2020 has been a good year for many new Chinese actors. With their good looks, strong chemistry with co-leads, and exceptional acting skills, several promising actors had their breakthrough this year.
Acting in different 2020 C-drama genres ranging from historical to rom-com , these actors prove that they’re versatile, seamlessly morphing into any role. 2021 will definitely be their year with their rising popularity and much-awaited dramas produced by iQiyi, Tencent Video, and Youku!
Discover these top 5 rising actors who will dominate 2021:
1. Song Weilong (宋威龙)
Known for his irresistible smile, youthful vibe, and stunning features, Song Weilong has taken over everyone’s hearts in 2020. The actor skyrocketed to fame this year with, not one, but four popular dramas. In 2020, he starred in the rom-com drama, Find Yourself, the melodrama Beautiful Reborn Flower, the slice-of-life family drama Go Ahead, and the historical drama In a Class of Her Own. The media and netizens have even dubbed him the “February Boyfriend.”
On top of that, Song Weilong was consistently recognized in Forbes’ lists. In 2019, he was part of Asia’s 30 Under 30 for his influential effect on the entertainment industry. In 2020, the actor ranked no. 45 in the list of the top 100 Chinese celebrities. Fans can see more of the eye-candy actor soon in the highly anticipated danmei (BL or Boys’ Love) live-action historical drama titled, A League of Nobleman, with Jing Boran.
2. Luo Yunxi (罗云熙)
Singer and actor Luo Yunxi achieved success after landing the second lead in the hit 2019 historical drama, Ashes of Love. He was highly praised and well-loved for his role as the ambiguous antagonist. With his elegant looks and graceful aura, he went on to star in the 2020 historical romance drama, And the Winner is Love. The remarkable actor also showed off his versatility in the highly-rated office rom-com drama, Love is Sweet, as he portrayed another side of him that’s soft, loveable, and passionate.
Luo Yunxi’s popularity will definitely continue to rise in 2020 with his three highly anticipated dramas. He will be the main lead in the highly-awaited historical danmei drama Immortality, modern romance drama Broker, and melodrama romance Lie to Love.
3. Zhou Jieqiong (周洁琼)
Idol-turned-actress Zhou Jieqiong, also known as Kyulkyung, was part of the popular South Korean girl groups, I.O.I and Pristin. Before she became an actress, she was an idol mentor for the survival show, Idol Producer, and a regular member on popular shows, like Masked Dancing King, The Big Band: Season 1, and Love Timing.
In 2020, Zhou Jieqiong’s acting career took off with her first historical drama, Miss Truth. Her beauty and acting skills have been well-applauded by netizens. What’s more, she also plays Li Yan in the popular wuxia drama, The Legend of Fei, that has been trending domestically and internationally. Viewers are also excited to see another side of her with upcoming rom-com dramas, To Be With You and Be My Princess!
4. Xu Jiaqi (许佳琪)
Xu Jiaqi, also known as Kiki Xu, is an idol from SNH48, international sub-unit 7senses, and temporary girl group THE9. She is known as the “Chinese Short-haired Goddess” by Chinese and South Korean fans and the media. With her visually stunning looks, she has gone viral many times with her outfit and her “The Eve” fan cam on the idol survival program, Youth With You 2.
Highly recognized as a well-rounded idol, she aces acting too. In 2020, she was cast in leading roles in the crime-drama, Parallel Lost, and a popular historical romance drama, The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion. Jiaqi will continue to bloom, as she’ll be the main lead in the historical romance drama, The Flowers Are Blooming.
5. Ding Yuxi (丁禹兮)
Receiving the title of “May Boyfriend (五月男友)” by the media and Chinese netizens, Ding Yuxi has gained tremendous popularity very quickly. His two popular dramas, medical drama Intense Love and historical romance drama The Romance of Tiger and Rose, were also well-received by the public. Viewers can’t help but gush about his handsome looks, particularly in his supporting role in the historical drama, Serenade of Peaceful Joy.
In 2021, he will star in a highly anticipated rom-com drama, Moonlight. He was also praised for his charisma in a viral performance, Lost in Me. from Tencent’s idol survival program, Chuang 2020. Chinese netizens couldn’t help but fawn over Yunxi’s impressive facial expressions and the chemistry between him and Bonbon Girls member, Zheng Naixin.
