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| Liu Yuning Claps Back at Criticism Over ‘Spending New Year at Internet Café’ Remark. (Photo: Sohu) |
Chinese singer-actor Liu Yuning has directly addressed the online debate surrounding his comment about spending Lunar New Year overnight at an internet café, after his answer during the CCTV Spring Festival Gala interview sparked divided reactions across social media.
During an earlier interview linked to the high-profile Spring Festival Gala broadcast by CCTV, Liu Yuning casually shared that he once spent New Year’s Eve gaming through the night at an internet café with friends. The offhand remark quickly went viral. Some found it refreshingly honest and relatable, while others questioned whether such a story felt “grand” enough for someone appearing on one of China’s most prestigious stages.
On 21 February, Liu Yuning responded during a livestream, calmly and without dodging the conversation. Rather than retracting his words, he stood by them.
“Maybe I said it deliberately like that,” he explained. “You can’t be perfect in every way. But you should aim to be the one and only version of yourself. That’s how you stand out.”
His response reframed the discussion entirely. Instead of focusing on image or prestige, he shifted the spotlight to authenticity. For Liu Yuning, the issue was never about whether the anecdote sounded glamorous. It was about being real.
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| Liu Yuning Breaks Silence on Viral Internet Café Comment During New Year Gala |
Supporters praised his honesty. Many fans said is background story made him more relatable and grounded. They argued that sharing ordinary memories — like spending New Year with friends at an internet café — shows he hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
Critics, however, felt the comment lacked what they called “stage presence energy.” Some netizens believed that as a public figure appearing on a nationally watched gala, he should project a more aspirational or polished image.
Neutral observers pointed out that the backlash itself highlights the unrealistic standards often placed on celebrities. Not every success story needs to be wrapped in luxury or dramatic struggle.
Beyond addressing the controversy, Liu Yuning used the livestream to open up more deeply about his journey.
He reminded viewers that he comes from a modest background and once trained as a chef before breaking into entertainment. Becoming a singer, actor and streamer was not instant success. It was built on consistency and persistence.
He also shared a message that resonated strongly with younger viewers: focus on your own progress instead of comparing yourself to others. According to him, comparing lifestyles only creates pressure and dissatisfaction. Real growth comes from watching how far you’ve personally come.
He even acknowledged that many people may have better family backgrounds, education or career advantages than he did — but he believes that effort and action matter more than circumstances.
What do you think? Was his internet café story refreshingly honest or slightly off-key for such a grand stage?