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| Chen Duling’s Career Tested Amid Fan Unrest Over Drama Credits (Weibo) |
After the Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran equal billing controversy in Qiao Chu, fan backlash erupts, sparking industry-wide reflection on the rising wave of fan withdrawals and the shifting dynamics of stardom in China's entertainment industry.
Chinese actress Chen Duling has become the latest star swept into the growing tide of fan disillusionment. Following actor Shi Kai’s recent experience, Chen’s fandom has been rocked by mass “unfanning” (脱粉) declarations, with supporters citing dissatisfaction over her equal billing with Zhou Yiran in the upcoming drama Qiao Chu.
Related: Chen Duling vs Zhou Yiran Fandom Clash
The incident reflects a larger, industry-wide pattern—where fans, once fiercely loyal, are walking away with increasing ease and frequency.
The Breaking Point: Equal Billing in Qiao Chu
At the heart of the controversy lies the Qiao Chu drama, an adaptation of the popular female-centric novel Queen Chu (《楚后》).
The original story places the female lead, Chu Chao, at its emotional and narrative core—something fans argue should be reflected in the screen adaptation.
Many expected Chen Duling, who has seen a career resurgence with works like Till the End of the Moon and The Glory, to rightfully hold the leading position.
Instead, the studio announced that she would share top billing with Zhou Yiran, sparking outrage among fans.
In their eyes, the move not only undermined the integrity of the original story but also downplayed Chen Duling’s stature.
Despite Chen Duling’s personal effort to calm the situation through social media posts encouraging rationality and her studio’s joint statement promoting respectful discussion, no direct answer was given on the billing issue—leaving fans unconvinced.
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"Unfanning" as a New Normal
To many in the industry, the phenomenon of fans declaring their exit is no longer a shock. “Fans are calling it quits every day,” says an industry insider known by the pseudonym Kaka.
She explains that the triggers are varied—controversial styling choices, damaged public images, or most commonly, disputes over billing order (番位). In this case, billing was the final straw.
Another entertainment professional, Guan Guan, adds, “Sometimes fans don’t want their idols acting in dramas they think are beneath them, or partnering with artists they feel are mismatched.”
It’s a sentiment that goes beyond Chen Duling. The current climate is one where fan expectations are sky-high—and increasingly non-negotiable.
One long-time fan, Ya Ya, shared her own journey through three separate “unfanning” events. In each case, a mix of unmet expectations, lack of content, or the realisation that an idol’s appeal was heavily manufactured led her to walk away. “If they can’t keep giving me surprises, I lose interest,” she admitted.
Her most recent favourite may also face the same fate, thanks to rumours of dating and unsatisfactory styling. “Chasing idols is emotional and irrational. If expectations go unmet, people leave,” she said bluntly.
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Emotional Fallout: From Devotion to Backlash
While many fans leave quietly, others lash out. Ya Ya confessed to once contemplating “unfanning and retaliating,” especially after investing years of emotional and financial support in an idol whose image later crumbled.
“It’s like getting betrayed in a relationship,” she reflected.
This emotional toll is becoming more visible—and more disruptive. For artist teams, managing the fallout is an increasing challenge.
“If a star is a serious actor, they probably don’t care much. But if their fame depends on fan engagement and online data, mass unfanning can hit hard,” said Kaka.
Rising stars, in particular, tread a delicate path. With only a few notable roles to their name, they depend heavily on fan support to secure better scripts, production teams, and visibility.
“They can’t afford to upset their fanbase, but they also have to play by the industry’s rules,” she added.
Behind the Scenes: The Hidden War of Billing
At the center of many disputes lies the elusive and often controversial issue of billing order. Who appears first in promotional materials isn’t just about ego—it’s about perceived status, future opportunities, and even marketing value.
Guan Guan admits that fans often overestimate their idols’ leverage. “Sometimes the other actor may not have obvious success, but their brand deals sell, or they have platform backing. There’s a lot that fans don’t see.”
Kaka points out that billing involves a complex calculation—previous leading roles, popularity metrics, and relationships with production platforms.
“Everyone wants to be the top name, but it’s not always your call. Sometimes you have to compromise—or lose the role entirely.”
She also revealed that many dramas are signed before a star becomes popular. “You can’t suddenly demand a change after the fact. That would break trust—and likely get you blacklisted.”
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The Limits of Fan Power
Still, fans wield significant influence. “Even if they can't change billing, they can send a message,” said Guan Guan. “Make some noise, and the next time the studio thinks twice before sidelining your idol.”
But this tug-of-war has consequences. “Some actors now play it safe—less output, less risk. Others become dull shadows of who they used to be,” said Guan Guan.
Casting decisions are changing too. Gone are the days of equal top-billing between major stars. Now, it's more common to see a mix of traffic-driven idols paired with seasoned actors to balance prestige and exposure—while sidestepping potential fan drama.
When Crisis Meets Miscommunication
In Chen Duling’s case, part of the fan anger stemmed from poor communication.
Her post, which included phrases like “put down your phone and focus on real life,” was seen as dismissive. Fans felt blindsided—believing they should’ve been warned earlier about the equal billing.
According to insiders, when an artist personally addresses a controversy, it often signals that external pressure has reached a boiling point.
“Usually, someone behind the scenes—be it a platform or a producer—has pushed them to speak out to keep things moving,” Guan Guan explained.
Still, how a response is delivered matters. “There are ways to say things. Private channels can soften the blow. Public posts? They often make it worse,” Kaka said.
She added that effective fan operation—or “fan-ops”—is becoming essential. Teams now anticipate potential issues and proactively communicate with core fan groups to preempt backlash.
“Sometimes, we explain that taking second billing was necessary to land a good project. If the fans truly care, they understand,” she said. “But if they walk away anyway, it means the emotional bond was weak to begin with.”
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The Future: A Shift from Traffic to Trust
As China’s entertainment landscape cools and projects shrink, the value of raw traffic is declining. Viewers are looking for real substance—and producers are following suit.
“Honestly, only fans care about billing order. The general audience doesn’t,” Kaka said.
“Plenty of dramas with huge billing fights ended up flopping. Meanwhile, smaller actors have risen just by delivering great performances.”
The takeaway is clear: good content trumps everything. And perhaps, as the industry matures, it’s this truth—not fan fury—that will shape the next era of stardom.