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| Zhang Linghe Issues Apology After “Born in Southeast Asia” Comment on Hello Saturday Sparks Debate. (Credits: Weibo) |
Chinese actor Zhang Linghe has issued a public apology after a remark made during a recent episode of variety show Hello Saturday sparked debate among international viewers, particularly across Southeast Asia. The comment surfaced during a light-hearted game segment promoting his upcoming drama Pursuit of Jade, where co-star Tian Xiwei drew a portrait of him on stage.
During the segment, the 28-year-old actor joked about the sketch while it was still unfinished, initially saying it resembled comedian Yang Di.
Once the drawing was completed, Zhang looked at the portrait again and asked who it looked like. After someone on set remarked that the figure had “windblown hair”, he quipped that it felt like someone “born in Southeast Asia”.
The brief line quickly circulated online after the clip was shared on social media platforms outside mainland China.
Some viewers interpreted the remark as reflecting a regional stereotype, while others argued it was simply a throwaway comment in the middle of a variety show game.
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As discussion intensified, Zhang Linghe posted a statement on Instagram in both Chinese and English addressing the situation.
In the message, he said he was genuinely sorry that his words caused discomfort and clarified that he had no intention of targeting or belittling any group.
He emphasised that the comment was meant as a playful reaction to the drawing rather than a reference to any real people.
Zhang Linghe also thanked supporters across Southeast Asia, adding that he did not want fans who support him to feel upset because of the moment.
The actor noted that he respects different cultures and communities and expressed appreciation for audiences who have followed his work across the region.
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Following the controversy, the production team behind Hello Saturday edited the disputed scene out of the programme’s later broadcast and online versions.
The move appeared to be an attempt to prevent the remark from continuing to circulate in official releases of the show. Clips already shared online, however, had already travelled widely, prompting debate across international fan communities.
The episode itself was part of promotional activities for Pursuit of Jade, the historical drama starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, which recently premiered on multiple Chinese streaming platforms.
Some international viewers argued that public figures appearing in globally distributed entertainment should be more mindful of how certain phrases may be interpreted across different cultures. In their view, the wording risked reinforcing assumptions about regional appearance or identity.
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Others pushed back, saying the comment was clearly a spontaneous joke made while reacting to a sketch on a variety programme. Supporters noted that Zhang’s apology was prompt and direct, with both Chinese and English statements aimed at international audiences.
A number of fans also pointed out that the actor has long enjoyed support from Southeast Asian viewers through his dramas, suggesting the remark did not reflect his broader attitude towards the region.
As the discussion spread across social media, the tone of conversation gradually cooled after the apology was released and the segment was removed from the show’s official cut.
Despite the online debate, attention has also remained on Pursuit of Jade, the newly released historical drama led by Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. The series has been gaining traction on streaming platforms, with viewers discussing both the story and the on-screen chemistry between the two leads.
Separately, viewers recently raised questions about viewing records appearing unexpectedly on the Tencent Video platform. Some users reported that episodes of the drama showed as “watched” even when they had only briefly opened the playback page. The platform later clarified that it was a display error affecting page records and said it did not impact internal viewing data.
For Zhang Linghe, the incident may fade quickly as attention shifts back to his acting projects. Still, the debate reflects the growing influence of overseas audiences in shaping discussions around Chinese entertainment.
What do you think about the situation — was the backlash justified, or simply a misunderstanding from a variety show moment?