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| Bai Jingting Goes Viral with Fit Bod and Gritty New Role in 'Justifiable Defense' |
Bai Jingting’s back in the spotlight this week, and honestly? He’s serving both looks and depth. From a jaw-dropping shirtless snap to the emotional rollercoaster of his new drama Justifiable Defense (正当防卫), the actor’s got the internet buzzing — and fans are loving every second.
🔥 From Boy-Next-Door to Full-On Fitness King
Just days before Justifiable Defense dropped, Bai Jingting casually uploaded a photo showing off his ripped torso — and that was enough to break the internet for a hot minute. The lean muscles, the sculpted abs… fans were shook. Known for his sweet, softer image in past romantic dramas, Bai’s new look marked a major glow-up. No filter, no gimmicks — just pure gym dedication.
Netizens praised the transformation, calling it “unexpected but totally welcome” and joking that Lu Nan (his character in the drama) could “defend” them any day. We see no lies.
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💥 But It’s Not Just About the Looks — Fans Turn Out Big Time
The buzz didn’t stop at aesthetics. Bai Jingting’s fandom — affectionately known as “1015” after his birthday (October 15th) — launched a major support campaign called “1015场”, basically organising massive watch parties and group bookings (baochang) to push Justifiable Defense into the spotlight.
And it worked. Pre-orders for the drama surged past 2 million, and as of July 14, it’s sitting pretty at No. 2 on Maoyan’s daily drama chart. That’s no small feat considering the current crowded drama landscape. The loyalty and coordination of Bai’s fans is seriously next level.
🧠 Plot’s a Punch in the Gut — And Bai Jingting Delivers
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In Justifiable Defense, Bai Jingting takes on the heavy role of Lu Nan, a university student who kills someone while trying to stop a classmate from being assaulted. He’s arrested and jailed, and when he gets out, he’s not welcomed back — not even by his mum. Oof.
The drama doesn’t paint Lu Nan as a hero or a villain. Instead, it dives into the grey areas — trauma, guilt, justice, and how society treats someone who’s done wrong for the “right” reasons. Bai Jingting’s performance shows emotional restraint, inner turmoil, and that slow-burning tension that hits you in the chest. Fans are already calling it one of his most mature and layered performances yet.
👧 Surprise Hidden Love Connection: Zhang Ximei Joins the Cast
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Adding to the intrigue is the return of child actress Zhang Ximei — yes, the same one who played little Sang Zhi in Hidden Love (偷偷藏不住). And guess what? She’s now acting alongside Bai Jingting, who played Sang Yan in The First Frost (难哄) — the sister drama to Hidden Love. A full-circle reunion that drama fans didn’t see coming!
In Justifiable Defense, Zhang Ximei plays the daughter of a fellow inmate who’s navigating her own battles with school bullying. Despite her age, she brings a calm, heartfelt performance that’s already drawing praise. Critics are calling her a breakout star all over again.
It’s not just hype — Justifiable Defense is proving to be one of the standout dramas of mid-2025. Between the moral greys, psychological weight, unexpected reunions, and Bai Jingting’s total career flex, this one’s got all the ingredients of a sleeper hit. Add in a loyal fanbase and a solid social media push, and you’ve got a drama that’s built to last.