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| Bi Wenjun and Zhang Yuxi Variety Show Appearance Sparks Online Clash Between Fan Groups. (Image via: Sohu) |
China’s entertainment industry found itself in the middle of another unexpected online storm after Bi Wenjun addressed his upcoming variety show collaboration with Zhang Yuxi, reigniting debate among fans who had closely followed their on-screen pairing in the drama Deep Affection Eyes (深情眼).
The controversy surfaced in March 2026 after it was confirmed that the two actors would appear together in the recording of the variety programme New York Partners 2. The news initially sounded like good news for viewers who enjoyed their chemistry in the romantic drama, particularly as the recording announcement arrived nearly a year after filming for the series wrapped.
Instead, what could have been a simple reunion quickly turned into a complicated online dispute involving multiple fan communities.
At the centre of the backlash were remarks from Bi Wenjun, who posted a message acknowledging that some work arrangements are beyond an artist’s full control.
He ended the statement by saying he might simply be “not strong enough”. The brief comment, though vague, immediately sparked heated interpretations across social media.
For supporters of the drama couple, the wording felt discouraging. Some fans interpreted it as suggesting that appearing alongside Zhang Yuxi again was not entirely his own choice. For those who had championed the pairing since Deep Affection Eyes, the remark dampened what was supposed to be a celebratory reunion.
The situation escalated when netizens began revisiting earlier discussions from the drama’s promotion period. Online users pointed out that after the series aired, Zhang Yuxi had reportedly recommended Bi Wenjun to a producer for another project.
The comparison led some commentators to argue that she had handled the professional relationship more gracefully.
Meanwhile, the reaction from Bi Wenjun’s own fanbase added another layer to the dispute.
His official fan club released a public statement criticising his management team for poor communication regarding the variety show schedule. The group also announced a temporary suspension of organised promotional support and fan-driven data activities related to the actor.
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| Deep Affection Eyes Co-Stars Bi Wenjun and Zhang Yuxi Face Fan Backlash Over New Variety Show Recording |
That move effectively turned the situation into a three-way conflict involving the artist’s management, his individual fans, and supporters of the drama couple.
Some viewers sympathised with Bi Wenjun, arguing that actors often have limited influence over scheduling decisions once contracts and production plans are in place. They saw his remark about not being “strong enough” as a candid admission of the constraints that performers sometimes face within the industry.
Others, however, felt the controversy could have been avoided with clearer messaging. Critics suggested the statement sounded ambiguous and allowed room for speculation, particularly in a fan culture where every word from celebrities is closely scrutinised.
At the same time, many netizens praised Zhang Yuxi for maintaining a steady and professional stance throughout the situation. Since Deep Affection Eyes finished airing, she has maintained a friendly attitude toward fans of the on-screen pairing and has occasionally expressed support for future collaborations.
That reputation has led some observers to describe her approach as calm and pragmatic, especially in an environment where fictional pairings often evolve into large fan communities with strong expectations.
Industry watchers say the episode highlights a broader challenge in today’s entertainment business. Production platforms often hope to capitalise on popular on-screen chemistry, while management agencies must balance long-term career strategies and commercial opportunities.
Caught between these interests are the actors themselves, who must navigate expectations from different groups of supporters.
Following the growing online debate, Bi Wenjun’s studio clarified that he would only appear in the pilot episode of New York Partners 2. The adjustment is widely viewed as an attempt to ease tensions while still fulfilling the programme’s recording plans.
Even so, the discussion surrounding the incident has once again raised larger questions about fan influence and the boundaries between support and pressure within modern celebrity culture.
What do you think about the controversy surrounding Bi Wenjun and Zhang Yuxi? Are fans reading too much into the situation, or should artists communicate more carefully when addressing sensitive collaborations?