Esther Yu Shuxin appears to be steadily shaking off last year’s controversies following the December airing of Speed and Love. To usher in the new year, the 30-year-old actress headlines her latest project, the “rebirth and revenge” themed costume romance drama Yun Chu Ling also starring Zhang Yunlong. The drama is widely viewed as a key step in getting Esther’s career back on track. After all, A Journey to Glow, which was meant to pair her with Wang Anyu, collapsed likely from controversies that led the actress to lie low for a period of time.
Support from her fandom has been nothing short of massive. During the filming ceremony, fans organized a jaw-dropping display featuring 3,000 drones lighting up the sky, fireworks, and flower displays. Newly released posters showcase a strikingly different side of Esther Yu. With her hair in an elegant updo, it shows a cold, vengeful heroine far removed from the cutesy roles she is best known for.
However, controversy has once again followed the actress. Zhang Haoyue waded into the situation, reposting Yun Chu Ling’s promotional materials and using the drama’s revenge theme to throw shade. In her post, Zhang wrote, “Planning to take revenge? Didn’t you say I was making things up? If you want real revenge, shouldn’t the first step be to sue me?” She also tagged Yun Chu Ling and Yu Shuxin’s name.
While the remarks pose an obvious challenge to Esther, many fans rushed to her defense. They accused Zhang Haoyue of “clout-chasing” and pointed out the irony of demanding to be sued. In their view, the opposite should apply since she accused Esther of bullying. Meanwhile, Esther Yu’s team has remained silent, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.
The dispute between the two actresses dates back to Grade One Graduation, a 2016 reality show featuring then rookie actors. Zhang Haoyue has repeatedly accused Yu Shuxin of belittling her and ostracizing her. She claims it’s led to severe depression and subsequent health issues.
Raya
looks like attention seeking and to gain something from someone else’s fame. I have no idea who she is and haven’t seen any of her work. I think its best to ignore people like this.
Dee
Esther will always shine bright !! She has a natural charm and aura ❤️❤️❤️
Mi
Like Esther is gonna waste her money suing her…
She felt wronged so she “posted” her POV and it affected Esther’s career last year but not really in a major way so she just wants to keep reminding people that Esther is this big bad villain and to get her cancelled. She said her piece and that should have been the end of it. It’s up to the public if they want to keep on supporting her. This shading is making her look like a bitter vengeful spirit. The year is just starting and she just have to start it by channelling all this negativity towards Esther.
I love Esther ever since watching LBFD and even more with Ding Yuxi in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy cos of their chemistry and I think she brought a certain bright and lively energy there that only she can pull off. Speed and Love is not really cup of tea but I hope this next project will be good one. I’m looking forward to it. Hope 2026 will be a better year for her!