The year 2025 marked a turning point for China’s short-drama industry, as a new generation of actors stepped beyond the label of “fresh faces” and became key drivers of content and market influence. Through highly versatile performances, frequent viral hits, and billion-view projects, these performers reshaped public perception of short dramas, proving that the format can be both commercially powerful and artistically credible.
Chen Tianxiang emerged as one of the most notable breakthroughs of the year. Born after 2000, he quickly gained recognition for his chameleon-like screen presence. In works such as Spring Locked Jade Gentleman and The Two-Faced Chancellor Falls for Me, his ability to portray sharply contrasting characters within the same story demonstrated impressive control over nuance and emotional rhythm. Awards and audience response alike confirmed his status as a rising force within the genre.
Liu Xiaoxu followed a different trajectory, distinguishing himself with a mature, “uncle-style” presence rarely seen in young actors. His performance in Midsummer Findra challenged conventional CEO archetypes, offering a restrained and emotionally grounded portrayal that resonated strongly with viewers. His willingness to explore diverse roles has steadily expanded his acting range.
Among actresses, Sun Yiran stood out through her authentic, regionally grounded performances. The Inside and Outside the Home series achieved remarkable viewership while maintaining emotional warmth, and her portrayal of characters across different life stages added depth to the family-centered narrative. Her work positioned her as a key figure in healing-oriented short dramas.
Wang Gege brought a fresh, natural charm to the screen, excelling in youthful and contemporary roles. Rather than relying on dramatic intensity, her appeal lies in subtle realism and approachability, helping her carve out a distinct identity in a competitive field.
Yue Yuting’s rise was closely tied to her success in historical short dramas. Her nuanced depiction of a character’s transformation from innocence to ruthlessness, especially through expressive eye acting, elevated The Two-Faced Chancellor Falls for Me into a benchmark production within the genre.
Guo Yuxin and Han Yutong represented consistency and adaptability. While Guo navigated smoothly between urban romance and regionally flavored stories, Han demonstrated exceptional market appeal with multiple billion-view projects, gradually transitioning toward broader acting opportunities.
Li Keyi, Wang Daotie, and Zeng Hui further illustrated the diversity of possibilities within short dramas. Whether through bold character contrasts, grounded realism, or genre-spanning performances, each contributed to redefining what short-drama actors can achieve.
As 2025 comes to a close, these performers are no longer simply “new faces” but active participants in the evolution of the short-drama industry. The question of who becomes the ultimate “rising star” may not rest solely on numbers or accolades, but on who continues to answer audience expectations with compelling work in the year ahead.
