2025 has been a turbulent year for the Chinese entertainment industry, with many stars falling from grace amid scandals and controversies. But while some careers crumbled, others rose from the ashes—none more dramatically than Zhao Lusi and Cecilia Cheung, two actresses who stunned the public with their unexpected and inspiring comebacks.
Zhao Lusi: From Industry Outcast to Breakout Star
At the dawn of 2025, Zhao Lusi seemed poised for collapse. Just months earlier, the popular actress from Who Rules the World was rushed to the hospital during filming, sparking rumors of a stroke. Her health struggles—including weight loss and physical exhaustion—were later revealed to be linked to depression, a condition she had reportedly battled since 2019.
Instead of sympathy, Zhao Lusi faced a barrage of skepticism after sharing her story and accusing her former agency, Galaxy Kuoyu, of abuse and suppression. Critics accused her of seeking attention and exploiting her pain to stay relevant.
Her variety show Little Courage was pulled off-air mid-season, signaling what many believed was the end of her career.
But Zhao Lusi was just getting started.
In a bold move never seen before in Chinese showbiz, Zhao openly challenged her management company —a move many equated to “an egg smashing into stone.” She paused all artistic activities, dissolved her team, and turned to livestreaming to stay connected with fans.
As the controversy deepened, she accused her agency of slander and manipulating public opinion. She even deleted her 31-million-follower Weibo account, taking direct shots at the platform itself. Her reputation seemed beyond repair.
Then, the tide turned.
Netizens uncovered evidence supporting Zhao’s claims. Farmers publicly thanked her for her charity work, debunking rumors of fake endorsements. Allegations of forgery were dismissed, and the narrative shifted.
The turning point came when her latest drama—released without major promotion—became the highest-performing show of 2025. Critics and audiences alike praised her acting, hailing it as a powerful reminder of her talent.
Zhao quickly resolved her contract dispute with Galaxy Kuoyu and joined a new agency, rumored to be giving her top-tier treatment. Within industry circles, she’s now known as “Youku’s Crown Princess.” Meanwhile, Galaxy Kuoyu suffered massive shareholder exits and executive resignations—a clear signal that Zhao Lusi had won the battle.
Now, she’s preparing to return to filming in early 2026, with public sentiment firmly in her favor.
Cecilia Cheung: From Scandal Magnet to Model Mother
Cecilia Cheung’s road to redemption may have been quieter, but it was no less impressive.
Once hailed as Hong Kong’s sweetheart, Cheung’s image was severely tarnished by leaked photo scandals, allegations of diva behavior, and broken relationships within the industry—including a very public fallout with her former godmother, Chen Lan, and harsh criticism from veteran actress Christine Ng.
Yet in 2025, Cheung has staged one of the most graceful comebacks of the decade—not through acting, but through motherhood.
With three sons, all excelling academically and socially, Cheung has become a role model parent, earning widespread praise in Chinese media. Her dedication to raising her children without help, her strict yet caring parenting style, and her hands-on involvement in their daily lives have reshaped her public image.
Her participation in the reality show Blossoms All the Way 2 further boosted her popularity. Viewers were surprised to see her quiet resilience, selflessness, and warm interactions with castmates. Even Carina Lau, a close friend of Cheung’s former rival Faye Wong, was reportedly moved by her transformation, choosing to rekindle a sisterly bond with the actress.
Fans were also touched to learn that Cheung’s former father-in-law still regards her as his only daughter-in-law, even leaving 90% of his estate to her in his will.
Today, Cecilia Cheung is back in demand, frequently appearing on variety shows and receiving admiration for both her beauty and maturity. She has become an embodiment of perseverance, showing that even the most stained reputations can shine again.
Two Women, One Message
Whether through a fierce fight against exploitation or a steady path of redemption, Zhao Lusi and Cecilia Cheung have proven that resilience, authenticity, and growth can overcome scandal. In a year full of dramatic twists in Chinese entertainment, their stories serve as rare examples of personal reinvention and public vindication.
If 2025 began with whispers of their downfall, it now ends with applause.