Once regarded as one of the standout beauties of Chinese television, Wang Likun rose to prominence through her memorable role in Beauty’s Rival in Palace. The drama’s success propelled her into A-list status, and she soon became a familiar face in prime-time hits such as Beijing Youth and Across the Ocean to See You. At the height of her fame, Wang Likun was omnipresent—dominating television screens and regularly attending major entertainment events.
In recent years, however, her presence in the spotlight has noticeably diminished. New projects have become scarce, and she has largely stayed away from high-profile award shows and industry gatherings. For this reason alone, her appearance at the Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, at the age of 40, drew immediate attention.
Beyond the rarity of her appearance, Wang Likun’s physical condition became a topic of widespread discussion. Compared to her peak years, the actress appeared significantly thinner, with a visibly smaller frame. Her off-shoulder gown with a deep V neckline accentuated her slender figure, but also highlighted a sense of frailty that some viewers felt made her look tired and drained. Signs of aging were also more apparent on her face, as nasolabial folds and fine lines around her eyes remained visible despite heavy makeup, while her cheekbones appeared more pronounced due to weight loss.
This transformation has coincided with notable changes in her career trajectory. In recent years, Wang Likun’s acting output has declined considerably. Her most recognizable television project in recent memory was Judge Dee’s Mystery. Since then, she appears to have shifted her focus toward short-form dramas.
The move from mainstream prime-time dramas to short-format productions has left many fans feeling regretful, and observers believe this shift is closely tied to turmoil in her personal life. In 2019, Wang Likun married Zhan Haoli. While he initially presented himself as a successful businessman, he was later exposed as a fraudster. Zhan Haoli orchestrated a fake property sales scheme, using discounted school-district housing as bait to deceive nearly 200 families, illegally obtaining a total of 1.39 billion yuan. After the scandal came to light, he was arrested, and in August 2024 the case went to trial, during which he reportedly confessed to all charges.
As Zhan Haoli’s wife, Wang Likun’s public image inevitably suffered. Although she actively cooperated with investigators and repeatedly clarified that she had no involvement in the case, the personal shock and public scrutiny took a heavy toll. The fallout is widely believed to have contributed to her stalled career and gradual retreat from the spotlight.
Wang Likun’s journey from a highly sought-after A-list beauty to a quieter, more subdued phase has prompted reflection among fans and industry watchers alike. As the old saying goes, men fear choosing the wrong career, while women fear marrying the wrong partner; sometimes, a single personal crisis can be enough to alter the entire course of a star’s life and career.
Sources: K14