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| Rivals by Fate? Song Zuer and Zhang Jingyi’s Back-to-Back Premieres Fuel Fan Debate |
If you thought last month’s drama race between Song Zuer and Zhang Jingyi was a one-off—think again. The two fan-favourite actresses are back in the spotlight, and once again, their latest projects are going head-to-head. Their upcoming dramas are dropping just two days apart this June, and the online chatter’s already heating up.
But this isn’t just another clash of release dates. There’s a juicy behind-the-scenes twist that’s got fans raising eyebrows: the lead role in Zhang Jingyi’s newest drama Reborn? It was originally meant for Song Zuer. Yep. Drama within the drama.
⚙️ Song Zuer’s Comeback Track: Created in China
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After a bumpy stretch in the headlines, Song Zuer’s setting her sights on redemption. Her new drama Created in China (original title: 《淬火年代》) premieres on June 17, co-starring Zhang Xincheng. It’s a heartfelt industrial romance set in the late ‘90s, tracing the story of Liu Jun, a foreign-trained engineer trying to breathe life into his father’s struggling factory.
Enter Cui Bingbing (played by Song Zuer), a no-nonsense banker who ends up crossing paths with Liu Jun through an awkward matchmaking setup. Cue a mix of boardroom tension, industrial reform, and slow-burn chemistry. It’s a story of building dreams—and possibly love—brick by brick, set against China’s era of rapid transformation.
📺 Where to Watch: WeTV, iQiyi
🎭 Genre: Industrial drama, romance
👫 Co-Star: Zhang Xincheng
🕊️ Zhang Jingyi’s Healing Story: Reborn
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Then, on June 19, Zhang Jingyi returns with Reborn (《煥羽》), a youth drama that mixes loss, healing, and emotional growth. She plays 16-year-old Qiao Qingyu, a girl who moves to the big city chasing answers about her sister’s mysterious death. Along the way, she meets Ming Sheng (Zhou Yiran), a misunderstood rebel with a soft heart.
What follows is a slow unfolding of trust, grief, love, and growth—spanning their teen years into early adulthood. Fans of coming-of-age tearjerkers, take note.
But here’s the real kicker: Reborn was initially being prepped with Song Zuer in the lead role. She was even cast opposite Zhou Yiran after wrapping up Created in China. Then came the tax scandal.
🔁 The Role That Changed Hands
Back in 2023, Song Zuer was suddenly pulled from the project following tax evasion allegations. Her name was dragged into the headlines after a former accountant claimed she owed over 45 million yuan in unpaid taxes. Though she never publicly addressed the accusations in depth, the fallout was swift.
Producer Yang Xiaopei unfollowed her on social media, casting rumours swirled, and soon enough, she was out. Zhang Jingyi was brought in to fill the void—an undeniably strategic move as the industry scrambled to avoid further audit crackdowns.
Fast forward to now, and Zhang Jingyi’s turned that replacement into a lead role to be proud of.
📺 Where to Watch: WeTV, iQiyi
🎭 Genre: Youth drama, family, healing romance
👫 Co-Star: Zhou Yiran
⚔️ Fan Wars and On-Screen Wins
This surprise rematch between Song Zuer and Zhang Jingyi is shaping up to be more than just a scheduling coincidence. It’s become a full-blown talking point across fan forums and Douban threads, especially with the added context of Reborn’s casting history.
Song Zuer, already making a slow but steady return with May’s The Prisoner of Beauty, seems ready to plant her flag again with Created in China. Zhang Jingyi, meanwhile, is only gaining steam—especially after her turn in Legend of Zang Hai alongside Xiao Zhan.
Are we witnessing the birth of a full-fledged Gen Z drama rivalry? Possibly. But whether fans are #TeamZuer or #TeamJingyi, one thing’s for sure: both actresses are proving they’ve got the chops to headline primetime.
💬 So, Who’s Taking the Crown This Time?
With Created in China dropping June 17 and Reborn following on June 19, all eyes are on the charts, the streams, and the social buzz. One’s serving ambition and romance during China’s industrial boom, the other’s diving into grief and young love in a modern-day cityscape.
Two stories. Two stars. One sizzling summer showdown.
Popcorn’s ready—now it’s your move.