zhu yu sasaeng controversy

The explosive success of Zhu Yu has propelled its cast to A-list fame—but with that popularity has come a darker side of fan culture.

Deng Kai plays the villain “Qi Min” in the drama, and the role’s surge in popularity has also made him a target of sasaeng fans. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo)

Following the drama’s breakout success, multiple cast members have reportedly been subjected to intense harassment by sasaeng fans and unauthorized photographers in public spaces such as airports and train stations. The situation has escalated to the point where safety concerns are now being raised by both agencies and the public.

After rising to fame, Deng Kai was also followed and secretly filmed by sasaeng fans on a plane, showing a helpless expression and rolling his eyes. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo)
Deng Kai plays the villain “Qi Min” in the drama, and the character’s surge in popularity has also made him a target of sasaeng fans. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo)

Among those affected is Zhang Linghe, who plays the male lead. He was recently mobbed at a high-speed rail station, with fans crowding dangerously close, blocking pathways, and even obstructing vehicles. His agency later issued a statement condemning the behavior, emphasizing that such actions not only invade privacy but also pose serious public safety risks. Zhang Linghe himself expressed discomfort, stating he does not wish to meet fans in such uncontrolled situations.

Actor Deng Kai, who gained attention for his villain role, reportedly faced an even more distressing situation. Surrounded by aggressive fans at the airport, he was forced to retreat into a restroom to escape the crowd. Witnesses claimed he broke down emotionally, pleading for space while repeatedly bowing and asking fans to leave him alone—yet the filming and following reportedly continued.

Another cast member, Li Qing, also found himself unable to avoid the chaos. Despite wearing full face coverings, he was recognized and surrounded. Footage showed him clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture, asking fans to keep their distance, but to little effect.

Actor Li Qing, who plays the strategist “Gongsun Yin,” was recognized at the airport despite being fully covered, and was similarly surrounded by sasaeng fans. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo)
Li Qing, who portrays the strategist “Gongsun Yin,” was still recognized at the airport despite being fully covered up, and was likewise surrounded by sasaeng fans. (Photo: Screenshot from Weibo)

The incidents have triggered widespread backlash online, with many netizens criticizing such behavior as crossing the line from admiration into harassment. Calls for “rational fandom” have grown louder, urging fans to respect personal boundaries and focus on supporting artists through their work rather than invading their private lives.

As Zhu Yu continues to dominate popularity charts, the ongoing situation highlights a recurring issue in Asian entertainment industries—where skyrocketing fame often brings with it an equally intense and sometimes dangerous level of scrutiny.

Sources: Yahoo News