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| Weibo Reveals 2025’s Most Popular Male C-Drama Characters, Cheng Yi Dominates the Conversation (Photo: Weibo) |
The 2025 Weibo Entertainment White Paper has finally dropped, and as expected, it has reignited lively debates among C-drama fans. This year’s list of the most popular male drama characters isn’t just about who topped the charts, but about which roles truly lived rent-free in viewers’ minds throughout 2025. From layered wuxia heroes to emotionally driven romantic leads, the rankings highlight how powerful character writing and strong acting performances continue to shape online buzz across Chinese social platforms.
At the very top of the list, Cheng Yi delivered an almost unbeatable showing through his triple roles in The Journey of Legend. His portrayals of Xiao Qiushui, Li Chenzhou, and Xiao Mingming were widely praised for their emotional range and narrative complexity. Fans on Weibo described the characters as deeply immersive, with many noting how Cheng Yi managed to give each persona a distinct soul despite sharing the same face.
The sheer volume of discussions around these roles made it clear why they dominated the rankings.
Cheng Yi’s presence didn’t stop there. He appeared again through Xie Huai’an in The Vendetta of An and Wang Quan Fugui in Sword and Beloved, reinforcing his reputation as one of 2025’s most reliable drama anchors.
Netizens often commented that his strength lies in making morally grey or emotionally restrained characters feel believable and human, which kept audiences emotionally invested from start to finish.
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Xiao Zhan secured his place near the top with Zang Hai from Legend of Zang Hai, a role that quickly became one of the most talked-about performances of the year.
The character’s mysterious aura and internal conflict sparked endless fan theories, edits, and discussion threads. Many viewers felt that Xiao Zhan’s restrained yet intense performance elevated the drama’s emotional stakes, making Zang Hai one of 2025’s most memorable male leads.
Meanwhile, Liu Yuning marked a clear turning point in his acting career by landing two spots on the list.
His dual role as Nan Heng and Li Shiliu in A Dream Within A Dream showcased his versatility, while Wei Shao in The Prisoner of Beauty helped solidify his image as a leading man capable of carrying both emotional depth and narrative weight.
Fans praised his steady growth, with many saying 2025 felt like his true breakthrough year.
The remaining names on the list reflect a strong mix of rising popularity and solid fanbases. Deng Wei’s Su Yishui in Love the Divine Tree was appreciated for its gentle yet resolute characterisation.
Ding Yuxi’s Wei Yun in Fight for Love sparked discussions for its passionate and youthful energy. Tan Jianci brought sharp charm and emotional nuance to Tang Qi in Filter, while Gong Jun’s Su Muyu in Blood River impressed viewers with his darker, more intense screen presence.
Fan reactions to the full Top 10 list have been far from uniform. While many agreed with Cheng Yi’s dominance and Xiao Zhan’s strong placement, others debated the rankings, arguing about screen time, character depth, and long-term impact.
Some netizens focused on genre differences, pointing out how historical and wuxia roles tend to generate more discussion than modern dramas, regardless of performance quality.
Here’s the official Top 10 Most Popular Male C-Drama Characters of 2025 according to Weibo:
- Xiao Qiushui, Li Chenzhou, Xiao Mingming from The Journey of Legend by Cheng Yi
- Zang Hai from Legend of Zang Hai by Xiao Zhan
- Xie Huai’an from The Vendetta of An by Cheng Yi
- Wang Quan Fugui from Sword and Beloved by Cheng Yi
- Nan Heng and Li Shiliu from A Dream Within A Dream by Liu Yuning
- Wei Shao from The Prisoner of Beauty by Liu Yuning
- Su Yishui from Love the Divine Tree by Deng Wei
- Wei Yun from Fight for Love by Ding Yuxi
- Tang Qi from Filter by Tan Jianci
- Su Muyu from Blood River by Gong Jun
With 2025 now firmly wrapped, this list feels like both a recap and a spark for new debates. Do you agree with Weibo’s rankings, or do you think certain characters deserved more recognition?