The Chinese historical drama Zhu Yu continues to dominate online discussions, but not only because of its storyline or ratings. The series has recently sparked another wave of debate after viewers discovered that one of the actors appeared to have been replaced through AI face-swapping technology.
The drama stars Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, and has been widely talked about for both its popularity and its controversies. This time, attention has turned to the character Song Yan, originally played by Chinese actor He Changxi.
According to reports circulating online, He Changxi’s scenes in Zhu Yu were altered after filming. The production reportedly replaced his face with that of another actor, Zhu Zanjin, using AI technology so that the character could continue appearing in the series without re-filming the scenes.
The alleged reason behind the change is linked to He Changxi’s involvement in the BL (boys’ love) drama Children’s Day on June 1st of the Third Year. In recent years, China’s entertainment industry has maintained strict scrutiny toward BL-themed productions, and actors associated with the genre have sometimes faced professional restrictions.
Some online commentators believe that the actor may have been “soft banned” after accepting the role in the BL project. The drama was released on March 13, and despite the controversy, He Changxi attempted to promote it on social media. However, posts promoting the series were reportedly removed shortly after being published, further fueling speculation about industry pressure.
Adding to the situation, rumors also surfaced earlier this year about He Changxi’s close relationship with Su Yiyang, who appeared in the drama The First Frost. The two were reportedly photographed interacting affectionately, with images showing them touching and joking with each other in a way that sparked speculation about a possible romantic relationship.
Ironically, the rumors triggered backlash not only from conservative viewers but also from some BL drama fans. Since He Changxi forms an on-screen pairing with He Yanchao in the BL drama, certain fans of the fictional couple were upset that he was rumored to be involved with someone else in real life.
Within Zhu Yu, the character Song Yan plays a controversial role as the former fiancé of Tian Xiwei’s character Fan Changyu. In the storyline, Song Yan breaks off their engagement after his family claims the woman’s fate will bring misfortune to her future husband, portraying him as a heartless ex-lover.
After the AI face replacement, viewers quickly noticed something unusual. Many pointed out that Song Yan’s facial expressions and movements appear unnaturally stiff, suggesting digital manipulation. Clips from the drama circulated widely online, with some audiences saying the scenes felt visually awkward or inconsistent.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the use of AI in film and television production. While face replacement technology has been used before to deal with scandals or casting changes, critics argue that excessive reliance on it can harm both storytelling and visual quality.
For Zhu Yu, the AI face-swap controversy has added yet another layer to the drama’s already turbulent reception. From allegations of inflated ratings to actor controversies and now digital alterations, the series continues to generate headlines—proving that its off-screen drama is sometimes just as intense as the story unfolding on screen.
Sources: Yahoo News
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