According to QQ, romance dramas remain one of the most popular genres among young audiences due to their easy-to-watch narratives and strong potential to go viral on social media. Many of today’s top actresses, such as Yang Mi, Zhao Liying, Zhao Lusi, Bai Lu, and Yang Zi, have built solid reputations through romance dramas and are widely praised for their strong chemistry with male co-stars.
In contrast, actresses including Zhao Jinmai, Li Qin, Li Yitong, and Chen Yuqi have been criticized for stiff performances in romantic scenes, with some of their romance projects reportedly failing due to a lack of believable pairing between the leads.
Zhao Jinmai, born in 2002, has starred in multiple romance dramas over the past three years, including Shine On Me, Our Generation, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, and The Princess Royal. However, these projects were criticized for weak chemistry between the main couple. Chinese media has commented that while Zhao Jinmai has an intelligent-looking face, she lacks mature feminine charm and struggles to portray romantic intimacy naturally. Her kissing scenes, in particular, have drawn criticism for appearing awkward and emotionally disconnected.
Chen Yuqi, despite being heavily supported after rising to fame in popular dramas such as Princess Agents and Ashes of Love, has also struggled to establish herself as a top-tier actress. Even when paired with high-profile male stars like Li Yifeng, Wang Hedi, Luo Yunxi, and Cheng Yi, she has been criticized for rigid expressions and limited emotional range in romantic scenes. Screenwriter Yu Zheng has even described her as a difficult case to make popular, highlighting the pressure surrounding her future projects.
Another frequently mentioned name is Li Qin, often labeled a “cold beauty” by Chinese media. While praised for her acting skills in intense or dramatic scenes, she is considered to lack warmth and romantic appeal on screen. Despite starring in major productions, her roles have become increasingly secondary, earning her the nickname “decorative female lead.” In recent years, she has been billed below younger male co-stars, sparking discussions about her declining standing in romance dramas.
Li Yitong, born in 1990, has also faced similar challenges. Despite appearing in nearly 20 dramas over the past decade and frequently collaborating with top male stars, she has struggled to achieve breakout popularity. Known by unflattering nicknames such as “the coldest actress in C-ent” or “C-ent’s fire extinguisher,” Li Yitong is often criticized for formulaic acting and an inability to evoke strong emotional responses in romance-driven narratives.
Industry observers note that while acting skills remain important, the ability to generate romantic chemistry is a decisive factor in the success of romance dramas. For these actresses, overcoming such perceptions may be essential to regaining momentum and securing leading roles in the highly competitive Chinese drama market.
Sources: TP