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| Pursuit of Jade Star Lin Muran Responds to Fury Over Sui Yuanqing Role. (Credits: Weibo) |
Rising star Lin Muran has issued a public apology following intense online reaction to his portrayal of Sui Yuanqing in the hit historical drama Pursuit of Jade, after the character’s actions in recent episodes sparked widespread debate among viewers.
Writing on Weibo, the young actor acknowledged the response to his role, saying he was “truly sorry” for the anger and discomfort caused by the character’s behaviour. He framed the apology as being made “on behalf of Sui Yuanqing”, a fictional figure whose actions—including the killing of a key character—have unsettled audiences.
The reaction has been swift and highly visible. A trending hashtag linked to Lin Muran climbed rapidly, drawing hundreds of millions of views as viewers shared their responses.
Much of the discussion centres on the intensity of Sui Yuanqing’s actions, with some describing the character as difficult to watch, while others point to the performance as a standout element in an otherwise uneven drama.
In Pursuit of Jade, led by Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, Sui Yuanqing is introduced as a calculating and unpredictable antagonist.
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His storyline includes a sequence in which he orders a large-scale attack on civilians, widely cited by viewers as one of the drama’s most emotionally heavy moments.
Another scene—where he reacts to being struck by the female lead with a composed yet unsettling smile—has been widely shared across platforms.
For many, the discomfort is precisely what has driven the conversation. Viewers have described feeling unsettled by the character’s behaviour, with some admitting they considered dropping the series altogether.
At the same time, others argue that the strength of the reaction reflects the effectiveness of Lin Muran’s performance, noting his ability to switch between charm and menace with minimal dialogue.
Industry observers have also pointed to the contrast between the drama’s reception and the response to its supporting cast.
While criticism has been directed at aspects of the storyline and pacing, the portrayal of Sui Yuanqing has emerged as a focal point—drawing attention to a young actor still early in his career.
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| Lin Muran Apologises After Pursuit of Jade Role Leaves Viewers Shaken |
At 19, Lin Muran is not new to the screen. Having started as a child actor, he has appeared in a range of productions before transitioning into more complex roles.
His academic record has also been noted, with top placements in several leading performing arts institutions in China, suggesting a performer with both experience and formal training.
The divided response highlights a familiar tension in television drama: the line between character and actor. Some viewers have focused on the actions of Sui Yuanqing as grounds for criticism, while others have separated the role from the performance, praising the depth and control shown on screen.
The debate also reflects broader expectations of historical dramas, where antagonists are often written to provoke strong reactions but can quickly become the centre of attention when portrayed with intensity.
In this case, Sui Yuanqing’s arc appears to have shifted audience focus away from the main storyline and onto the character himself.
For Lin Muran, the apology signals an awareness of that reaction, but also marks a turning point. The attention—whether critical or supportive—has placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of the most discussed breakout actors linked to the series.
The question now is not just how the character will be remembered, but how this moment shapes the trajectory of the actor behind it. So, where do you stand—was it too much, or exactly what the story needed?