2025 has been mockingly dubbed by netizens as “the year of C-entertainment heirs,” as more than ten children of famous stars stepped into showbiz one after another, hoping to follow in their parents’ footsteps. However, instead of delivering impressive debuts, most of them left audiences deeply disappointed. Despite having opportunities practically spoon-fed to them, many failed to prove their abilities, prompting widespread criticism over their lack of talent and overreliance on family fame.
Online discussions reflect growing fatigue with celebrity offspring who enter the industry through connections rather than competence. While audiences are not opposed to stars’ children pursuing entertainment careers, frustration arises when privilege outweighs professionalism, and skill falls far short of expectations.
Zhang Sile
Zhang Sile was once seen as a highly anticipated newcomer thanks to her illustrious artistic background. Her father is veteran actor Zhang Guangbei, famous for classic roles such as Chu Yunfei in Drawing Sword and Lü Bu in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, while her mother was one of the renowned “Five Golden Flowers” of the Central Academy of Drama. Viewers expected Zhang Sile to inherit her parents’ strong acting genes and make a striking debut. Reality proved otherwise.
Even with a role in the well-received drama Awakening Age, alongside top-tier actors, she failed to leave an impression. Worse, her exaggerated and shallow acting was widely criticized as the weakest link of the show, with many claiming she single-handedly dragged down the overall quality. Reports from 163.com revealed that Zhang Guangbei had once tried to dissuade his daughter from entering showbiz, seemingly aware of her limitations.
Zhang Keying
Zhang Keying, daughter of respected actress Zhang Kaili, also entered the industry under heavy parental support. Zhang Kaili reportedly arranged major projects, variety show appearances, and even played supporting roles herself to boost her daughter’s career. Yet Zhang Keying’s limited skills and lack of professionalism made her difficult for audiences to warm to. Her obsession with appearance, excessive use of filters, and heavy makeup regardless of role suitability sparked ridicule. More damaging was her repeated display of arrogance, including allegedly scolding her own mother on television and showing disrespect toward senior artists. With low emotional intelligence and a perceived “princess complex,” netizens widely believe her chances of success are slim.
Shen Jiarun
Shen Jiarun, daughter of actor Xiao Shenyang, was known to audiences from a young age through Where Are We Going, Dad?. At the time, her appearance became a cruel topic of online mockery. A decade later, she surprised the public by debuting as a K-pop solo idol under the stage name NINA.
Despite powerful family backing, her entry into the fiercely competitive Korean music market fell flat. Her debut album reportedly sold only 65 copies in its first week, with the title track receiving just seven likes in its first hour and around 2,000 views in its first week mostly from Chinese viewers. Her social media following also remains strikingly low. Although Shen Jiarun continues to work hard to improve, many believe she may simply not be suited for the entertainment industry.
Chen Feiyu
Chen Feiyu stands out as an example of a second-generation star who has been active for years yet still stumbled badly in 2025. As the son of acclaimed director Chen Kaige and famed actress Chen Hong, he entered the industry as the so-called “C-entertainment crown prince,” landing big-budget projects across genres with ease. However, his acting has yet to convince audiences.
Even major personal scandals failed to significantly derail his career, allegedly due to strong family influence. In 2025, his drama When Destiny Brings the Demon disappointed viewers with stiff expressions and awkward performances, squandering a highly praised original work. The continued flow of major roles despite stagnant acting progress has only fueled public resentment.
Ultimately, the backlash is not against celebrity children entering showbiz itself. Rather, audiences are growing intolerant of those who rely solely on their parents’ fame while lacking the skills to justify the opportunities they receive. If these second-generation stars hope to survive and thrive, they must work harder, prove their worth, and stand on their own feet instead of hiding in the shadows of their famous families.
Sources: K14
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