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| Why Song Weilong Disappeared for Two Years and How Shine on Me Changed Everything (Photo: Weibo) |
As Shine on Me (驕陽似我) continues to dominate online discussions, Song Weilong’s name is once again everywhere — trending searches, rising follower counts, and renewed industry buzz all point to one thing: his long-awaited comeback has finally landed.
The modern romance drama, co-starring Zhao Jinmai, has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of the moment. Viewership keeps climbing, fan edits are flooding social platforms, and Song Weilong’s popularity has surged almost overnight. For many viewers, this drama doesn’t just feel like another hit — it feels like a turning point.
In Shine on Me, Song Weilong plays Lin Yusen, a calm, distant high achiever whose softer, more thoughtful side slowly comes through.
His natural chemistry with Zhao Jinmai has been widely praised, with many netizens saying the pairing feels “effortless” rather than forced. The role also marks a clear shift in his acting choices, showing more emotional restraint and maturity than his earlier works.
This sudden rise has also brought renewed attention to a question fans have been asking for years: where exactly did Song Weilong go after Go Ahead?
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Song Weilong has been active in the entertainment industry for nearly a decade. Before officially debuting, he gained attention through short videos on Kuaishou and modelling work for Taobao. His visuals and height quickly set him apart, and he was soon signed under a long-term contract in 2015.
His career took off rapidly. He became a familiar leading man through dramas like Find Yourself, In a Class of Her Own, and most notably Go Ahead. The 2020 family drama was a massive success and firmly established him as one of the most recognisable young actors of his generation.
But just as his popularity peaked, his career momentum unexpectedly stalled.
Behind the scenes, Song Weilong reportedly grew dissatisfied with the roles he was being offered. He felt stuck in repetitive character types and wanted to explore different genres and creative directions. In 2021, he requested to terminate his contract — a decision that would lead to a prolonged dispute.
What followed was nearly two years of silence. Court proceedings, compensation claims, and conflicting statements from both sides meant Song Weilong took on no new drama projects throughout 2021 and 2022.
Public speculation quickly spread, with some believing he had been sidelined, while others argued it was a personal choice.
The full truth remains unclear, but the result was obvious: a noticeable gap during what should have been the most active years of his career.
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In 2023, the dispute was finally resolved. Song Weilong officially parted ways with his former agency and set up his own studio. What happened next surprised even longtime fans.
Within roughly two and a half years, he completed six drama projects, covering a wider range of genres and character styles than before. From historical fantasy to suspense and romance, his post-dispute work rate sharply increased, signalling a clear reset in his career path.
Now, with Shine on Me airing to strong reception, that reset appears to be paying off. His portrayal of Lin Yusen feels calmer, more controlled, and emotionally grounded — a performance many viewers say reflects both growth and hard-earned experience.
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Chinese netizens have had mixed but passionate reactions to Song Weilong’s journey:
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Some expressed sympathy, calling his two-year absence “a waste of prime years” and criticising how agency conflicts can derail young actors’ momentum.
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Others praised his patience, noting that he chose to wait rather than compromise on roles he didn’t believe in.
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Longtime fans highlighted how his acting now feels more stable and less dependent on visuals alone.
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A few netizens remained cautious, saying his comeback should be judged by consistency rather than one successful drama.
Still, the overall tone has shifted from doubt to respect. Many viewers now see Shine on Me not just as a hit romance, but as proof that Song Weilong’s career is back on a solid track.
Several unreleased projects already lined up, expectations are high. Fans are watching closely to see whether he can maintain this momentum and continue choosing roles that challenge him rather than repeat old formulas.
Do you think Shine on Me truly marks his strongest era yet, or is this just the beginning of a longer comeback story?