Chinese actress Liu Haocun is experiencing a career resurgence after years of controversy, with the success of her latest drama helping audiences reevaluate both her acting abilities and the personal principles she has maintained since her debut.

Since entering the entertainment industry in 2018, Liu Haocun has reportedly maintained a strict “no kissing scenes” clause in her contracts. The actress has previously explained that she had never experienced a real romantic relationship and hoped to save her first kiss for someone she genuinely loved.

Her stance quickly became a topic of debate among Chinese netizens. Critics accused her of being unprofessional or deliberately cultivating a unique image to attract attention. Nevertheless, Liu Haocun has remained consistent with her decision throughout her eight-year career.

Despite the controversy, industry insiders have often described her as cooperative and professional on set. While she maintains personal boundaries regarding intimate scenes, she is not known for making excessive demands during productions.

Liu Haocun’s career has rarely been free from public scrutiny.

In 2021, she faced criticism after responding confidently to a question about whether she possessed natural acting talent, saying, “Why wouldn’t I?” The brief remark was widely circulated online and became the subject of heated discussion.

At around the same time, an older controversy involving a dance academy operated by her mother resurfaced. The incident, which involved a student suffering a serious injury, generated renewed public criticism despite having been legally resolved before Liu Haocun entered the entertainment industry.

As a result, the actress spent several years facing intense online criticism and accusations that she was being heavily promoted within the industry.

Liu Haocun entered the spotlight as one of celebrated filmmaker Zhang Yimou’s so-called “Mou Girls,” a term used to describe actresses launched through his films.

Because of Zhang Yimou’s support, some critics argued that her rapid rise was due more to industry backing than proven talent. The actress frequently faced allegations of receiving preferential treatment early in her career.

The biggest turning point in Liu Haocun’s career arrived in May 2026 with the premiere of the television drama The Lead.

In the series, Liu Haocun portrays a woman whose journey spans nearly five decades, following her transformation from an ordinary young woman into a celebrated stage performer. To prepare for the role, she reportedly spent nearly a year studying traditional performance arts in Shaanxi and underwent extensive training to master the character’s skills.

The production achieved strong ratings on Chinese television and received positive reviews from critics. Many viewers praised Liu Haocun’s ability to convincingly portray different stages of her character’s life, calling it one of the strongest performances of her career.

The success of The Lead has prompted many viewers to reconsider their opinions of Liu Haocun. While she was once known primarily for controversies surrounding her comments, family background, and industry support, recent discussions have focused more on her dedication and growth as an actress.

Rather than responding to criticism through public statements, Liu Haocun has largely chosen to let her work speak for itself. For many observers, her recent achievements demonstrate that persistence and commitment to her craft have gradually begun to outweigh years of negative publicity.

Sources: LD