Chinese actor Wang Xingyue recently found himself trending online after briefly posting a shirtless video from a late-night gathering with friends, sparking debate among fans and netizens.
The rising star, known for historical dramas such as The Double and Perfect Match, has been gaining popularity as one of China’s new generation of costume drama heartthrobs. He is also drawing attention for his upcoming drama Tang Palace Mystery Cases, where he stars alongside actress Bai Lu.
However, early on March 11, Wang Xingyue surprised followers by uploading a video to social media showing himself celebrating with friends. In the clip, the actor appeared shirtless while singing and enjoying the party, looking relaxed and slightly flushed as he joined friends in a late-night gathering.
The video, which ran for more than a minute, was captioned: “A happy night without company restrictions, only the company of friends.” The post quickly caught attention online but was deleted roughly an hour later, prompting speculation about why it disappeared so quickly.
In addition to the video, Wang Xingyue also shared photos of the gathering, including a group shot with several male friends wearing black shirts and a picture of a birthday cake. Fans soon realized the celebration coincided with the actor’s 24th birthday, with March 10 marking his birthday according to the lunar calendar.
Once the clip circulated online, discussions spread rapidly across Weibo. Some users speculated that his management team may have intervened to protect his public image, while others believed the actor simply deleted the video after sobering up.
Public reaction has been mixed. Many fans defended the actor, saying the moment showed a more authentic and relatable side of him. Some commented that the Chinese entertainment industry rarely allows celebrities to display such candid “human” moments.
Others, however, pointed out that as a public figure, Wang Xingyue still needs to be cautious about what he shares online, even during private celebrations.
The actor later addressed the situation after waking up the following day, posting a short message to reassure fans. While the clip itself has been removed, the incident has sparked broader discussion about how celebrities balance personal freedom and public image in today’s highly scrutinized entertainment industry.