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| Controversy Around Liu Yuning’s Role in Hit Drama ‘The Prisoner of Beauty’ (WeTV/Weibo) |
Beijing, 17 May 2025 – Historical drama The Prisoner of Beauty premiered on 13 May 2025 with little advance notice, but that did not prevent it from instantly capturing the spotlight. Replacing the postponed The Journey of Legend – shelved due to a supporting actress’s legal troubles – the drama quickly surged to the top of Tencent’s trending charts, clocking an impressive 26,000 rating points within its first 30 minutes of release.
Yet, while the numbers paint a picture of triumph, the narrative surrounding the series has been far from harmonious.
Much of the conversation has centred not on the plot or cinematography, but rather on lead actor Liu Yuning – and not in a flattering light.
Sudden Fame Meets Sudden Fire
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| ‘The Prisoner of Beauty’: Song Zuer Praised, Liu Yuning Criticised in New Drama |
Liu Yuning, who stars opposite the ever-elegant Song Zuer, has become a lightning rod for criticism. His portrayal of the male lead in period costume has sparked a wave of online disapproval, with social media commentary labelling him as one of the “least fitting leads in the history of costume drama.”
Critics have taken issue with both his visual presence and his acting style, describing his performance as flat and emotionally disengaged.
His on-screen chemistry with Song Zuer, whose performance has been widely lauded, has also been called into question. Where Zuer delivers emotionally charged moments – including three highly praised crying scenes and one dramatic confrontation – Yuning’s expressions have been likened by some viewers to that of a “lifeless mannequin.”
A Drama With History – On and Off Screen
The Prisoner of Beauty is not a new production. The series was originally filmed nearly two years ago, but its broadcast was delayed due to Song Zuer’s tax-related legal complications. Shelved during a sensitive period, the show only recently resurfaced in a strategic release slot, replacing a drama that fell victim to scandal.
The drama’s sudden return also saw it in direct competition with A Love Never Lost, another long-delayed series set during the Republican era, starring Li Xian. Yet despite its troubled backstory, The Prisoner of Beauty effortlessly outpaced its rival in terms of popularity and viewership.
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| Li Xian in A Love Never Lost (Weibo) |
A Divided Audience
The drama’s soaring popularity has not translated to critical acclaim. On Douban, China’s premier review platform, the series has received a mixed reception, with many low ratings tied directly to Liu Yuning’s casting.
Complaints range from his overly angular facial structure, deemed ill-suited for aristocratic roles, to the apparent overuse of beauty filters that some say detract from narrative immersion.
This is not the first time Liu has been on the receiving end of such critique. His performances in A Journey to Love and The Story of Pearl Girl were similarly scrutinised, with concerns raised over his suitability for leading roles in traditional dramas.
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Still, his fanbase remains vocal. Supporters argue that Liu Yuning’s transition from singer to actor has shown clear progress, and insist that online negativity is fuelled by bias rather than genuine critique. They urge viewers to focus on the story and character development rather than surface-level aesthetics.
Spotlight on Song Zuer
In stark contrast, Song Zuer’s portrayal has been a consistent high point. Her performance, particularly in emotionally intense scenes, has been praised as both nuanced and powerful.
One notable moment – a dramatic slap delivered to Liu Yuning’s character during a climactic dispute – has gone viral, resonating with audiences and reinforcing her acting credentials.
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Zuer’s emotional depth and screen presence have not only elevated the drama’s rating but have also ignited discussions about how a single strong performance can carry a production forward, even amid casting controversies.
A Blockbuster’s Balancing Act
As The Prisoner of Beauty continues its run, the question now is whether it can sustain its early momentum. Can the storytelling and supporting cast offset the wave of disapproval directed at its male lead? Or will the criticism gradually undermine the series’ blockbuster status?
One thing is certain – the series has already proven that in the entertainment world, success can be swift, but staying at the top requires more than just numbers. It demands consistency, credibility, and above all, the ability to win over an audience divided by perception and expectation.
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