Li Yunrui Faces Backlash Over 'Shang Gongzhu' Promotion, Defends Interactions with Meng Ziyi

Chinese actor Li Yunrui has found himself at the center of a social media controversy following his promotional activities for the drama ‘Shang Gongzhu.’ The actor, who stars alongside Meng Ziyi, faced criticism from some fans who felt that their flirtatious interactions during promotional events were unprofessional or misleading. The backlash was significant enough to cause some followers to declare they were ‘un-stanning’ the actor, citing discomfort with the perceived intimacy between the two co-stars.

In his first public response to the controversy, Li Yunrui remained steadfast, stating that he would act the same way if given the chance to do it again. He emphasized that his actions were intended to promote the chemistry required for the drama and that he stands by his professional choices. The drama itself, which features a complex romantic storyline involving a ‘marriage into the wife’s family’ trope, has been a major topic of discussion among fans, particularly regarding the emotional reunion of the lead characters after a three-year separation.

‘Shang Gongzhu’ has garnered attention for its intricate plot points and the emotional depth of its leads. Viewers have been particularly moved by scenes where Li Yunrui’s character, who suffers from blindness, encounters Meng Ziyi’s character again. The emotional weight of these scenes has resonated with audiences, even as the off-screen promotional antics caused division. Meng Ziyi has also shared her own lighthearted perspective on the production, joking about wanting to give her character a weapon to handle the dramatic tension of the story.

As the drama continues to air, the focus is shifting back to the narrative quality of the show. The debate over promotional behavior highlights the fine line actors must walk in the modern entertainment industry, where fan expectations for off-screen behavior are increasingly high. Despite the initial friction, the show continues to perform well, with fans captivated by the ‘heart-wrenching’ reunion and the historical intrigue surrounding the power dynamics between the royal family and the eunuchs.

Sources: 鏡報, BEAUTY美人圈, 上報Up Media, 娛樂星聞, PChome Online