Chinese actor Zhang Linghe is once again in the spotlight—but this time, not for his latest drama success. Following his rising popularity from Zhu Yu, an old article he wrote during his student days has resurfaced online, quickly going viral for its unexpectedly sharp criticism of the entertainment industry.
Before entering showbiz, Zhang Linghe—whose real name was revealed as “Zhang Jiawei”—was known as a top student in the Electrical Engineering and Automation program at Nanjing Normal University. He reportedly scored 182 out of 200 in the math section of China’s highly competitive college entrance exam, showcasing his academic excellence. However, what surprised netizens even more was not his grades, but his bold writing.
In the rediscovered article, Zhang Linghe did not hold back. He wrote that the modern film and television industry had lost its professionalism, criticizing actors for lacking dedication and pointing out the imbalance between their pay and actual performance. His most eye-catching line included harsh phrases like “expressionless idols” and “vulgar, meaningless bubble dramas,” which many now find ironically self-referential given his current career.
The resurfaced comments quickly sparked discussion across Chinese social media. Some netizens joked that Zhang Linghe had unknowingly “criticized his future self,” while others praised his honesty and noted that his observations still reflect ongoing industry issues. The phrase describing “expressionless idols” in particular became widely quoted, turning into a trending talking point.
Interestingly, early in his acting career, Zhang Linghe himself faced similar criticism. He was once labeled as a “handsome but expressionless actor,” and more recently, his styling in Zhu Yu even drew teasing remarks from viewers who nicknamed him a “foundation-heavy general” for looking too polished in a war setting.
Despite the irony, many fans view this resurfaced article as proof of Zhang Linghe’s grounded personality. His academic background, candid writing, and unexpected real name reveal have made him appear more relatable, adding a new layer to his public image beyond the polished star persona.
As Zhang Linghe continues to build his acting career, the viral rediscovery of his past words serves as both a humorous twist and a reminder of how perspectives can evolve—especially when stepping into the very industry once criticized.
Sources: Yahoo News
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