In the early morning hours of April 27, Yang Shize posted a long message on social media responding to online discussions surrounding his new drama Serendipity, where netizens compared his visuals to his co-stars, raising one up while criticizing another. The drama stars Wang Ziqi as the male lead, with Wang Hongyi and Yang Shize as the second and third male leads, respectively.
A scene featuring all three actors sparked heated comparisons. Some accused the production of intentionally using costume and styling differences to downplay male lead Wang Ziqi, who portrays a scholar. Yang Shize recently drew attention from his second lead role in the hit drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, where he portrayed a handsome and beloved “main hero” character. In Serendipity, he plays a supporting role as Rui Wang, a benevolent and regal prince.
The 33-year-old actor addressed the situation by reaffirming his professional principles. Yang Shize emphasized that since joining the entertainment industry, he has “always upheld basic standards” and has “never engaged in marketing that involves stepping on others to lift oneself up.” Although he feels his voice is small and cannot change the overall environment, he earnestly asked fans to think carefully before supporting any content that pits actors against each other.
Yang Shize Speaks Out
He wrote: “Since entering the industry, I myself have never done any marketing that involves pulling others down.” Yang Shize explained that after working behind the scenes starting in 2015, he moved into acting and has now been in the industry for about ten years. He believes every actor brings something unique to their roles, and when viewers focus on direct comparisons instead of appreciating the ensemble as a whole, “it just doesn’t feel right.”
He continued: “In doing my work, I always act within a boundary that respects myself without hindering others from shining… Even if I am misunderstood or overly interpreted, I can understand and remain silent. But I am not someone who should be used as a tool to attack others.”
Yang Shize also pointed out that while Serendipity has been well-received thanks to everyone’s hard work during four months of intense summer filming, unhealthy comparisons online have threatened to cloud the audience’s experience of the drama. He said: “At least, I hope those who support me can take this into consideration. Please do not mention me in these comparison videos anymore whether it’s to praise me or whatever else. I find it difficult to accept content with bad intentions. If anything, it’s better to just keep criticizing me instead. Thank you, everyone.”
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Vivian
He seems like a person of good ethical character. I wish him well.
Nzk
I thought the difference in styling came from the story, it portrays Ziqi not coming from a wealthy background, rather he is poor but he got the brain. I don’t know why fans become crazy and unnecessarily attacking at things that are not theirs to think about
Anon
Yes, there are many just downright stupid fans around. Unfortunately, they make the loudest noise even if they are really only a tiny minority.
Ellie
Good for Yang Shi Ze! He said he isn’t a tool to be used to put someone else down. People dragged Wang Ziqi saying he’s unsuitable to be the lead because he looked like a guard in a screenshot of a scene that hasn’t even been aired yet. Well, he is a guard. So he’s being a good actor.