Once dubbed the “most hated celebrity of 2025,” Chinese actress and singer Esther Yu is defying expectations with a social media comeback few saw coming. Despite being a lightning rod for criticism, her Instagram following has surged by over 500,000 in recent months, and her TikTok has surpassed 1 million followers. On Douyin (China’s TikTok), clips featuring her latest role as Jiang Mo have amassed a jaw-dropping 4.25 billion views.
Esther Yu’s resurgence is being hailed as a rare “reverse sweep” in the C-pop and C-drama world—where negative press is somehow fueling her visibility rather than sinking it.
The Heiress-Turned-Celebrity
Born in 1995 in Shanghai, Esther Yu rose to fame after finishing as runner-up on the survival show Youth With You 2, where she debuted with girl group THE9. But beyond the stage, she’s been known for her “rich girl” image and flamboyant on-screen persona, which continues to divide audiences.
She hails from a wealthy family with ties to major real estate and steel businesses, and studied at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore—credentials that initially added glamor but have more recently stirred resentment.
2025: The Year of Scandals
This year, however, has been marked by growing public backlash. Reports resurfaced about her parents’ legal issues and accusations of financial misconduct, including being blacklisted as “dishonest defaulters.” In contrast, Esther Yu’s continued flaunting of luxury on social media led to accusations of insensitivity and tone-deafness.
Worse, she became mired in numerous workplace rumors, with anonymous insiders alleging “diva behavior” and unprofessional conduct on set. Though no claims have been officially confirmed, the controversy snowballed, with netizens accusing her of being difficult to work with.
Even fan events weren’t spared. Her birthday fan meeting came under fire for high ticket prices, with many attendees saying the experience didn’t match the cost.
Viral for All the Wrong Reasons?
Ironically, it’s her “over-the-top” acting style—once ridiculed—that’s fueling her current rise in popularity. Her recent performance in the drama “Speed and Love” (双轨 / Shuang Gui) received lukewarm reviews from critics, but her exaggerated facial expressions quickly went viral, turning into memes and hot discussion points on short-form video platforms.
While her style may seem “too much” to some, it’s clearly resonating—or at least grabbing enough attention to break through the noise.
Fame by Firestorm
Esther Yu’s 2025 is a case study in infamy meets virality. Social media engagement is up. Visibility is stronger than ever. And yet, many wonder whether this kind of fame—built on public debates, memes, and polarizing performances—can be sustained in the long term.
As one fan put it: “Esther Yu is proof that in 2025, being controversial is the best marketing strategy.”
Still, the big question remains: Can she turn virality into lasting respect? Or will she remain a celebrity fueled by chaos, rather than craft?
Sources: kenh14