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| Why Wang Yibo Hasn’t Filmed a Drama in 500 Days — Actor Opens Up on TV (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese star Wang Yibo has finally returned to the screen — not through a drama or blockbuster film, but through the brand-new second season of his reality series Exploring the Unknown with Wang Yibo (探索新境).
And this time, the usually reserved actor dropped a revelation that instantly set social media buzzing: he hasn’t stepped onto a drama or movie set for more than 500 days.
The confession, which aired in the latest episode, caught many viewers off guard. The moment he admitted it, comments poured in from fans feeling both concerned and touched by his rare openness.
Wang Yibo’s rise has been nothing short of dramatic. Starting out as an idol, he shot into international stardom through The Untamed, followed by a streak of strong performances in War of Faith, Being a Hero, and Luoyang.
On the film side, he showed even more range through Born to Fly and Hidden Blade, earning a reputation as someone who takes on physically demanding roles without hesitation.
Before stepping back last year, he was working at a pace that barely allowed him to breathe:
– Four films
– Two dramas
– A permanent variety show
– Ten-plus major endorsement deals
It was a schedule that almost guaranteed burnout.
His last acting project, the film Intercross, wrapped in July last year and remains his only unreleased work.
Since then, Wang Yibo has not accepted any new acting roles — something fans found unusual for a star consistently known for packed schedules.
Wang Yibo Opens Up About His State of Mind
In the new season of his adventure reality show, Yibo finally addressed the long break in the most straightforward way possible.
“The two years before, I worked so much. I started making changes. I told myself, I have to go out, I have to try more things, I have to go to nature. After finishing filming the first season, my mindset changed a lot. I feel this is the life I need,” he shared during the episode.
The insight instantly went viral, not because it was dramatic — but because it was so real. Fans praised him for choosing to slow down rather than push himself to the edge again.
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Season 1 of Exploring the Unknown took almost 20 months to film. The production sent Wang Yibo into everything from rainforests to the snow peaks of Qinghai, climbing at altitudes reaching 4,000–5,000 metres.
At one point, observers noted his lips turning blue from the thin air — yet he kept going.
The risks were so high that multiple insurance companies, according to reports, didn’t dare offer coverage.
Now, in Season 2, he’s doing it again — this time flying to North America for rock-climbing challenges in harsh desert terrain.
When asked whether adventure had changed him, he admitted it helped him rethink everything he valued about work and life.
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Fans Are Proud He’s Finally Slowing Down
Many long-time fans said they had sensed his exhaustion at several public appearances, where he often looked deep in thought.
Seeing him prioritise himself for once has become a major relief for them.
The general sentiment online is clear:
Let him rest — he has earned it.
While there’s no announcement about upcoming dramas or films, fans hope this break marks a fresh start for the star, both personally and professionally.
For now, they’re simply glad he’s rediscovering what makes him happy.
Source: Upmedia