 |
| Mickey He Opens Up on Broken Bond with Producer Yu Zheng: “The Biggest Regret of My Life”. (Credits: Weibo) |
Chinese actor and singer Mickey He Shengming has spoken candidly about the collapse of his once-close relationship with powerhouse television producer Yu Zheng, describing the fallout as “the biggest regret of my life”. In a rare personal video released on 13 March, the actor revisited the highs and lows of his career and explained how a partnership that once shaped some of China’s most popular historical dramas ultimately ended in silence.
The lengthy video, recorded on 28 February — coincidentally Yu Zheng’s birthday — marked the first long-form upload on Mickey He’s personal video channel. In it, the actor delivered a reflective and emotional account of his journey from struggling singer to television star, while detailing how the working relationship and brother-like friendship he shared with the producer gradually fractured.
Before stepping into acting, Mickey He Shengming began his entertainment career as a singer and even performed on China’s prestigious Spring Festival Gala stage. Confident about his prospects, he left his group to pursue a solo path, determined to become what he once described as “the most handsome singer in China” and a trendsetter in the industry.
The gamble did not pay off immediately.
After going solo, his career stalled sharply. Work opportunities dwindled and his move to Beijing brought little success.
During that difficult period he took on small jobs, including working as a visual supervisor, earning barely enough to cover daily expenses.
He recalled wandering alone by the seaside during a particularly bleak period, struggling emotionally and questioning his future. Eventually, he returned to his hometown for a time to regain stability with the support of his parents before heading back to Beijing to try again.
Meeting Yu Zheng and Building a Career Together
The turning point arrived during one of the lowest chapters of his life. While at a KTV venue, Yu Zheng noticed potential in him and invited him to try acting.
The two quickly formed a close bond, referring to each other as brothers and spending long stretches working side by side.
Their collaboration soon expanded beyond acting roles, with both helping to build a production team, secure investors and develop television projects.
Together they produced several widely recognised dramas including Rose Martial World, Love Tribulations, and Beauty’s Rival in Palace, establishing themselves as a creative partnership in China’s television industry.
During the production of Spell of the Fragrance, Yu Zheng reportedly created a lead role specifically for Mickey He. Yet the actor surprised the producer by insisting on playing antagonist Gong Shaohua instead. Yu Zheng was said to be upset by the decision, though the lead role ultimately went to Hawick Lau.
The partnership continued nonetheless.
Yu Zheng later cast Mickey He as Fourth Prince (Si Ye) in the hit drama Palace (宫锁心玉), a role that propelled the actor to national popularity.
Within three years both men had reached the peak of their careers — Mickey He winning the Most Popular Actor award at the Hunan TV Golden Eagle Awards, while Yu Zheng cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most influential drama producers.
 |
| Mickey He Speaks Out About Split with Producer Yu Zheng |
The Project That Broke the Partnership
According to Mickey He, the real turning point came with another project developed by Yu Zheng.
The producer had reportedly planned the drama The Smiling, Proud Wanderer adaptation project for him. However, Mickey He ultimately declined the role, explaining that he wanted to explore broader storytelling beyond palace-themed dramas.
He also admitted that financial pressure played a role in his decision. With his parents growing older and family responsibilities increasing, he felt compelled to take on projects that offered higher earnings.
Following the success of Palace 2, he revealed that his pay had risen dramatically — reportedly reaching around 200,000 yuan per day, meaning a 50-day shoot could bring in about 10 million yuan. Accepting other projects for financial reasons, however, crossed what he described as Yu Zheng’s personal line.
From that moment, their relationship deteriorated.
Ten Years of Silence
The fallout led to a complete break in communication.
Mickey He said Yu Zheng deleted him from WeChat, and the two have not maintained any contact details for each other since. Over the past decade they have neither collaborated nor spoken directly.
The only time they encountered one another again was by chance in the corridor of the Park Hyatt hotel in Hangzhou, where they simply walked past each other without exchanging words.
Despite the long silence, Mickey He said he still views Yu Zheng as an important figure in his life and career. While acknowledging the painful ending to their partnership, he emphasised that he remains grateful for the opportunities the producer gave him.
He added that he has never regretted meeting Yu Zheng — only that they were unable to continue working together and create more successful projects.
The candid account quickly spread across Chinese social media, where viewers expressed mixed reactions to Mickey He’s reflections.
Some fans praised his honesty and emotional openness, saying it takes courage for a public figure to revisit such personal history. Many also highlighted the importance of Yu Zheng’s influence during Mickey He’s career breakthrough.
Others, however, debated whether the conflict could have been avoided. A number of netizens suggested that creative disagreements and financial pressures are common in the entertainment industry, particularly when both sides are experiencing rapid career growth.
Some viewers also noted that the story offers a rare glimpse into the complex relationships behind Chinese television production — where personal trust, business decisions and artistic choices often overlap.
Still, many fans shared a sense of nostalgia for the era when the two worked together, recalling the impact of dramas such as Beauty’s Rival in Palace and Palace on the Chinese television landscape.
Whether reconciliation could ever happen remains uncertain. Yet Mickey He’s message ended on a note of goodwill, wishing Yu Zheng continued success and fresh creative work in the future.
What do you think about Mickey He’s story and his decade-long rift with Yu Zheng? Could the two ever collaborate again, or has that chapter of Chinese television history truly closed?