Have you ever wondered how one controversy can shake the entire entertainment industry?
Can an actor’s personal scandal ruin the success of a drama loved by millions?
And most importantly, should an actress’s comeback be judged by her talent—or by the mistakes of those around her?
These are the questions rising around Chinese actress Zhao Lusi and her latest drama, Love’s Ambition. Check out other trending Korean entertainment news for similar updates.
What was meant to be a shining comeback for the star has suddenly been clouded by protests, backlash, and a tragic case connected to one of her co-stars. Let’s explore the issue in detail.
Zhao Lusi’s Struggles Before Her Comeback
Before diving into the controversy, it’s important to understand why Zhao Lusi’s comeback was such a big deal. Back in December 2024, shocking reports surfaced that her management company had allegedly subjected her to physical and emotional abuse. Her health deteriorated sharply, forcing her to step away from the spotlight.
For months, fans worried about her silence. Slowly, after a period of recovery, she began reappearing—first in small promotional activities, then in reality shows. Every glimpse reassured her supporters that their favorite actress was getting stronger.
By September 2025, when Love’s Ambition was announced, anticipation was sky-high. Fans weren’t just waiting for a new drama—they were waiting for Zhao Lusi’s fresh chapter, a story of resilience and triumph.
What Love’s Ambition Is All About
At its heart, Love’s Ambition is a story of ambition, love, and emotional struggle. Zhao Lusi plays Xu Yan, a determined woman who rises from a small-town background to become a celebrated TV host. She marries Shen Hao Ming (played by William Chan), a wealthy businessman.
On the outside, they appear to be the perfect power couple. But behind closed doors, differences in values and Hao Ming’s controlling nature strain their relationship. Tired of living a life that doesn’t bring her happiness, Xu Yan makes the bold decision to file for divorce.
The twist? Hao Ming realizes too late how much Xu Yan means to him and sets out to win her back.
Audiences praised the drama’s emotional intensity and Zhao Lusi’s performance. The ratings were strong, and it looked like a perfect comeback story. But just when things seemed smooth, controversy struck.
The Tragedy of Yu Menglong
In September 2025, news broke that actor Yu Menglong had tragically fallen from a window after a small gathering with friends. Authorities quickly ruled it an accident, and even Yu’s mother confirmed the same.
But the public wasn’t convinced. Photos, videos, and social media posts began spreading online, suggesting foul play and even cover-ups. Many netizens demanded a deeper investigation, convinced that the truth was being hidden.
Amid this storm, one name kept surfacing: Fan Shiqi, a supporting actor in Love’s Ambition. Reports claimed he was among the people present at Yu Menglong’s gathering that night. While no official evidence links him to wrongdoing, his alleged presence was enough to spark outrage.
Fan Shiqi’s Role in the Backlash
The controversy quickly spilled into Zhao Lusi’s drama. Fans began protesting against Fan Shiqi’s involvement in Love’s Ambition. Even though his role is relatively minor, many viewers felt it was inappropriate to showcase an actor tied to such a sensitive case.
In response, producers quietly removed him from promotional posters. Rumors suggest his screen time in upcoming episodes will also be reduced. The drama’s once-strong momentum has now been clouded by suspicion and anger, with audiences debating whether to continue watching.
For Zhao Lusi, who had nothing to do with the incident, this was a heartbreaking twist. Her long-awaited comeback was being overshadowed by a storm she didn’t create.
When Scandals Hit the C-Drama Industry
If you follow Chinese dramas, you know how strict the industry is when it comes to image. A single scandal—whether proven or not—can ruin careers and derail entire productions. Dramas have been shelved before because of controversies tied to even one cast member.
The Love’s Ambition case highlights this “guilt by association.” Fan Shiqi’s alleged link to Yu Menglong’s death has put the whole project under fire. This raises a bigger question: should the efforts of hundreds of cast and crew members be dismissed because of one person’s controversy?
It’s also a reminder of how fragile the entertainment world is. In an era of online protests and canceled culture, a drama’s fate isn’t always decided by its story—it can be decided by what happens off-screen.
The Future of Love’s Ambition
At present, the drama is still gaining healthy ratings and Zhao Lusi still has a loyal following, with many supporters praising her performance as one of her strongest to date, showcasing growth in emotional depth and maturity.
However, the longer the Fan Shiqi drama lasts, the more it risks jeopardizing her performance. Netizens are calling for his removal from future episodes and the production team is grappling with difficult decisions.
Whether the show can rise above the backlash or gets dragged down, only time will tell. What is evident is that Zhao Lusi has demonstrated tenacity and resilience by coming back stronger after enduring such a tough year.
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Final Thoughts
So, what are we really concerning ourselves with—the work in question or the surrounding perceived controversy? Should we glorify Zhao Lusi’s skill, or is it even something to comment on because of a co-star’s questionable actions?
Those questions require consideration. What we can say for certain is that Zhao Lusi’s loyal stans are defending her vigorously—they’re cheering her strength and tenacity. No matter what the outcome of controversy, Love’s Ambition will forever be associated with *the* drama that was Zhao Lusi’s return.
For now, all eyes are on the series and everything surrounding it, as audiences and producers navigate one of the most incendiary arguments in C-drama.
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