Streaming giant Youku apologises to former R1SE member Xia Zhiguang after finding themselves in a spot of trouble over a recent live broadcast featuring some of the cast of Dashing Youth 少年白马醉春风. The star who plays a supporting role as Sikong Changfeng was asked about his thoughts on playing “the protagonist’s bodyguard.” A cut scene that was supposed to feature the actor was also not shown at first, but replaced by a different clip that didn’t have him at all. Meanwhile, fans who tuned in immediately jumped in to defend the actor, accusing organisers of bullying its actors and not respecting them.
Accused of Disrespecting the Actor
In the youth fantasy webdrama Dashing Youth, Sikong Changfeng is a wanderer highly proficient with the spear who becomes friends with Neo Hou‘s Baili Dongjun. Fans were unhappy with labelling him a “bodyguard” when the character stands on its own and should not be dependent on anyone else. This left many of his fans (and fans of the drama) disappointed with what they deem was the blatant disrespect towards him, and it didn’t help that his highlight scene that was supposed to play didn’t. They did end up showing the scene later on despite the actor saying not to anymore.
Youku Issues Apology
“We sincerely apologise to the audience for the misunderstanding this has caused“. In their apology to viewers released the day after, Youku emphasised that there was absolutely no malicious intent whatsoever and that it was really just issues with network fluctuations that was to blame, so they had to play the content as it was buffeing. Moreover, they also admitted that they “inappropriately described” Sikong Changfeng’s character. “We respect and are grateful towards the artists for their active participation” they reiterated. They also said they will welcome the support and corrections from everyone.
Adapted from author Zhou Munan’s novel of the same name, Dashing Youth tells the story of Xihou Mansion’s young master Baili Dongjun who loves brewing wine. Because of a childhood promise he made with his friend Ye Dingzhi, he sets out into the martial arts world where he makes the acquaintance of several young men such as Yue Yao and Sikong Changfeng. Together, their merry little band works together, blazing their own paths as they make a name for themselves.
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