Zhang Linghe is currently facing widespread criticism and mockery across China due to his heavily stylized appearance as a general in the drama “Pursuit of Jade.” In the series, he appears with thick makeup, red lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, and carefully styled hair adorned with feathers combined with noticeable beauty filters. On Weibo, netizens sarcastically dubbed him the “foundation general,” criticizing him for prioritizing appearance to the point of undermining the image of a battle-hardened warrior.
Amid the controversy, audiences began digging up behind-the-scenes photos of Zhang Linghe that had not been edited. These images revealed a more natural look, sparking heated discussion about his true appearance. According to many netizens, his facial imperfections may explain why heavy makeup and skin-smoothing filters are frequently used to enhance his on-screen visuals.
Zhang Linghe, born in 1997, is one of the most prominent rising actors in the Chinese entertainment industry. With his sharp features, masculine visuals, and impressive height of 1.90 meters, he has often been regarded as a top-tier visual among Gen Z actors. His looks have even been compared to a luxury Maybach expensive, refined, and powerful.
In official photos released by his studio, Zhang Linghe often appears flawless and almost unreal. As many older-generation heartthrobs see a decline in popularity, the young actor has been expected to rise as a new top star thanks to his sculpted visuals and charismatic aura.
However, the illusion appears to fade in unedited images. Without heavy retouching, some viewers expressed disappointment, noting that despite being under 30, the actor’s skin shows signs of reduced elasticity and early aging.
With the help of makeup, editing technology, lighting, and flattering camera angles, Zhang Linghe can still deliver striking visuals in dramas and public appearances. But without these enhancements, his imperfections become more visible. In particular, when he smiles broadly, wrinkles around his eyes and cheeks become more pronounced, creating moments that some viewers found awkward.
During past appearances at international fashion events, Zhang Linghe was also scrutinized through Getty Images, often referred to as the “merciless camera.” The photos revealed uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and deeper facial lines. Without filters or retouching, his real appearance surprised many netizens especially fans who had long believed in his flawless image.
Sources: K14