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| “Bad-Boy Crazy” Takes the Crown: Yao Guanyu Shakes Up China’s Short Drama Rankings (Weibo/Douyin) |
Move over classic CEO heartthrobs—China’s short drama scene just crowned a new king, and he’s not here to play nice. Yao Guanyu, the 28-year-old actor with a flair for chaotic charm and dangerously magnetic roles, has officially overtaken Ke Chun in the short drama rankings, making waves across the industry and fans alike.
Ke Chun, long considered untouchable with viral hits like Save Myself under his belt, took the news in stride. When asked whether he’s worried about being “replaced,” the 24-year-old star kept it classy, admitting he had indeed just dropped from the top spot. “I’m not worried,” he said, tipping his hat (metaphorically) to Yao Guanyu, who’s been blazing up the charts with one hit after another.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Short Drama Actors.
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And honestly? It’s hard not to notice. Yao’s recent performances in Tearing the Night (夜幕撕裂) and Hidden Treasures (L号秘藏) have fans hooked, with social media buzzing over his signature “bad-boy crazy” roles. Whether he’s playing a ruthless warlord with a soft spot or a manipulative CEO who’s ten steps ahead of everyone, there’s something about Yao’s characters that keeps people clicking “next episode”—again and again.
Behind the screen, Yao Guanyu’s journey has been just as impressive. A graduate of the prestigious Central Academy of Drama, he quietly built his resume before signing with a Tangren Media subsidiary in early 2025. Since then, it’s been full throttle—back-to-back short dramas, increasingly high production values, and fan engagement that rivals even full-length drama leads.
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What makes his rise even more fascinating is the contrast in style compared to Ke Chun. While Ke Chun leans into the clean-cut, emotionally complex male lead—your classic romance drama staple—Yao thrives in edgier, greyer territory. It’s the wild card energy, the unpredictability, the smirk-you-can’t-trust-but-still-love vibes. And clearly, audiences are eating it up.
That said, don’t count Ke Chun out just yet. He’s still a massive force in the industry, not to mention fresh off a high-profile turn on the variety show Memories Beyond Horizon, which introduced him to a broader fanbase outside the short drama sphere. At just 24, his career is only getting started.
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But Yao Guanyu’s recent leap signals a bigger shift in China’s short drama landscape. Once seen as a more casual, budget-friendly cousin of mainstream dramas, the short drama format has evolved into its own ecosystem—with its own idols, fans, and competitive rankings. And the stars leading the charge? They’re no longer just placeholders—they’re bona fide celebrities with major followings and cult-favourite roles.
And speaking of buzz—Yao Guanyu’s love life hasn’t escaped the spotlight either. While the actor keeps things fairly lowkey off-screen, there’s been a steady stream of dating rumours since his breakout, with fans speculating connections to several co-stars. Most recently, netizens have been linking him to Hidden Treasures lead actress Lin Ziyan after behind-the-scenes clips showed their off-camera chemistry looking a bit too natural. His agency hasn’t confirmed anything, of course—but that hasn’t stopped the internet from doing its own sleuthing.
So whether you’re Team Ke Chun or Team Yao Guanyu, one thing’s for sure: the short drama arena is heating up, and we’re all here for the show.