Producer Yu Zheng has sparked online discussion after sharing new footage from the upcoming drama “Jinwu Bujin” and responding to a fan’s remark that actress Zhao Qing “looks more beautiful.” Yu described her condition as “glowing with popularity,” a phrase often reserved for top-tier stars, triggering mixed reactions from the public.
Gender-bending Role Shows Breakthrough in Styling and Character Design
Starring Zhou Keyu and Zhao Qing, “Jinwu Bujin” features Zhao Qing as Shen Qingwu, a sheltered young woman who rises to become a general. For her gender-bending role, the production team deepened her skin tone, reshaped her eyebrows, and redesigned her hairstyle to weaken her feminine features—an approach many praised as a break from formulaic costume-drama aesthetics.
To prepare, Zhao gained 5 kg, trained extensively in posture, began makeup at 4 a.m. daily, and personally completed multiple stunt scenes, including horse-fall sequences. Industry insiders noted that her dedication “exceeds that of many newcomers.”
Yu Zheng’s Promotion Strategy: Building Another ‘Bailu’?
After sending Zhao Qing to the acting-focused reality show “Infinite Transcendence Class” in 2024, Yu Zheng has spent 2025 boosting her visibility through marketing tactics—from hidden-poem posts to CP promotions and styling discussions.
Observers believe Yu is attempting to shape Zhao into “the next Bailu,” one of his most successful protégées.
However, unlike his past praises for Zhao Liying—such as “top-tier acting” and “destined to be big”—Yu’s similar compliments toward Zhao Qing have not achieved the same level of public recognition.
Public Doubts: Insufficient Breakthrough Works and Low Recognition
Many netizens argued that the term “glowing with popularity” typically applies to established A-list stars, while Zhao Qing still lacks high-profile representative works.
Key criticisms include:
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Limited facial recognition, with discussions often drifting to her association as “Xu Kai’s ex-girlfriend”;
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Excessive marketing before the drama’s release;
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Jokes such as “Glow of popularity = micro-adjustments?” and “She looks better when not rehearsing lines,” reflecting fatigue with over-promotion.
These debates highlight the gap between resource allocation and public acceptance in the entertainment industry.
Series Expected in 2026; Real Reception Remains to Be Seen
“Jinwu Bujin” is scheduled for release in 2026, with a possible delay to 2027. Current evaluations are based solely on leaked footage and edited clips. Many viewers emphasize that only the final broadcast can determine whether Zhao Qing achieves a true career breakthrough.
