Among Chinese-language romance dramas of the past decade, Someday or One Day stands out as a defining phenomenon. Blending romance with mystery and time-travel elements, the series generated extraordinary public attention upon its release, earning recognition as a landmark work in the genre and fundamentally reshaping the career of its male lead, Greg Hsu.
The show’s popularity reached remarkable levels during its broadcast. On the day of the finale, surging viewership placed heavy pressure on streaming platforms, while social media was dominated by discussions and real-time reactions. Fans actively mapped timelines and dissected plot details, turning analysis into a collective viewing experience. The theme song, Last Dance, enjoyed a major resurgence, inspiring widespread covers and introducing its original singer, Wu Bai, to a younger generation.
The impact on the cast was equally significant. Alice Ko received renewed acclaim for her performance, while Greg Hsu’s portrayal of Li Ziwei quickly became a benchmark for male leads in modern romance dramas. Previously little known to the broader public, Hsu rose rapidly to prominence, establishing himself as a top-tier actor in Taiwan and gaining substantial recognition across mainland China, Japan, and South Korea.
Part of the drama’s appeal lay in its narrative ambition. By integrating suspense and multi-layered timelines into a romantic framework, the series encouraged sustained audience engagement beyond emotional resonance. Even when the ending was leaked ahead of schedule, the production team responded by creating additional content and communicating directly with viewers, further amplifying the show’s cultural presence.
From an industry perspective, Hsu’s sudden rise coincided with unavoidable challenges. The momentum of his breakthrough was disrupted by the pandemic, followed by mandatory military service that slowed his public appearances. Nevertheless, his participation in the film Marry My Dead Body before enlistment demonstrated his versatility and earned him major award nominations, reinforcing his standing as an actor with long-term potential.
Unlike many stars propelled primarily by manufactured visibility, Hsu’s popularity has been largely anchored in his work. His understated public image, selective exposure, and consistent focus on acting have helped preserve audience goodwill. In this sense, Someday or One Day was not only a hit drama, but also the defining project that firmly positioned Greg Hsu within the contemporary Asian entertainment landscape.
