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| Why Viewers Love These ‘Perfect’ Boyfriends in Chinese Dramas |
Now, the “ideal man” on screen is less about black card energy and more about baking birthday cakes, saying “I’m proud of you,” and massaging tired ankles after work. From devoted partners to kitchen pros to proud feminists, a new wave of male leads is winning over hearts – but also sparking debate. Are these men the modern dream, or just another impossible fantasy?
🍰 Gentlemen Who Cook (And Mean It)
Let’s talk receipts. Not just dinner receipts – actual cooking.
Take Gu Wei (played by Xiao Zhan) in The Oath of Love. He’s a skilled surgeon, sure, but he also bakes soft sponge cakes for his girlfriend after long shifts. Talk about soft hands and softer energy.
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| Xiao Zhan (Weibo) |
Then there’s Mo Qingcheng (Tan Jianci) in Love Me Love My Voice – a voice actor and doctor who cooks elaborate meals despite his killer schedule. He even recreates iconic restaurant dishes at home. Peak husband material or what?
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| Tan Jianci (WeTV) |
In Love Song in Winter, Jiang Chengyi (Johnny Huang) flips the gender script completely. In his family, cooking and housework are “men’s responsibilities.” His dad literally jokes, “Men belong in the kitchen.” Where can we apply for this family?
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| Johnny Huang (Weibo) |
💪 Emotional Availability: The New Standard
Move over stoic love interests – these blokes actually talk about feelings.
Only for Love’s Shi Yan (Dylan Wang) may have started off as your classic cold CEO, but the moment he starts saying stuff like, “I can’t wait to see you shine in your career,” the audience knew: we’re dealing with a reformed man.
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| Dylan Wang (Weibo) |
Song Sanchuan (Leo Wu Lei) in Nothing But You might be the poster child of this new ideal. He cooks, he listens, he backs his girlfriend’s tennis career like a true partner. He even turns down richer, prettier women. That’s not just love – that’s loyalty with layers.
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| Wu Lei (Weibo) |
Sang Yan (Bai Jingting) in The First Frost also goes full softboy. After being rejected in school, he continues to quietly support Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) through university life. Emotional backbone, cooking skills, and no drama? He’s practically an emotional support boyfriend.
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| Bai Jingting (Weibo) |
🧠 Women’s Reactions: Swooning or Side-Eyeing?
Young Chinese women (18–30s) are loving this shift. They’re flooding comment sections with things like:
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“I need my boyfriend to watch this drama ASAP.”
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“He’s not just a boyfriend – he’s a healing aura.”
They’re calling these men “healing boyfriends” who bring peace instead of chaos. Makes sense in a world where emotional labour is still uneven.
But older viewers – especially women who’ve seen a few things – are a little less sold.
One Douban commenter didn’t hold back:
“My dad won’t even get the soy sauce if I ask. What man like this exists in real life?”
For them, these male leads feel like fantasy fluff. Characters like Zhou Bingkun from A Lifelong Journey are seen as far more grounded – flawed but loyal, grumpy but always present. In other words, real.
🧔 Men’s Take: Inspired or Intimidated?
Among men, reactions are all over the place.
Some younger guys see these characters as genuinely aspirational. They’re proof that empathy and softness are strengths, not weaknesses.
But then there’s the “this is fake and I’m tired” crowd. You’ll see comments like:
“So now being nice is unrealistic too? Can’t win.”
Others feel the pressure. If every female lead now gets a dream guy who cooks, comforts, and funds her business, where does that leave your average real-world boyfriend still trying to iron his own shirt?
🌍 International Viewers: Swooning, But Selective
Outside of China, the vibes are equally complicated.
Lots of female viewers across Southeast Asia and even Western C-drama fans adore these male leads. They offer a softer, more respectful alternative to macho K-drama tropes or Hollywood’s emotionally constipated heroes.
But not all portrayals land.
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Mo Qingcheng: Some say he crosses the line into “obsessive” territory. Too much devotion, not enough plot.
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Sang Yan: Too flawless. Not enough flaws or real conflict. “Walking green flag” or just plain flat?
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Jiang Chengyi: Has sizzling chemistry, but a few possessive scenes raised eyebrows.
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Shi Yan: Praised for being modern and chill, but others find his romance with Bai Lu a bit… plastic.
🎬 Writer’s Room Confessions: Can You Please Everyone?
One scriptwriter summed up the dilemma perfectly:
“People say they hate patriarchal male leads. But when we write feminist, sensitive ones, they say it’s unrealistic. You really can’t win.”
It’s a balancing act: reflect evolving gender norms, give women what they say they want – but keep it grounded enough that people don’t roll their eyes.
🎾 Case Study: Song Sanchuan, the Modern Mascot
Let’s not skip the poster boy of it all – Song Sanchuan from Nothing But You.
He’s young, respectful, handsome, and throws himself into his girlfriend’s career like it’s his own. He’s not just along for the ride – he’s co-piloting.
And viewers ate it up. The drama saw strong Douban ratings, with 88% of viewers under 35 and mostly women. That stat alone speaks volumes: young women are resonating with this version of masculinity.
🏁 Dreamy? Yes. But Unrealistic? Maybe Not Entirely
These drama men are clearly crafted with intention – part cultural shift, part wish fulfilment.
But maybe they’re not meant to be perfect templates. Maybe they’re reminders: that men can cook, care, listen, support… and still be hot.
Characters like Zhou Bingkun ground us in realism. But characters like Gu Wei or Song Sanchuan show us what’s possible – not perfect, but better.