Liu Yu Ning and Ding Yu Xi Reaping Different Results as Last Minute Male Lead Replacements in The Story of Pearl Girl and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy
Even if the final airing numbers come out with The Story of Pearl Girl on top, the industry talk now is that same time aired Love Game in Eastern Fantasy will likely be the bigger “winner”. It had a smaller budget, less promo, and has reached near same level if not more popularity than Pearl Girl. Both dramas also had another thing in common, the male lead was parachuted in last minute after the original male lead left for reasons. Both Liu Yu Ning and Ding Yu Xi apparently took on their roles as a favor to the production after the respective male leads dropped out right before filming, the original male lead of Pearl Girl was Qu Chu Xiao and the original male lead of Love Game was Chen Fei Yu. Apparently Zhao Lu Si‘s fandom is blaming the drama’s reception on Liu Yu Ning not being good looking enough but his side is standing firm that he did the production a favor for doing the drama and is doing the best he can and the issue with the dramas are not with him and industry insiders agree that he’s not getting dinged for anything related to Pearl Girl. As for Ding Yu Xi, his last minute substitution has made him the biggest winner of the four leads of these two dramas, giving him a much needed hit and great feedback on his looks and styling in this drama (he used to be called a “monkey actor” for his not handsome looks).
Huh??? Monkey actor?? WTH man. He looks soooo fine. My type. I mean, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but maaann, he’s far from being ugly.
Thank God, Ryan got this role. He suits this character well. And his chemistry and Esther is just chef’s kiss. I wish to see them in another collab. Lol.
Yuning isnt ugly either. But i really couldn’t bring myself to enjoy his performance in Pearl Girl. Sorry.
I feel like Love Game has better promotions. It has way more hot searches on top of being adapted from one of the most popular novels. And ofc Ding Yuxi looks better than Liu Yuning. Feel like no styling can save LYN’s looks.
Also Monkey doesn’t mean ugly. Dylan Wang and Leo Wu are also called monkeys, but they are handsome. Ding Yuxi’s jaw is just weird from certain angles.
Must be their big ear lol
Eh??? LYN looks good in Long Ballad and Journry to Love. I do think he looks good in Pearl Girl? Anyways to each their own.
I just finished LGIEF episode 19 and I’m now very very VERY frustrated about having to wait till tomorrow for the next episode, even though I know this is evidence of good drama pacing. Jealous and heartbroken Mu Sheng, oh my, Ding Yuxi was superb with his acting today, his micro-expressions 😮💨 Don’t blame me for saying ZLS and LYN’s acting is weak. They ARE weak compared to Ding Yuxi.
They are not weak imo, has I said before, good enough. It okay if u are enjoying one show so therefore u pay more attention to it. R u even watching TSOTPG n if u are, how many episodes are u. If not, then that is not a fair assessment to make this statement just because prefer that show and the actors more .
Well, they are weak imo. I’m currently up to episode 17 of TSOPG so I do think I have the right to voice my opinions on both shows.
@Lilith, that is your preferences which u are entitled too. But I think other wise.
@ Lilith, that is ur preference which u are entitled to, but I think otherwise.
DYX is giving acting masterclass in LGIEF and I’m happy to be enjoying the show in it’s all glory besides enjoying one of the main actor’s performance. LGIEF is being too good so far. I hope it does not crash.
I’m happy too, to discover another young actor in C-ent who has talent in acting.
I’m watching both and I’m enjoying TSOPG more. Acting-wise, ZLS and Ryan Ding stand out respectively. But I’m a fan of both of them in Tiger and Rose where they were CP and were good together.
I agree with u , that acting wise these two do well in their respective roles.
Agreed too. These two are the better ones among the four leading actors. I did not watch Tiger and Rose though (or perhaps I did but didn’t finish it). I judged based upon their performances in Pearl Girl and Love Game.
On the other hand, Qu Chuxiao is by no means better looking than Liu Yuning.
But much better at acting though. I would rather watch QCX.
To me he is better looking and a far better actor. Wonder why he hasn’t acted in any historical after bloody romance.
I read that he get some rumour issue with domestic problems, that’s why his acting career seems quite stuck..
I really like him as actor, he should play as ML in Legend of Changle with Dilireba..but well..I miss my Chang An sigh…
Thats sad. He would have been a much better fit with Dilraba. Wu Lei looks too young next to her.
I think Liu Yuning him self not bad, he hit different aura & I more agreed ZLS with Liu Yuning than Qu Chuxiao, Liu Yuning more handsome than him & Liu Yuning acting more powerfull
So true, Liu Yuning is better looking and better replacement from original lead. He is also part of the reason I catch this drama. If not, I may nt even start watching it
I am glad that Liu Yuning take up this role rather then Qu Chuxiao. He acting has improved after acting in a few dramas and of course good looking. Really like his acting, singing and live.
I honestly can’t imagine Chen Feiyu doing the role of Mu Sheng justice. He’s probably fine in the abrasive arrogant aspect of the character, he’s played many of those. But DYX brings a much needed vulnerability and depth to the role.
Isn’t monkey and rat two derogatory, insulting and nasty terms used to criticize somebody’s face? I see these two words being used to describe the faces of these two actors all the time.
Let’s join the fun. I see people who delusionally believe they look better than pigs using these words to describe these two actors.
DYX is a great actor. He has proven himself in other dramas and he is proving himself again in LGIEF.
LYN is proving to be more than a decent actor.
I”m happy they are both doing well.
Thank god ding yu xi got the part.
Omg, that’s a narrow escape for us viewers.
There is such a huge gap between CFY and Ding Yu Xi, it is incomprehensible.
From what I’ve seen of DYX prior to LGIEF, he’s an okay actor. At least he emotes in the right places and isn’t flat like a lot of other actors. That’s just me tho. He definitely looks better now as he’s more mature and has that manly aura.
Yes! DYX looked so much better now. Gone are his sunken cheeks and gawky build. Right now he does have that manly aura and his eyes twinkle when he smiles.
Forreal there’s tons of comments from before of people saying DYX isn’t good looking. I don’t know if he did something aesthetically or it’s really a case of great styling/acting, but he’s way better in here than I originally thought (he used to exaggerate and overact). Chen Fei Yu would’ve been okay, but wouldn’t have the same acting nuances that DYX has. It’s a great save and a great coupling with YSX.
I’m just overall a bit disappointed with ZLS’ much anticipated new project and how her team’s been behaving so far. Hoping her next project will see more improvements.
What has been the issue with her team 🤔
I wouldn’t be quick to pinpoint fingers, for there are so many things that goes on in the c ent industry that are kept quite on and the circles of stars and genuine fans knows this . It only the noises we hear n we make our opinions.Some are not always the actual truth. U shouldn’t be quick to judge. Have had people who understand the language and what goes on their social media site. All I can say is ,like all entertainment industry c ent is shady has fuck.
DYX gained weight which compliments his looks overall. He still looks the same but he isn’t as thin as he used to be in Tiger and Rose.
Wow! I knew LYN was going to get blamed at some point. Is he really the reason for TSOPG being unwatchable?
I know I’m enjoying DYX’s performance but that’s because I’ve only tuned in for LGIEF.
The complains of LYN was the beginning when they casted him before the show started shooting not now that the show is airing.
Many of the fans are ooohing and aaahhhing at the sweetness of 16 and 17 so I have no idea what Koala is talking about.
TSOTPG has flaws for sure but it watchable depending on the mood u r in, since it emotional heavy drama.
I think it is rather unfair to permanently compare these two dramas and to try and blame various people for a perceived lack of success.
One is a light-hearted feel-good drama while the other has a plot filled with suffering and adversity. In this dark season of the year it is only natural that the audience would give preference to something that cheers them up. Many people have had a hard year and seek distraction in something sweet and easy.
Had the two dramas been broadcast during the summer holidays, I’m sure the reception would have been quite different.
I agree with you.
I don’t even understand the comparison in the first place. Many people probably watch and enjoy both dramas for entirely different reasons. There’s really no need to turn it into some kind of competition and get into stupid fanwars over it (like I’ve seen on a certain international drama website).
Love game isn’t my cup of tea and wouldn’t take notice if I didn’t see the posts here. Haven’t watch a Ester Yu drama so easy pass. I’m waiting for Pearl Girl to almost finish before I give it a chance.
I find LYN better looking than the lead in Love Game though will check him out in a future drama if it gets on my radar. I dropped ZLS’ drama with him (forgot title lol) and Love You Seven Times.
Wishing both dramas success!
I must one of those few that actually find Liu Yuning has lead male looks…in fact, when I saw him years ago on singing programs, I told myself, he could move to acting if he needs to earn money and not just singing. He is very tall, he has a nice looking face and he has a mature character. I was not surprise when he started acting..
I still feel he can have this rice bowl.. he may not look as good as afew top actors but he has a temperament that is not present in many young actors. He just need to learn how to relax into acting. I dont watch his shows only because I find many of his female lead unsuitable for him.
If he gets to act with Tan Songyun, Peng Xiaoran, Xing Fei or Yangzi, I feel we can see a better side of him.
Rude English saying it, he needs to ‘BOTTLE IT’ so he can act well.
For some reason I don’t have issues with LYN looks at all either, I think he bring variety into the general male lead looks in C ent. Has for his acting considering his background, he is decent ,maybe with more experience his acting will shape up nicely.
Same here! Don’t have any complaints with LYN looks, in fact I have more of a problem with his height, he is too tall! Lol
I’m with you two!
While I didn’t see him visually weak in A Journey to Love, he did look very unappealing in Pearl Girl. I think it’s thanks to the styling. LYN isn’t ugly as many bitched. But his looks need certain styling to look decent. He’s not born with visuals that just very few actors have to slay all kinds of makeup and hairstyles. I think the stylists of PG team did him disservice.
Yes, he does can do better with good stylist. But I have to say..there isnt a drama of his I completed…
I think LYN is not bad. I love him in Ultimate Note and was pleasantly surprised he got upgraded to ML. I don’t think he’s ugly at all, he might not have the mainstream look but he have his own charm. IMHO he’s way better in acting than some liuliangs and I rather watch him than those eye candy liluliangs.
When her dramas go down it’s the male lead. Immortal, story of pearl… The men always take the fall. Visuals visuals again and again. Hmmm guess she needs an andonis to 🎯 the mark then.
Did u even read the article and TSOTPG is doing well. Has for looks , audiences start complaining about LYN looks since ‘A journey to Love’. So this is not her wanting an andonis for her male lead. She is just an actress doing her best for roles, has for casting her male leads ,those jobs are for the production team. She is not supposed to be blamed and pinpoint for this.
This same man did a journey to love and there was peace.🙄
There wasn’t and people who know the show and watch it ,knows this , it goes to show u don’t know anything. That was the most loud noise surrounding the show.
That was where LYN got his “rat” nickname from. Even he himself knows it and he talked about it on broadcast.
LOL. There have been always drama viewers whining about his looks wherever I watched his dramas, AJtL and Pearl Girl included. It’s not news anymore. I don’t have strong cases to go against their criticism though.
🤣..You really dont think much about his looks. He is fine for me..but not near my favourite. 🤣
I have no idea why people are making fun of these two male leads looks. They look great and I think LYN’s character is very charismatic in Pearl girl. I can’t bring myself to watch the video game genre but I have also found DYX great in that best love or whatever that show was where he plays a doctor.
Intense Love
I think BOTH are better choices than the ones they replaced. I wanted to see both shows because these guys are in them. Yuning with Zhao Lusi is a fun combo and it’s good she got him to loosen up! Yuning just has a presence like no other that’s great to watch in whatever he is in. These guys have such charisma! Ding Yuxi is always a fav, and he really shows more sides of himself and his versatility in Love Game. I love both their fun and serious sides! Just great actors that are a joy to see in whatever drama they’re in. Practically never heard of the guys they replaced. It’s quite the improvement!!
The feeling I got was that expectations for Pearl Girl was very high and that being in such close competition with Love Game is seen as pretty much a disappointment. Love Game announced their air date first so it seems like the team behind Pearl Girl were pretty confident they were going to come out on top to choose the same day. That’s why the after airing promo for Pearl Girl feels so desperate while Love Game seems to be following the regular promo path. ZLS has one of the most toxic fandoms out there. Considering she gets so much criticism about her appearance, you would think her fans would not blame her ML for being “ugly” and lowering the success of the drama.
Pearl is getting destroyed in the TV ratings, you know, the ones you can’t water? It’s doing terribly and it’s getting worse.
It’s being covered up more or less but it is a major flop for Lusi.
Love Story is doing ok. Not bad, not exceptionally but it’s good enough.
It’s being shown in 3 different tvs at the same time, which I don’t know why. If you add all the cumulative ratings of each, then you’d get the real rating coz they ended up dividing the audience. The highest in that time slot is only .6+ with Pearl Girl at .5 is that weak at 2nd place with audience too online? Is Love Game on tv, c’mon be fair y’all don’t make sense
I suspect a lot of people are dropping SOPG because of all the publicity about a “sad ending”. People are tired of main characters dying. I think if SOPG ending was sweet/romantic with them riding off in the sunset together you would see different ratings.
These men are not the pinnacle of Eastern aesthetics, WE GET IIIIIITTTTT, China and Korea. Lol. What they are is really good actors. I wish they knew that international fans swoon for them because we actually appreciate their strong presences as fierce protectors, reflective thinkers, and doting partners to their female leads in the dramas they perform in. I love LYN, my favorite of the two (I appreciate the nuance he puts into his acting performances, I actually think he’s physically dashing lol, and I love both his speaking and singing voices), and I really like DYX (his expressions are so good and his comedic timing is A+). For the hate that these two get, no one can confidently argue for other actors in their place in these two dramas. The productions were insanely fortunate that these two “ugly” dudes could actually match acting talent with their leading ladies and sell their characters’ stories. 💁🏻♂️
Koreans catching strays for no reason 😒😂
REASONS. K-netz are just as brutal. Lol. They have the same qualifications for beauty: white skin, boyish face, slim or built frame (this is probably where Chinese and Koreans differ because Koreans are okay with a buff guy). Besides that, a tan and a little bit of fluff anywhere and you’re ridiculed just the same. I was with K-pop far too long to know K-netz are just as cruel. I don’t think too highly of Lee Minho’s acting, but maannnnn, the ammunition was locked and loaded for him. Lol
@Iu
Haha, thanks for explaining.
Yeah, I’ve noticed idol celebrities are judged on really narrow standards. It’s odd how shallow the idol genre is.
I mean, I’ve watched a few non-idol dramas before and the actors in those have a wide range of looks without any beauty filters applied on them. They didn’t need to fit a checklist of physical features, unlike idol celebrities, to entertain the viewers and show off their great acting skills
Liu Yuning’s looks are a good match for his type of role. I don’t know what more people could possibly want.
Exactly. I don’t understand people. Lol. But I guess I’m “people” to people too. Haha.
I like eye candy just as much as the next person when I’m watching a show, but in real life, I’ve experienced enough pretty people be The Most abhorrent people, to the point where their beauty vanishes and I literally don’t see them as attractive anymore. Maybe I’m weird but, because of this, I can’t help but try to find something more than aesthetics to enjoy when I’m watching actors and actresses perform. Of course, I don’t know the actors and actresses personally, so I go based off of talent and whether they can move me to feel for their characters or not. If they can, I like them.
That’s why I enjoy LYN 😅 but also, I actually think his underdog come up makes him super likable, including when people criticize him for his looks (which I don’t think he’s actually bothered by), and I really love him as a singer. HAHA. It’s his voice that’s dreamy to me!
@lu
I understand your viewpoint!
Good looks alone don’t do much for me either. There are some pretty boy actors in the C-drama industry that are nice to look at, but their utter absence of on-screen charisma makes them boring to watch. In contrast, I really like actors who “become” attractive through their acting and inner charm.
Ding Yu Xi is cute AF, I didnt even know ppl thought he was not and his acting has always been good, he really know how to express love with his eyes
For Pearl Girl,it’s not the story or the acting is bad, it’s just slow and gloomy kind of story,and ppl are bored from these dramas,that’s all.
Amusing to read comments comparing LYN’s looks to mouse and DYX’s to monkey. Drama viewers’ imagination is wild. LOL. I always consider DYX good looking, nor do I think LYN ugly. But they aren’t someone with born visuals that can manage all kinds of styling. The do need smart stylists to make them look attractive. This specifically applies to LYN.
Although LYN looks very fine in A Journey to Love IMO, I can’t help groaning “c’mon man, can’t you look that boring and bored” whenever he showed up in PG. LOL. His acting isn’t flawless but is solid and better in PG than in A Journey to Love. I attribute underwhelming PG to the writing and in particular, the directing again. The writing is pedestrian but bearable although with many plot holes. The directing, however, magnified the weakness of the plot. It’s slow paced and a tad boring for my taste. There is a fine line between attention-grabbing and sloppy plot execution; pace and timing is the key. The PDs are not very strong in carrying out good pace and transition from scene to scene is a bit disjointed too. Therefore, the story of PG turned out a bit flat and underwhelming. I’m still following it and only at ep 11. I hope the drama will pick up more interesting momentum later on. I’m following it mainly for ZLS who did a great job emoting. I don’t disagree with viewers who whine about LYN’s visuals. He doesn’t have the kinda ML charisma in PG. His looks aren’t outstanding already but the poor styling makes it worse. I’m fine with his acting though.
Nothing much to say about Love Game which I dropped after ep3. This genre usually has frivolous storylines, not to my liking. LG is no exception. Favorable reviews from other fans and good ratings can’t change my personal preference and opinions about so many abused concepts/tropes in LG. It bored me to the heck. And Esther’s visuals, voice, besides her excessive bubbly acting don’t help at all. LOL. She’s not gonna change, so predictable, and….tiring.
The audience is not so into TSOPG not because of the leads, it’s because of the plot of the story itself. The plot is very, very serious and touch a lot of sensitive issues. It also involves the “misunderstanding” trope that sometimes doesn’t seat well on drama watchers.
I love both dramas, and All the artist gave their best to execute their respective roles. Different storylines, different adventure and genre, results to different impacts. If you feel the other is weaker while the other is on its climax, perhaps because its pacing knowing that both are aired at almost the same episodes however one us longer than the other which can affect the storyboard. One is on climax one is still building on it…
What’s good is I both enjoy the drama.
Not sure why these two dramas are being endlessly compared when they are completely different genres, it’s quite unfair at this point. And then for some to blame ZLS for it like it’s her job to make sure the drama is well-produced and well-received. She might as well have directed it and been in charge of everything at this point, everything is her fault, it’s ridiculous the high standards people have when it comes to her.
Well, for both drama previous rumour Male Lead actors have some issues. I like Qu Chu Xiao as an actor, his looks maybe not beautifully handsome, but I do like his type of looks, especially his eyes as Chang AN..ooh swoonyy..
After Bloody Romance, I am waiting for his new drama..he should get breakout with Legend of Changle with Dilereba, but unfortunately his domestic problem prevent that to be done sighh..Maybe ZLS fandom will resist him also if he play side by side with her..I hope he will get his career back on track..
I am not fans of ARthur, he just neutral for me…and I am very pleased that Ryan get this rocketing popularity again, he deserved it..After his soo many drama after Tiger and Rose, I think this one is a really good one
They are both looking fine(acting and their handsomeness)am their biggest fan 💋😘🥰😍
Pearl Girl has serious and sad themes, yes, but slow it is not. Its plot moves at a pretty good clip, covering quite a lot of ground, moving the heroine from total slavehood to business owner by Episode 20. Sure, we could argue about the Big Misunderstanding trope but so far, it’s only been two episodes and they were action-packed, C-Drama style. You want boring female empowerment, try Lost You Forever Part II and stagnate along with the FL there who could not move forward while surrounded by all these men.
IMO, I just think C-drama watchers in China are not ready for a historical about female empowerment, a woman alone striving her best to survive and being totally abandoned and mistreated by most of the males in her society. It isn’t a very romantic viewpoint for idol drama, for sure. I still think ZLS is pulling this role off because she’s a powerhouse when it comes to gut-wrenching scenes. And then she switches to quick comic touches just like that.
Clearly, both dramas set off different moods (different genres) and appeal to vastly different sense of how one likes to be entertained. For myself, Love Game is one of those shows I don’t mind watching like similar short 2-3 hour dramas on YouTube right now about FLs entering a game and meeting her Mr. Right. 2-3 hours of that and I’m full. Pearl Girl, I knew going in it would be one of those ten-course Chinese meals that need digestion through lots of conversation in between each course. I’ve been enjoying each offering as the FL moved through the flavors of her life.
Interesting that you came into that conclusion, when in my view, there have been tons of female empowerment dramas in the past – Empresses in the Palace, Story of Yanxi, and even the latest The Double, were all female-oriented. The problem is that the SOPG wasn’t written very well, and stacked next to a funny and lighthearted drama like LGIEF, it’s going to lose steam…
There is a difference between female empowerment and female-centric dramas, although a Venn Diagram might show an area where both share similarities.
I wouldn’t call The Double a female empowerment-themed drama. Female-centric, yes, since it was written from the female gaze POV.
Usually, a female empowerment drama has an “epic” feel about the whole saga of the FL. It’s basically a rewrite of the centuries old theme of the Hero’s Journey, except through the lens of a female gaze (POV). Obviously, then, the emphasis on the growth into womanhood and independence, since one could not expect the FL to do the standard male stuff.
In this sense, Duan Wu, as Pearl Girl, rises from the ashes of a pearl slave into a jeweler. I’m enjoying the drama not pushing her into the arms of male leads doing all the heavy work for her. She is left to fend for herself many times, with even the different men in her life abandoning and creating more problems than it’s worth. Her step-by-step clawing through each phase of her journey, bringing along other women, is totally different from some of the more recent stories of women “going at it on their own.”
Pearl Girl has weaknesses, for sure, but not in the areas being criticized here at Koala (looks, acting, looks, slow pacing and looks).
“The Double” is female centered and it’s turned out the most impressive unexpected domestic and international hit of the year with a very low budget and 0 liulang. It revived people interest in Wu Jin Yan after 3 years.
Hahahah, how laughable. The Story of Pearl Girl trying to pin the blame on LYN after shortchanging him. They even wanted to push the second couple by spreading rumours about them being the official couple. Unfortunately the audience wasn’t interested and now that the drama isn’t doing well, they are asking LYN to cooperate and film couple promo materials to try and save it. Good luck with that since rumours says he doesn’t have much screen time in the second half.
Who’s blaming from production? It’s all made up online by people who don’t want it to succeed and hating on ZLS
I read YYXH production denied they approached CFY for the role. Sometimes, initial casting in some platforms are simply false just to make a buzz initially. Novel fans were worried about the casting of DYX and YXS from the start. Never heard them say anything about CFY. And from some of the data I’m seeing Love Game is simply crushing the competitions. They’re trending all over the place and not only the leads, supporting, but also the recent minor characters were affected (albeit it was a black operation that led to producer WYX posting at 1 am to relieve fears about the plot/loveline).
Ding Yu Xi completely nailed his role. I wasn’t drawn to his looks bc he has such a baby face, but his acting has thoroughly captivated me!
This news is so laughable!!! Some people are blind here and trying to please themselves as if you are all good looking people when you are belittling Liu Yuning and the drama “The Story of Pearl Girl”. TSOPG is doing great and is loved by the International fans and will be broadcasted in Netflix. What about the other drama? I still prefer TSOPG. Oh and Liu Yuning sang the ost very well. ZLS & LYN’s chemistry is well received too. In all platforms. Also stop blaming LYN that he is hard to cooperate with. That’s not true at all. Just look at the Behind-The-Scenes rather than reading in unverified sources like this one just to spark fan wars. The only thing I understood from this that The Story of Pearl Girl is a global hit, which is way more important in my book.
https://mydramalist.com/article/zhao-lu-si-s-the-story-of-pearl-girl-draws-on-ancient-chinese-jewelry-business-for-realism
https://mydramalist.com/article/zhao-lu-si-tackles-numerous-storms-in-the-story-of-pearl-girl
What are you talking about? TSOPG is flopping, hard, on TV. You can’t hide that, sorry.
@Truth Hi Hater! Hahaha “TSOPG is flopping hard?” In your dreams loser. In fact they are doing better, the other drama fans always bullying the success of ZLS & LYN. Unlike the other one who just knows how to act cute on her dramas.
Flopping? In your face dude! So this is why ZLS’s drama is being aired on a government TV? You were saying.
And the first reviews (that matter the most) of The story of Pearl Girl are out:
Film & TV Industry Insight
1. Li Yuesen, Senior Editor and Professor of « China Television » Art Committee review.
2. Dr. Guan Ling, Director of Broadcasting Research Institute of Communication University China review
3. Lu Jianing, Professor Communication University China review
4. Yang Hui, Professor of Cultural Industry Department University College of Arts & Culture review
5. Tian Weigang, Professor & Doctoral supervisor Communication University China review
6. Peng Kan, lecturer of School Arts & Media Beijing Film & Television Industry Observation review
7. Dai Qing, Professor at School of Drama, Film & Television of Communication University China & Secretary-General of the Audiovisual Committee of the Chinese Society of Literary Critics review
You can read these reviews here:
https://x.com/ZLYM_TLOJ/status/1855750656554057908
All of them are good! The Story of Pearl Girl wins!
Couldnt help myself to share :
“Tian Weigang, a Professor and doctoral supervisor of Communication University of China, pointed out that the theme of the drama covers jewelry culture, traditional Chinese culture and etiquette, and also shows the ancient Silk Road of China, which is a rare and good drama with a wide range of topics, positive and energetic thematic intention and excellent production quality”
Flopping? Ah. Because of the hate campaign that they keep throwing to zhao lusi. She has been getting hate hot search and made up rumors since a few days ago, tencent tries hard to ruin her reputation so that people don’t watch her drama. Dirty tricks just for business. This is fact that ZLS is much more talented than YSX and tencent trying all sorts of bad means just to ruin it’s competitors drama.
I actually saw that on a chinese article too. I think it said Pearl Girl had like 0.2% market share but the top airing drama on satellite TV for the same period was at like 2%.
Here are Kuyun satellite TV drama ratings for 11/11/2024, judge for yourself if TSOPG is flopping on TV.
1. Romance in the Alley (Hunan TV) – 0.6292%
2. The Rise of Ning (Hunan TV) – 0.3501%
…
7. TSOPG (Beijing TV) – 0.1779%
8. TSOPG (Dragon TV) – 0.1749%
9. TSOPG (JIangsu TV) – 0.1698%
TSOPG total market share – 0.5226%
Note: TSOPG was aired in the same time slot on all three TVs
Flopping hard? Says haters?!!
@Ichigo
I don’t get it, do you think those are good ratings or something? They are terrible.
When a platform arranges for a drama for air on multiple channels that is great because the ratings are added together, so the low individual ratings can be covered up.
Pearl isn’t passing 0.2 on any channel which is bad enough but all together, in the end, it isn’t even reaching Legend of Shenli that aired on one single channel.
That is indeed a very poor showing.
@KMD You do know those satellite TVs paid money to buy the rights to air TSOPG? The platform didn’t arrange for them to air it, they approach the platform, paid money and bought the rights to air it. In the end, it just means that TSOPG is earning money.
Airing on 3 different channels doesn’t change the total number of unique individuals watching it, so it’s still a valid statistic.
Unless you think that everyone has 3 TVs and is watching TSOPG on three different channels at the same time?
@Ichigo
That’s not how that works omg
Sometimes platforms have investment conferences and the stations will pick up dramas and sometimes there are long standing deals between platforms and stations and all the dramas that the platforms pick are funneled to that station.
Nobody knows in advance, in case of primary broadcasts like this one, if it will be profitable or not.
You cannot just invent what are good ratings. These are not. Good ratings on satellite TVs like this one are around 0.3-0.4. Great are 0.5 and above. These are terrible. Sorry but you are just going to have to deal with that.
I knew lgif fans were low and these comments says everything about them. Their fans aren’t satisfied with lgif supposedly beating everyone and being number 1 (with fake ratings and paid hot searches) that’s why they come here shaking to write these blablas because they’re forever afraid of Lusi’s power and her drama’s success. TSOPG let’s thrive and continue to be even more successful 😌👏
Remember TSOPG coming to Netflix on nov 16 and sooner to some other regions, so everyone stream😉 we don’t have time for these irrelevant nobodies.
Ignore haters…they are just jealous 😂 instead of watching their fav dramas they are wasting time here.. Hence proved they love lusi more than their fav 🤣 they always think about lusi😂….
TSOPG fam let’s enjoy it until the end.
@KMD Yes you are right in that TV stations pick up dramas via investment conferences. They pick them up by paying for the rights to air them. You think the platform will say ‘Hey, you want to air my drama? Let me give it to you for free.’ As for long standing agreements, why haven’t I seen more Youku dramas airing on those TV stations then? Even The Double wasn’t picked up.
I have confirmation from industry insiders that the rights to air TSOPG were bought by the three satellite TVs.
It’s ok if you don’t understand how it actually works. I know won’t be able to convince you so let’s end the conversation here 🙂
@KMD Oh yes, I forgot to add one last thing. Who invented the ratings? According to Kuyun the total market share of TSOPG is indeed above 0.5%. I suppose this means you are implying that TSOPG is doing great?
Love Game is also already on Netflix?
Why is everyone hating on Liu Yu Ning? He is absolutely handsome. Top notch actor. He feels more real and natural as an actor rather than some who over act and feel awkward. I’ve seen him in several Cdramas. A Journey to Love he was ultra magnetic with the female lead. Great chemistry. I am an American, so I see through the hollywood eyes I guess. I watch a lot of Cdramas, romantic comedies and so on. Mr Liu won his third spot easy in my top 5 favorite chinese actors. Stop hating on people and instead be supportive. They have feelings too!
STORY OF PEARL: The lead actor has such a young face. It’s actually adorable. At first I was thinking,”Can he come off as a meany?” In the beginning, however, he kicked butt. The actors that lead ZHAO LUSI know they have to bring it on. This young man earned his place. 👏 FANTASTIC 👏 👌
DYX is styled beautifully in Love Game. Out of the cast, I think he and Zhu Xudan were styled the best.
I like Love Game much much more. More entertaining, great acting and excellent cast!!
Dont blame liu yunong,he ia a good actor,he can portray ay thing…blame the story itself.,he is much better if he play a fantasy movie and invicible man in drama.,i like him how he fight.,i like to see hom more on fighting.,i really love all his drama.,thank ypu and God bless.
I took a peek at both dramas due to all the discussion ongoing. Just watched 3eps each.
Love Game: Story is told better here, I will credit better editing and storyline is more straight forward. It is cute and easy to watch. Not really a drama I would normally like. But both leads have chemistry so I will keep watching. Esther is cute and natural doing what she does best.
Ding Yuxi definitely look better now then years ago…he has bulk up(I saw more muscles) and not skinny frame.
Pearl Girl: I really enjoyed ep 1 alot. Both leads have improved their acting skills. Even Liu Yining is more relaxed here. I can see he is comfortable and relax filming with Zhao Lusi and Daddi Tang. I do like the theme of this story more, it is more my type of drama.
However editing is really not great. I really feel they seem to have chop too much of the story. I need to read the novel to fully appreciate the writing. Such a shame.
I will continue with these 2 dramas as both are just so different. I can watch both and enjoy both. I am glad to see good improvements in the acting skills of the artistes. I hope both dramas do well for their investors.
It’s so kind of you to have nice words for both dramas and the cast. I just can’t bring myself to like those who and which I don’t like. And I’ll be very blunt. LOL.
I cannot fault the young actors… they have improved and are doing well. Every drama is a improvement.
As for storyline… The Story of Pearl Girl could do with more time developing her character from nothing to someone. I dont have enough time to even journey with her…which is a huge shame.
I have decided to drop TSOPG, not interested in watching a fake female empowerment drama. A waste of my time.
LGIEF’s plot pacing came down a little, I’ll no longer call it a masterpiece-in-making but it is still a solid drama so far. I really like the directing and DYX’s acting.
I have not arrived to that as yet so I dont know if I will watch till the end. I have dropped too many dramas recently… 😅
I like reading novels alot. And often enjoy it more then watching dramatisation. But the novel is just prequel of the story. This novel is not completed. I am unsure if writer will pick this novel up in future.
I used to read novels too, but stopped in the recent years due to work and lifestyle change 😔 Mostly just watch variety shows and dramas now as I do other things.
Now this is the most sensible approach, and I think most international netizens are watching both. People will naturally prefer one over the other, but I’ve seen posts on social media gushing about the two dramas equally.
I just finished the recent episode 21 yesterday and it’s becoming even more interesting! the FL storyline is starting to move at a faster pace! LYN is an excellent actor! I’ve been following his progress it’s incredible how hardworking this person is.
as for LG I kinda started to fast forward the episodes as it can’t maintain my attention. I blame it on xianxia genre which is not my cuppa. But then stop on all the hate. I love YSX especially on variety shows. she is such a charming person.
I have loved Pearl Girl and the chemistry between the leads. They have captured the ruthlessness so far of the historical pearl/ jewelry industry. At first it was a little unsettling, but then you understood its essential to the plot. The male lead is not a pretty boy, as so many chinese actors are, but very manly looking and appealing.His rawness is what makes him so
Attractive. Can’t wait to see where this goes
I start watching the Story of the Pearl Girl. Shao Lu Si is a beautiful Actress and at the the beginning the male lead actor Lui Ning has the so handsome look, his the way he looks at her, his smile taking his role perfectly. Chemistry with Shao Lu Si is emerging perfectly.