Zhang Ling He and Pursuit of Jade Get Nominations at International Based Television Awards as Drama Remains Very Popular Overseas
When things are happening it certainly feels one way but time and distance can show a different or changed outcome. C-drama Pursuit of Jade aired in March 2026 to a solid premiere for the story, visuals, and acting/chemistry of leads Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei. But maybe popularity made it a target but soon after came the backlash of Foundational General Gate where even the C-government mouthpieces criticized the drama and the male lead for being too pretty and perfect looking cosplaying a general onscreen. That, and the last episodes of the drama ending on a weaker note narratively, made PoJ conclude with a comparative whimper compared to its strong start. But now three months later, the drama remains wildly popular internationally in the overseas markets, and male lead Zhang Ling He as well is so popular when he attends events fans go crazy. This week he got nominated for Best Actor at the upcoming 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards, and Pursuit of Jade the drama got nominated for Best Drama as the 6th annual Ammonite Awards (Spotted Conch) put on by the New Era International Film Festival held in HK/Macau. I guess if domestical Chinese audiences aren’t supporting the drama it’s getting more than enough support elsewhere haha.
Awe congratulations to Pursuit of Jade and Zheng Linghe. Well deserved.
It’s also due to the director and team that make POJ a hit. The whole Pursuit of Jade team should get nominated as well.
Now I can’t wait for The Road To Glory with Jelly Lin. I also hope that drama do well for Zheng Linghe too.
Congrats to all who worked on the production! I sort of wish Tian Xi Wei got more recognition for it since she really delivered on the range of emotions and the character’s inner and outer grit. Beyond her ferocity in how she delivered her action scenes, the scenes when she was searching for her little sister really stuck with me. I guess on the plus side – she isn’t getting hounded.
Interestingly, even though Tian Xiwei got more screen time in this female-centric hit drama, Zhang Linghe is the one reaping the most benefits. His popularity continues to explode overseas, reminiscent of Lee Min-ho during his heyday. In fact, his international trajectory looks like it’s on path to match Xiao Zhan’s. Since Xiao Zhan is approaching his mid-30s anyway, he will likely follow Hu Ge’s footsteps eventually and transition away from the idol frenzy. Honestly, watching ZLH’s detractors stay bitter about his breakout is entertainment in itself! Lol.
On a side note, even Beijing has clearly conceded that Zhang Linghe’s rapid rise in popularity is unstoppable. Now they’re tapping his fame for cross-strait propaganda. He’s spoken publicly on Taiwan twice, obviously aiming to push the “unification” narrative, lol. Just like Xiao Zhan, whose dramas and image have been weaponized for state messaging since his breakout, Zhang Linghe won’t be spared either, lol. Both hold serious fandom power in Taiwan.
Interesting that tian xiwei had the more memorable character and acting but has lesser recognition than him. The discourse around him has always been solely about his looks, which is tbh really bland and boring to always read about. Like there’s nothing else to say about him, hes not a good actor and doesnt have a particularly interesting personality either. I rather read abt Dylan wang than him, at least the guy brings the drama.
Congratulations to Zheng Linghe and Pursuit Of Jade. I love him and the drama so much. I’m more into watching older generations chinese actors and not really into the newer gen but somehow I like Zheng Linghe and his performance though he need a lot of improvement and how to control his facial expressions. Looking forward to his new dramas.
With how bland recent historical drams are, I’ve only managed to complete A Splendid Match after Pursuit of Jade. Might consider a rewatch if nothing good comes out.
Nice to see international recognition for c-dramas / actors.
Ciekawe, autor nie wspomina o innych nominowanych serialach do tej nagrody, warto wspomnieć, że, między innymi aż 3 seriale z Cheng Yi zostały nominowane
Koala, I think you better update this ASAP. SDA has issued a clarification that Zhang Ling He was NOT nominated- what is being circulated is actually a registration for the award. That.. is embarrassing, especially if his agency started the rumour and thought they could get away with it…
I just saw the HS on weibo. That’s so embarassing.