“This isn’t My Fair Princess, it’s Lin Sui Sui’s Tale,” a viewer commented, summing up the public’s discontent with the 2025 remake of one of China’s most iconic dramas.
Premiered on Mango TV, the short‑format series My Fair Princess 2025 garnered an impressive 270 million views within just five days of release. With 24 episodes, each 15 minutes long, it was anticipated to revive the magic of the original 1998 hit that made stars out of Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and Alec Su.
However, despite the numbers, the reception has been far from positive.
The original My Fair Princess holds a legendary status in Chinese television history.
The new version attempted a modern twist: introducing Lin Sui Sui, a girl from the present who travels back in time and disrupts the familiar storyline by becoming the central figure.
While the concept of time travel and a fresh protagonist intrigued younger viewers, it outraged fans of the original. Critics argue that the new series sidelines classic characters like Xiao Yanzi and Xia Ziwei, reducing them to mere background figures. One infamous scene — where a pivotal torture moment originally meant for Ziwei is instead given to Lin Sui Sui — was seen as disrespectful to the source material.
Criticism also extended to the show’s execution. The palace intrigue was shallow, fight scenes lacked energy, and historical logic was often abandoned. As one viewer noted, “It feels like modern people in cosplay playing make‑believe in a palace set.”
Notably absent was the character Jin Su, replaced by a golden necklace made by the new protagonist, turning a once‑beloved side character into an accessory. Romance subplots were reshaped around Lin Sui Sui and a newly introduced male lead, further deviating from the original narrative.
Despite boasting a visually appealing young cast — including Luo Yizhou, Hu Lianxin, and Yan Xujia — many viewers found the performances lacked the charisma and depth of the original stars.
Critics from The Paper highlighted that the show borrowed familiar names and scenes from the classic but failed to capture its emotional essence or core themes of freedom and justice. Instead, it felt like a fan‑fictional retelling built around a new heroine, alienating long‑time fans in the process.
The attempt to modernize a beloved classic has sparked an intense debate online: is it innovation or betrayal? For now, the majority consensus leans toward the latter.
Sources: Znews
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