Who is Zhang Linghe, the Pursuit of Jade star and Gucci ambassador?
A recent public appearance sparked riots while his Netflix drama trends around the world – but why did this superstar almost choose a career in STEM?
Chinese dramas are all the rage right now, from those streaming on Netflix and Disney+, to the highly accessible short-form micro dramas multiplying on social media feeds. These Chinese shows know how to keep viewers hooked, filling their running time, however short, with fiendish plot twists and cliffhangers.
In March, the drama Pursuit of Jade released on Netflix and within a week, it became the first C-drama to reach the Global Top 10 Non-English Shows, entering at number six. The show remained in the rankings for four weeks, reaching international audiences and further introducing the genre to the rest of the world.
But why is the show so popular? For one, there’s the compelling plot – everybody loves a slick execution of clichéd tropes, like a marriage of convenience and hidden identities. However, among the biggest factors is the striking good looks and charm of Zhang Linghe, the actor who plays the male lead. Just last month, Zhang’s highly anticipated appearance for Chinese eyewear brand Molsion at a mall in Nanning, China caused chaos when exuberant fans rushing in shattered a glass door, reportedly sending five to the hospital.
So, who exactly is Zhang Linghe? Here’s what we know about the Chinese actor who’s stealing hearts across the globe.
He originally wanted a career in STEM
Zhang Linghe (born Zhang Jiawei) was born on December 30, 1997 in Wuxi, a city in Jiangsu province, China. He majored in electrical engineering at Nanjing Normal University, where he joined the Aerospace Society. According to Zhang, if he hadn’t become an actor, he might have been employed in the power or energy sectors.
The 28-year-old is quite the nerd, with his handsome face hiding an unassuming intelligence. On Chinese variety shows, Zhang can be seen solving complex mathematical problems and riddles.
He made his acting debut in 2020
Zhang’s television debut came with the costume romance drama Maiden Holmes in 2020, where he played a teenage prince. Zhang has said he felt clueless being on set for the first time, with everything feeling “so fresh”.