The historical drama Zhu Yu continues to dominate online discussions—not only for its intense romance and political intrigue, but also for its lineup of strikingly handsome male actors that has viewers asking: “Who even needs the plot?”
Since its release, the drama has rapidly gained traction across forums and social media, with the so-called “Zhenxi North Butcher Squad” unexpectedly becoming a viral highlight. The group’s strong visuals and diverse backgrounds have turned them into a major talking point, with fans even joking they could debut as a full-fledged idol group.
Leading the buzz is Zhang Linghe, who plays Xie Jiuheng. Despite graduating in electrical engineering from Nanjing Normal University, he transitioned into acting and rose to fame through projects like Love Between Fairy and Devil and Story of Kunning Palace, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Another standout is Ren Hao, a former idol who debuted through the survival show Produce Camp 2019 as part of R1SE. His cool visuals and reserved charisma have helped him steadily build recognition in the acting world.
However, the biggest surprise comes from Thai idol Nine Kornchid Boonsathitpakdee, also known as Nine. Originally debuting in the Thai series 2 Moons 2 and later as a member of INTO1, his transformation into a historical drama actor has captured widespread attention. His role as Man Di stands out for its contrast, drawing praise for bringing fresh energy to the series.
“He completely stole the spotlight despite being part of an ensemble,” fans noted, highlighting his cross-border appeal and growing popularity.
The supporting cast further adds to the drama’s appeal. Actors like Deng Kai, who spent 8 years in minor roles before gaining recognition, and Guan Yunpeng, once known as a meme figure, showcase diverse career paths converging in one project. Meanwhile, younger talents like Lin Muran are gaining attention for their strong presence despite limited screen time.
From idol-turned-actors to academically trained newcomers and former child stars, Zhu Yu’s male cast represents a mix of backgrounds rarely seen in one production. Their off-screen charm, combined with their on-screen visuals, has only amplified the drama’s popularity.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: while Zhu Yu delivers on story and emotion, its star-studded male lineup has become an equally powerful driver of its success—proving that sometimes, visuals alone can take a drama viral.
Sources: Yahoo News