Chinese dramas and films

On April 29, 2026, iQiyi premiered the drama "A Lover in the Mortal World" (人间惊鸿客, 你是人间惊鸿客).

This historical romantic drama consists of 22 episodes.

The lead roles are played by Zhu Zheng Ting and Lu Yang Yang.

Zhu Zheng Ting is known as a member of the groups NINE PERCENT and NEXT. He also participated in the legendary Korean survival show "Produce 101" (Season 2). His drama credits include "Burning Flames" and "To Ship Someone".

Lu Yang Yang is a former member of the Korean group MIXX (2016–2017). Her notable works include "Step by Step Love" and "Live Or Love?".

"A Lover in the Mortal World" tells a story set in turbulent times, focusing on powerful emotions.

The heroine, Han Yun Ling (played by Lu Yang Yang), is the heir to a family of hereditary physicians. Eight years ago, her family was falsely accused and executed. She barely survived and disappeared.

Years later, when war breaks out again on the borders of the Jinglan kingdom, Han Yun Ling returns disguised as a female doctor to save lives.

The hero, young general Xiao Chi (played by Zhu Zheng Ting), meets her on the battlefield and immediately recognises her as the one who saved him in his childhood.

From that moment, they are drawn into a whirlpool of investigating an old case, palace intrigues and power struggles. Their feelings are tested by secrets from the past and the dangers of the present.

In the series, the general is decisive and ruthless on the battlefield but often blushes when facing the heroine, creating a contrast between his "cold face and tender heart". And, of course, the show has not escaped the currently fashionable criticism that generals in such dramas wear too much foundation. Similar complaints were levelled at Zhang Ling He from "Pursuit of Jade" – and at the highest level. The same complaints have now been directed at Zhu Zheng Ting, which is quite excessive, because the popularity of "A Lover in the Mortal World" cannot even be remotely compared to that of "Pursuit of Jade". Still, a trend is clearly emerging.

Read more: Zhang Ling He Got Caught Between China and Taiwan

It is rather ironic to criticise the polished appearance of actors in a drama whose leads are former idols and which, judging by the plot description, does not pretend to be much else. Foundation and grooming are, one might say, essential tools for an artist working in the idol drama segment. This is its own market, with its own standards and audience expectations. Complaining about a fighting general's implausibly pale skin, a "woman-like" beautiful back, unrealistic battle choreography (by the way, which series or film has realistic fight scenes?), or fantastical pseudo-historical stories is like criticising Tarkovsky for his long shots or a Disney cartoon for the human-like behaviour of Tom and Jerry.

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4