China’s entertainment regulators have reportedly convened an emergency meeting following controversy surrounding Zhang Linghe and his portrayal in the drama Pursuit of Jade.
The backlash over Zhang Linghe’s so-called “foundation general” image prompted the National Radio and Television Administration to issue new directives. On April 3, Xinhua News Agency published an official notice urging the industry to eliminate appearance-obsessed values and distorted beauty standards in film and television production. Authorities emphasized that production teams must prioritize script quality over an actor’s popularity or traffic.
Specifically, on April 2, the National Radio and Television Administration held a symposium on promoting healthy aesthetics in television dramas. Representatives from major Chinese streaming platforms such as iQIYI, Mango TV, Tencent Video, and Youku attended the meeting, along with production companies including Daylight Entertainment, Linmon Pictures, Huace Film & TV, and Changxin Media.
During the discussion, regulators pointed out the growing issue of negative creative trends, particularly the obsession with “looks above all” in drama production. This has led to excessive makeup on actors and costumes or props that do not align with the character’s personality or the story’s setting.
As a result, the administration called for an end to the industry’s overemphasis on appearance and dependence on star power. Instead, they stressed the importance of creating well-rounded, lifelike characters and placing scripts at the center of production. The meeting also highlighted the need to establish healthy aesthetic values and restore confidence in culturally grounded Chinese storytelling.
The emergency meeting was triggered by widespread ridicule of Zhang Linghe’s general character in the drama Pursuit of Jade. His role as Xie Zheng was criticized for appearing overly polished—clean skin, neat hair, and perfectly styled costumes—lacking the rugged realism expected of a military figure.
Moreover, Zhang Linghe’s portrayal was seen as lacking impactful combat scenes, and his tall, slender physique drew comparisons to a scholar rather than a battle-hardened general. He was mocked online with nicknames such as “foundation general,” “puts on makeup before going to war,” and “more afraid of smudged foundation than losing a battle.”
Critics argued that the character’s depiction tarnished the image of soldiers. Several Chinese media outlets and even military-affiliated organizations publicly criticized what they described as distorted, appearance-first aesthetics in both Zhang Linghe’s portrayal and the production team’s creative direction. The controversy also spread internationally, with media in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea reporting on the issue, contributing to a negative perception of Chinese television dramas abroad.
According to Sina, while Zhang Linghe was not directly named in official criticism, his performance has still come under scrutiny. Industry observers noted that his portrayal of a general lacked depth, raising concerns about his acting capabilities. This controversy may significantly impact his future casting opportunities, particularly in major, state-backed productions that require strong acting credibility.
Sources: kenh14
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