Yun Chu Ling Begins Filming as Esther Yu’s New Historical Look Sparks Buzz

Yun Chu Ling On-Set Photos Reveal a Sharper, More Mature Esther Yu (Photo: Upmedia)

The historical drama Yun Chu Ling (云初令, English title TBA) is officially in production, and it didn’t take long for the project to start trending. Recently circulated on-set photos featuring Esther Yu and Zhang Yunlong have sparked widespread discussion online, with many viewers noting how different Esther Yu looks compared to her previous screen roles. The quiet shift in her image alone has been enough to pull Yun Chu Ling firmly into the public spotlight.

In the drama, Esther Yu plays Yun Chu, a noblewoman who carries the weighty role of household matriarch. Photos from the set reveal a noticeably calmer, more commanding presence. 

One widely shared image shows her in a light blue traditional costume detailed with gold embroidery, hair styled neatly in an elegant updo. The overall look gives off composed authority, fitting for a woman who holds power within the family rather than standing in the background.

Another photo presents a contrasting tone. Dressed in a brown, understated outfit, Esther Yu is seated with a teacup in hand, her expression sharp and observant. The simpler styling draws attention to her gaze, highlighting a colder and more calculating side of Yun Chu. 

For many fans, this portrayal feels worlds apart from the lively, sweet, and expressive characters Esther Yu has often been associated with, making the transformation all the more striking.

Yun Chu Ling is adapted from the novel of the same name by Chaoyun Zi and centres on Yun Chu’s rebirth. In her previous life, she married into a modest family and devoted herself fully to her husband and his household, only to meet a devastating end through betrayal and manipulation. 

Given a second chance at life, Yun Chu decides not to repeat the same mistakes. This time, she moves carefully through a world of political tension, using softness as a tactic and determination as her shield, all while reclaiming control over her own fate.

The drama also marks a new milestone for Esther Yu, as it is her first historical production to be fully filmed on location. Before filming began, there were whispers online questioning the project’s progress. 

Those doubts were quickly put to rest when candid photos surfaced showing Esther Yu, Zhang Yunlong, and the production team together, including relaxed moments outside scheduled shoots. The images confirmed that Yun Chu Ling is very much moving forward.

News of Esther Yu joining Yun Chu Ling arrived while her modern drama Speed and Love (雙軌), co-starring He Yu, was still enjoying strong viewer attention. With one project keeping audiences hooked and another quietly building anticipation, her next career steps have naturally become a hot topic.

Over the past period, Esther Yu’s work schedule had seen adjustments due to various discussions in the public space, leading to fewer visible projects for a time. 

Since then, she has steadily returned to regular filming, and Yun Chu Ling now stands out as one of her most closely watched works currently in production.

As expected, netizen reactions are split but lively. Some fans are praising the fresh, restrained aura, saying the role finally lets Esther Yu show a more layered and mature side. 

Others admit they need time to adjust, as the calm authority of Yun Chu feels far removed from the bubbly image they are used to. Still, even sceptical voices agree on one thing: the character looks intriguing, and curiosity around the final performance is clearly growing.

What do you think about Esther Yu’s new image and this rebirth-driven storyline? Is this the role that could redefine how audiences see her?