Chinese actress Yang Zi is currently filming the new drama The Way You Come Back , which is set in 1920s Republican-era Shanghai. In the series, she plays Dong Zhuojun, a woman who rises from a courtesan background to become a powerful businesswoman. However, images from the set have recently sparked heated discussion online, with many viewers criticizing her styling in the drama.
Several leaked photos show Yang Zi wearing Republican-era costumes, including a wedding outfit and everyday looks. Many netizens argue that the styling appears overly simple and lacks refinement. Some viewers also believe the costumes do not suit Yang Zi’s figure, making certain physical flaws more noticeable and reducing the overall elegance expected from such a character.
The controversy intensified after new photos of Yang Zi’s wedding and dating scenes circulated online. Some audiences questioned whether she was the right choice to portray Dong Zhuojun. According to historical accounts, the real Dong Zhuojun married at just 14 years old, while Yang Zi is now 34, leading some viewers to say the age difference affects the character’s portrayal.
Adding fuel to the debate, some netizens accused the costume team of copying designs associated with actress Fan Bingbing. They pointed out similarities between Yang Zi’s styling and Fan Bingbing’s appearance as the courtesan Jin Zhaoli in the 2008 drama Memoirs of Madam Jin . Fan Bingbing’s portrayal of the glamorous dancer was widely praised at the time for her striking beauty, elegant qipao dresses, and seductive stage presence.
As comparisons spread online, many commenters claimed Yang Zi lacks the same level of charisma and physical elegance as Fan Bingbing. Some even mocked the headpiece Yang Zi wore in one scene, joking that it resembled a bandage. These criticisms quickly spread across Chinese social media, drawing negative attention toward both the actress and the drama’s costume design team.
While the drama aims to portray this remarkable journey, Yang Zi’s styling in the early promotional images has already sparked debate among viewers. As filming continues, many fans are now waiting to see whether the final production will successfully capture the powerful story of Dong Zhuojun despite the early criticism.
Sources: K14
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