born in Southeast Asia.” The statement was widely interpreted as offensive, leading to significant backlash. Although he later issued an apology, some audiences continue to express disappointment and have called for a boycott of both the actor and Zhu Yu.
As discussions continue, Zhang Linghe’s case highlights the growing tension between visual aesthetics and character authenticity in modern historical dramas—an issue that continues to divide viewers.
Sources: Znews
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