Latest news with #HiddenLove
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
News Anchor star Nagano Mei quits new J-drama amid rumoured relationship with co-actor, agency says ‘great trouble caused to relevant units'
Popular Japanese actor Nagano Mei, once called the 'new generation's first love', has reportedly decided to drop out of her upcoming NHK Taiga drama, Toyotomi Brothers, in light of recent controversies. Her agency, Stardust Promotion, issued a statement confirming the same. The backlash against Mei has intensified since a report published by the magazine, Shukan Bunshun, accused the actor of having an affair with actor Kei Tanaka, who is married. There were also rumours that she was in a relationship with Kim Moo Joon. But, the controversy allegedly impacted the viewership of her Netflix show Caster, also titled News Anchor. Kim Moo Joon and Kei Tanka have both said that they don't have a romantic relationship with Nagano Mei. Also read: Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi admits 'memory loss' from medication on new show: 'I can't film dramas now' On May 23, Mei's agency Stardust, in a statement, said, 'In view of the great trouble and concern caused to the relevant units by this series of reports, [Mei Nagano] has decided to withdraw from the show.' The agency apologised to the fans anticipating the show, which is now considering casting a new face after the lead star's exit. 'We deeply apologise to everyone who is looking forward to the broadcast, as well as the program-related personnel and co-stars.' The drama was scheduled to air in January 2026. Mei became a household name for shows like House of Ninjas on Netflix and the movie Daytime Shooting Star. In the J-drama, Toyotomi Brothers, Mei was roped in to play the character of Nao, the childhood friend-turned-first love of Hidechou, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's brother. The historical series focuses on Hidechou's lesser-known role in unifying Japan. The filming was yet to begin. Also read: Park Seo Joon had a blast with Son Heung Min after UEFA win amid footballer's extortion and abortion row with ex-girlfriend The Japanese magazine published photos of Mei with actor Kei Tanaka, showing them getting into the same car outside Nagano's apartment on April 19. The magazine also claimed Nagano was seeing another actor at the same time, her co-star from the drama Caster. So far, all three stars involved have denied these claims. However, the controversy took a hit on Mei's soaring career as multiple brands dropped her and reportedly around nine advertisers stopped using her ads. On April 28, Mei broke her silence on a late-night radio program, addressing the controversy and apologising to fans for the 'misunderstanding'. 'Regarding the recent controversy, I understand many of my supporters must be concerned. I am truly sorry. However, this is all a misunderstanding. I've deeply reflected on how my carelessness has caused distress to many. From now on, I'll be more cautious in how I interact with male colleagues,' she said. However, instead of putting an end to rumours, the statement fueled more backlash for lacking context. Korean star Kim Moo Joon, for his part, cleared that his visit to Nagano's home was with family and friends, nothing romantic. Meanwhile, Tanaka has maintained that his relationship with the actor is strictly platonic. Despite the controversy and the first official casting fallout, there are no plans for an acting hiatus for Mei as of now.
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Did Love O2O star Zheng Shuang give birth to a baby with wanted Chinese tycoon after surrogacy controversy?
Popular Chinese actor Zheng Shuang, who became a household name with the hit drama Love O2O opposite Yang Yang, has reportedly welcomed a baby with a Chinese billionaire, according to a report from Chinese news site quoting unnamed industry insiders. Zheng's career derailed in early 2021 after she got embroiled in a series of controversies ranging from tax evasion to surrogacy abandonment and fraud, following which the Chinese government banned her popular shows from streaming in the country. The report comes just days after Zheng was seen crying during livestreams, denying rumours and viral claims that she had become a rich man's 'mistress or surrogate.' Also read: Hidden Love's Sang siblings Zhao Lusi and Victor Ma reunite in a new Chinese show with a twist The insiders who spoke to the website alleged that the actor had secretly given birth in the US, after which she was also rewarded with a luxurious villa and a limited-edition car by Ye Dianwei, a wealthy businessman who just happens to be on China's most-wanted list. The child's gender is still unknown, and there's no hard proof yet, but the rumour has already taken over the internet. Back in March, following her livestream, netizens demanded Zheng prove herself, asking her to stand up and show her full body to prove she wasn't pregnant. She refused and then, reportedly, on March 12, disappeared from the public eye, which only made the situation worse for her. Also read: Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi admits 'memory loss' from medication on new show: 'I can't film dramas now' Days later, Fuerdai, a popular TikToker who claims to be Ye Dianwei's son, made a startling claim on social media accusing his notorious father of cheating on his mother with Zheng, and said that his dad sent tens of millions of yuan to support the actor, who is keeping low-key in the United States. He even went as far as to claim that Zheng lives in a villa where his father has other kids as well. Ye Dianwei, according to reports, has been warned by the Chinese government and would be arrested immediately if he sets foot in the country. Industry insiders claim the Swords of Legends star started dating him in 2024 after struggling financially because of lack of work after she was blacklisted in China, and her debts in the US were piling up fast. Zheng's career was at its peak after she starred in globally popular shows like Love O2O, Swords of Legends, Meteor Shower, Hi Venus, and more. Later, Netflix bagged the rights to a few of her C-dramas, which skyrocketed the actor to global fame. However, in 2021, her career was suspended in China, and her shows were banned. Her reputation, jobs, and brand deals vanished overnight. Zheng was accused by her ex-boyfriend, Zhang Heng, of abandoning two surrogate babies in the United States. According to Zhang, he was left stranded in the US with the babies while the actor returned to China and provided photos and birth certificates to back his claim. A leaked phone recording, where Zheng's parents allegedly suggested giving the babies up for adoption, made the situation worse. After she was blacklisted in China, Zheng moved to the U.S., where she reportedly owes more than 200 million RMB (~$27.8 million), according to KbiZoom. She's also been trying to sell her $21 million villa in the U.S. So far, neither Zheng Shuang nor Ye Dianwei has commented on these new claims.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Chinese hit drama A Better Life, a change from The First Frost and Hidden Love
If you're looking to step outside the familiar world of soft, romantic Chinese dramas like The First Frost and Hidden Love, A Better Life might just be the refreshing change you need. This 2025 hit drama tells the story of Hu Man Li, a 39-year-old insurance practitioner who seems poised to finally hit her professional and personal peak — until life pulls the rug out from under her. Losing both her job and marriage at once, Hu Man Li is devastated to learn that her downfall was orchestrated by 28-year-old Xue Xiao Zhou, a rising star in her own company. What starts as a story of betrayal takes an unexpected turn, as Hu Man Li and Xue Xiao Zhou gradually move from bitter enemies to unlikely allies. Realising that holding onto resentment will only hold her back, Hu Man Li joins forces with Xue to rebuild her career in the cutthroat insurance industry. Xue, meanwhile, proves herself to be a gold-medal seller with skills that command respect. Unlike typical youth romances, A Better Life offers a grittier, more mature narrative about resilience, second chances, and personal reinvention. Reviews have praised the show's sharp storytelling, emotionally complex characters, and standout performances, particularly by leads Sun Li and Dong Zijian. With stylish visuals and a tightly woven plot, the series is a must-watch for viewers craving a drama with both heart and bite. If you're ready to explore a story about starting over at any age, A Better Life should be next on your list.
Gulf News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Loved First Frost? These 6 hit Chinese Dramas are just as warm and comforting: From Hidden Love to Untamed
If First Frost convinced you that C-Dramas are your cup of calming tea—with the slow-burn romances, emotional depth, and poetic visuals, then you're in for a treat. We've rounded up more heart-soothing gems that deliver the same cosy, melancholic magic that made First Frost such a hit. Hidden Love (2023) This was all the rage back in 2023, and we're not surprised why. Can you handle 25 episodes? Then go for it. Even if you're not deep into the world of Chinese dramas, chances are you've at least heard whispers of Hidden Love. For many C-drama fans, this youth romance was the real getaway of 2023, the show that gently pulled them in and never let go. At its heart is the love story of Sang Zhi (played by the ever-charming Zhao Lusi), who nurses a crush on her older brother's best friend, Duan Jiaxu (played by the Chen Zheyuan). What begins as innocent admiration slowly unfolds into a layered romance over 25 comforting episodes. And let's be honest, the chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan? Worth it! Catch Hidden Love on Netflix, it might just be your next binge-worthy obsession. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love This sports romance follows Lin Yiyang (Wu Lei), a once-legendary snooker player turned recluse, and Yin Guo (Zhao Jin Mai), a rising star in the world of nine-ball. Their fateful meeting during a snowstorm sets off a love story filled with second chances, slow-burn chemistry, and emotional growth. As Lin Yiyang dusts off his cue stick to chase both his dreams and Yin Guo's heart, their connection deepens in the most charming ways. With 30 warm and wintry episodes, and good on-screen chemistry to match, this one's a must-add to your Netflix queue. Till the end of the Moon Strong storytelling, good chemistry, and Chinese fantasy? Sign us up! Till The End of The Moon has an emotional hook, combined with stunning visuals. The xianxia (Chinese fantasy genre inspired by Chinese mythology) romance narrates the story of Li Su su (Bai Lu), an immortal who has to travel back 500 years back to save the world from the Devil God Tantai Jin (Luo Yunxi). Li Su su unknowingly takes over the body of Ye Xiwu, who is Tantai Jin's wife. In the midst of a world burning around them, they fall on love. You can catch it on Viki. When I Fly Towards You Sometimes, all you crave is a feel-good romance to wrap around you like a cozy blanket—and When I Fly Towards You delivers just that. This heartwarming high school romcom follows the unlikely connection between the reserved and introspective Zhang Lu Rang (Zhou Yi Ran) and the endlessly cheerful Su Zai Zai (Zhang Miao Yi). As their friendship deepens, so does Zhang Lu Rang's journey of self-acceptance, made even sweeter by their close-knit group of friends. It's wholesome, it's sweet and it's brimming with youthful charm. You can catch all the moments on Netflix. The Untamed If you've been in the C-drama world for a while, chances are The Untamed already has a special place in your heart. This iconic xianxia masterpiece follows the spellbinding journey of two soul-bound cultivators — the unruly yet brilliant Wei Wuxian (Xiao Zhan) and the stoic, noble Lan Wangji (Wang Yibo) — as they unravel haunting mysteries rooted in a dark chapter of their past. Beyond its plot and layered character arcs, The Untamed looks just with stunning costume design, poetic cinematography, and makeup that feels almost otherworldly. If you haven't already binged it, you can dive into the fantasy epic now on Netflix, MX Player, or Viki. Meet Yourself If life hasn't treated you well of late, Meet Yourself might be just the gentle nudge your heart needs. This soul-soothing slice-of-life romance follows Xu Hongdou (Liu Yifei), who leaves behind her city job after losing her best friend, and escapes to the serene village of Yun Miao—a place her friend had always dreamed of visiting. In the quiet beauty of rural Dali, she begins to heal, surrounded by warm-hearted locals and new beginnings. Among them is Xie Zhiyao (Li Xian), the town's unofficial leader whose calm strength and charm slowly spark something more. Uplifting, reflective, and quietly romantic—you can stream Meet Yourself on Viki.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi reportedly facing 'soft ban' in China; actress' reality show pulled over disciplinary talks
2025 was meant to mark Zhao Lusi's much-anticipated return after stepping away from the spotlight due to health issues last December. However, her comeback has hit an early setback. Chinese media reports claim the Hidden Love star is now facing a 'soft ban' in the industry after her reality show Little Courage was pulled from broadcast. The show's removal reportedly stems from a fallout between its production company, Mango TV, and China's cultural regulators. Why has Zhao Lusi's show Little Courage been pulled from airing? On April 21, Chinese media outlet 163 reported that top executives at Mango TV, a subsidiary of the Hunan Broadcasting System, were called in for disciplinary talks by China's cultural regulators. The move comes amid growing backlash over a string of controversial reality shows produced by the network, including Little Courage, starring Zhao Lusi. View this post on Instagram Sources revealed to the publication that regulators issued formal reprimands to Mango TV's leadership and ordered a suspension or delay of multiple programs that had drawn widespread criticism. Little Courage, which followed Zhao Lusi's journey of recovery after a serious health scare, has already been taken off the air in the aftermath of the incident. Is Zhao Lusi facing a 'soft ban' in China? Recent developments suggest Zhao Lusi has reportedly landed on an internal "risk list" among Chinese celebrities following the sudden removal of her reality show. On April 19, luxury brand Versace is said to have cancelled a scheduled commercial appearance with the actress, further fueling speculation of an unofficial 'soft ban.' View this post on Instagram However, this might just be a coincidence, as cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury announced the Dating in the Kitchen star as its global ambassador on Monday. Fans argue that if she were under investigation or facing industry sanctions, this high-profile campaign would likely have been postponed or cancelled. Why did Zhao Lusi's reality show spark controversy? Zhao Lusi faced backlash for her reality show in Little Courage, which started airing on March 27. Audiences criticised her for being tone-deaf and performative, accusing her of overdramatising her personal struggles and sharing stories about her affluent background in a way that felt insincere, particularly when interacting with rural communities facing genuine hardship. Many also criticised her for not completing her impending schedule, including the filming of her upcoming drama Almost Lover, and instead travelling to high-altitude mountains right after her recovery. One segment of social media users also called out the 26-year-old for villainising her parents in the show while talking to children, saying this would negatively impact the young and impressionable minds. Meanwhile, it was recently confirmed that Almost Love will air sometime this year; however, an exact release date has yet to be revealed.
