The controversy surrounding actress Xu Ruo Han, born in 1998, has recently ignited widespread outrage online. Her management team is accused of enabling or even orchestrating efforts by her fandom to defame fellow actor Zhang Ling He, who co-starred with her in the drama The Best Thing.
According to trending Weibo discussions under “Zhang Ling He Xu Ruo Han,” fans of Zhang accused Xu’s fans of using his image as their avatar during The Best Thing‘s broadcast to promote a romantic pairing between their idols. However, these same fans were allegedly criticizing Zhang’s acting, claiming he only looked good on red carpets and offered nothing beyond his appearance.
In contrast, Zhang Ling He’s fans repeatedly defended Xu Ruo Han whenever she was criticized, striving to protect her image and keep viewers from abandoning the show. Adding fuel to the fire, Xu’s agency, Hesong, is now being accused of misleading marketing, manipulating public perception to make it seem as though Xu was more popular than Zhang during the show’s airing despite actual sentiment suggesting otherwise.
The controversy deepened as Xu recently joined the cast of The Lament of Autumn, a Republican-era romance co-starring Cheng Lei. The drama is being criticized for mimicking elements from Overdo, especially the iconic “princess carry” scene originally performed by Zhang Ling He and Wang Chu Ran. Online comparisons between the two scenes have sparked further backlash, with viewers accusing Xu’s team of riding on Zhang’s success.
Netizens largely side with Zhang Ling He, pointing out that before The Best Thing, Xu Ruo Han was relatively unknown. Thanks to the drama and Zhang’s popularity, she was able to gain exposure. Yet, in the aftermath, it is Zhang who’s being dragged into negativity, while Xu seemingly benefits without acknowledgment or gratitude.
Comments online express growing frustration, with many accusing Xu Ruo Han of being ungrateful and manipulative. Some who once defended her during her The Best Thing days now regret doing so.
Netizens’ comments:
“Anyone with common sense knows who deserves the credit here. Zhang’s fans protected the drama while Xu’s fans stirred drama. Let each actor stand on their own merit in future works.”
“I feel bad for Overdo. It wrapped quietly, yet Xu’s team is using its heat and even mocking it. I like Cheng Lei, but I can’t stand Xu.”
“Back then, Zhang’s fans defended Xu so hard, calling her visuals suitable for the character. And this is what she gives in return?”
“If there’s solid evidence of this sabotage, Zhang’s fans have every right to speak up. They shouldn’t be taken advantage of.”
“I liked Zhang, but couldn’t finish The Best Thing because I had already dropped one of Xu’s past dramas. Now my opinion of her is even worse.”
Sources: K14
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