The urban romance drama Shine On Me, starring Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai, has officially concluded its broadcast. On January 13, 2026, a symposium dedicated to the series was held in Beijing and hosted by the China Television Art Committee. Members of the creative team joined scholars and industry experts to discuss innovation in contemporary romance dramas and the genre’s broader social and realistic significance.
At the event, Yang Xiaopei, founder and CEO of Xixi Pictures as well as the drama’s artistic director and chief producer, stated that Shine On Me centers on an “equal partner” model of romantic relationships, emphasizing mutual respect and complete trust between the male and female leads. She noted that the creative team believed romantic storytelling in the current era requires an upgrade that aligns more closely with modern sensibilities. As a result, the series deliberately avoids excessive melodramatic conflict, instead internalizing dramatic tension within the characters’ journeys of emotional healing, self-expression, and personal growth.
Shine On Me tells a romantic story about love and maturation. Lin Yusen, an accomplished surgeon, is forced to give up his beloved profession after an accident and transitions into the business world. Through his evolving relationship with the optimistic and warm-hearted Nie Xiguang, past misunderstandings are resolved and mutual affection gradually develops. Lin Yusen’s unconditional support helps Nie Xiguang move beyond an unfulfilled campus infatuation with Zhuang Xu, allowing the two to face life’s challenges together and grow through their shared experiences.
The symposium also highlighted the depth of supporting characters. Actress Jin Qiaoqiao, who plays Nie Xiguang’s mother Jiang Yun, described the role as an example of an independent and resilient middle-aged woman, offering a narrative about female struggle, awakening, and renewal. She emphasized that the character conveys the idea that women retain the right and strength to redefine themselves at any stage of life. Actress Kong Lingmei, who portrays Nie Xiguang’s aunt Shen Shu, stressed that character creation must be credible and well-positioned within the overall narrative, noting that even minor roles should possess a sense of narrative legitimacy. Actor Han Haolin, who plays the comedic character Jiang Rui, remarked that humor should resonate beyond laughter, enabling audiences to empathize with and truly understand the character.
From an academic perspective, Yang Hongtao, professor and doctoral supervisor at the Communication University of China, observed that Shine On Me reflects the confidence, optimism, and ambition of contemporary young people, particularly through its portrayal of female self-awareness across generations. He affirmed the series’ positive value orientation. He Tianping, associate head of the Audio-Visual Communication Department at Renmin University of China, noted that the drama illustrates how individuals in a rapidly changing era can anchor their sense of identity by committing to meaningful work and nurturing genuine emotional relationships. He added that the series demonstrates how quality romance dramas can move beyond pure entertainment to build deeper connections between individuals and society, ideals and reality, and people and their time.
Overall, Shine On Me integrates emotional storytelling with broader themes of self-identity and value realization, achieving a deeper level of social observation within the framework of modern romance drama and earning recognition from both industry professionals and scholars.
