Dating News: The stars of Princess Jieyou say I do

Gushing about the Yuan Hong and Zhang Xinyi pre-nuptial pictures just a week before and what do you know it's the day, reuniting Hu Ge, Liu Shi Shi, Eddie Peng, Ma Tianyu and more in a wedding ceremony inside the majestic Hohenzollern Castle in Germany.

Now if only I can secure an invite to Hu Ge's wedding when it's his turn? If you want more, found this Chinese site that has a number of pictures.

Source: Taiwan.cn, SinaCN

Crystal Liu body slammed and SNSD Taeyeon's crazy fan onstage

A man rushes onstage and goes straight for Crystal Liu Yi Fei. This incident transpired at a fan meeting for her new movie Night Peacock in Guangzhou a few days ago. Fortunately, she is ok, rattled obviously, but she is back in business and busy with promotional activities.

It's crazy that stuff like this happens. I'm reminded of the 2011 incident when a man tried to abduct SNSD Taeyeon while she was performing Run Devil Run onstage.

Source: Ent163

Dating News: Ruby Lin, Wallace Huo, Yuan Hong and Zhang Xinyi

After waiting on the sidelines for years, Ruby Lin and Yuan Hong's historical c-drama Chang Ge Xing finally clinches a premiere date and this week just in with more happy news for the onscreen couple.

Yuan Hong has been dating Princess Jieyou co-star Zhang Xinyi and they are getting married! Much like Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi, the couple released a spread of their wackiest and classiest pre-nuptial shoot (more below) while the actual ceremony will be held on May 30 inside a majestic German castle. 

Meanwhile, Ruby Lin reveals that she is dating none other than Wallace Huo. Scratch that, Wallace Huo's company is the one that did the honors by announcing it on weibo (China's version of twitter).

I was surprised but not surprised? Ruby Lin has always struck me as a career gal, heading a studio, producing dramas and starring in them, all while looking spectacular at the age of 40.

If she did end up with a man, I always imagined that it would be her long-time friend Alec Su (aka Nicky Wu's fellow Little Tiger) but Wallace Huo is actually not a far cry given that he is also from Taiwan. And come on, it is Wallace Huo. Fresh off the highs of Journey of Flower, he is definitely at the heights of his popularity.

I'm happy for everyone but can you believe most of them just got together at Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi's wedding bash last March. And yet another one is off the market...

Source: 0123, CNHuaDong, ENT163, EntSina 

Upcoming Period Dramas May to July 2016

The Flower in Prison (April 29 MBC)

A drama about a female lawyer born in the prisons of the Joseon Dynasty and her resolve to fight for human rights. Starring Go Soo and Jin Se Yeon (eng subs on Viki).

Mirror of the Witch (May 13 JTBC)
A princess is abandoned for being born with a frozen heart until she meets a man named Heo Jun, the famed physician from the Joseon era who is revered till this day (eng subs on Viki).

Chinese Paladin 5 Yun Zhi Fan (May 23 Hunan TV)

The much-anticipated sequel to the Chinese Paladin franchise starring Han Dong Jun and Gu Li Na Zha. The series premieres right after The Classic of Mountains and Seas (eng subs on Viki).

Lucky Tianbao (Jun 6 QQ)
Two brothers fight over love and life in a historical comedy that's also a drama? Starring Kim Ki Bum, Zhu Zi Xiao and Zhao Li Ying.

Legend of Liu Shan Men (Jun 20 QQ)

Liu Shan Men is will revolve around investigative bureau in the Ming Dynasty. Starring Raymond Lan and Dilraba Dilmurat.

Decoded (Jun 20)

A pitting of intelligence not unlike the acclaimed spy drama Disguiser (eng subs on Viki).

Chang Ge Xing (Jun 23) (Jul 26) 
Liu Xiu and his friends are youthful passionate individuals during a tumultuous period and as time passes, they each end up playing significant roles during the Han Dynasty. Starring Ruby Lin and Yuan Hong

The bad news is Chang Ge Xing is delayed again but on the bright side, Ruby Lin and Yuan Hong have some exciting news of their own (eng subs on Viki).

Demon Girl (Jun 30)
A half demon falls in love with an earnest man from a wealthy family in a fantasy romance drama by Yu Zheng. Starring Zhang Zhe Han.

Old Nine Gates (Jul 4)

Set for a simultaneous web and TV broadcast, Old Nine Gates is the prequel to The Lost Tomb. Starring William Chan and Zhao Li Ying.

Legend of Chusen (Jul 17)

Another much-anticipated fantasy xianxia of swords and magic in a never-ending fight between good and evil. Starring Li Yi Feng, Yang Zi and Zhao Li Ying.

Border Town Prodigal (Jul 18)
Gu Long's classic wuxia will be remade with a fresh twist starring Zhu Yi Long and Viann Zhang Xinyu.

Novoland: The Castle in the Sky (Jul 20)
After City of Devastating Love comes another fantasy c-drama set in Novoland about the battle between the humans and the Yu Clan. Starring Zhang Ruo Yun, Guan Xiao Tong and SNH48 Ju JIng Yi.

Ice Fantasy (Jul 24)

The big-budget Chinese production about about the Ice and Fire tribes in a land of fantasy and magic. Starring Feng Shao Feng, Victoria Song and Ma Tianyu (eng subs on Viki).

Above dates are estimates only, the actual air date might vary. Dates that have been crossed out means that the premiere is delayed.

Dating News: New Loves and Old Flames in C-Entertainment

Love is in the air because who isn't dating or married?! Let's play a round of connect the stars.

Netizens still reeling from news of the Feng Shao Feng (born 1978) and Ni Ni (born 1988) breakup last year can rest assured since they each have found a significant other in the past month (bet they coordinated the release of the news).

Feng Shao Feng is one of China's eligible bachelors, a fuerdai 富二代 aka second-generation rich, good looking and successful in his own right while Ni Ni is supposedly pretty amazing herself. I say supposedly because I haven't actually seen her in anything except for Wonderful Friends (a celebrity reality show taking place in a zoo). Nevertheless, the couple of 3 years seemed like a match made in heaven so their separation was much to fans dismay.

Anyone speculating that the relationship turned south due to the 10-year age gap would have to renege on those words because here's a shocker with 37-year-old Feng Shao Feng (Ice Fantasy) currently dating 19-year-old Jelly Lin Yun (born 1996). The whopping 18-year difference doesn't strike me as weird, the fact that she's a teenager does.

Not to fret as Ni Ni (born 1988) subsequently announced her relationship with Jing Boran (born 1989) and both were coincidentally(?) bridesmaid and groomsmen in 2015's wedding of the year wherein high-profile couple Huang Xiao Ming and Angelababy finally tied the knot.

Jing Boran was in Love Weaves Through a Millennium opposite Zheng Shuang (born 1991) who used to date Zhang Han. She has since moved on to better things, becoming a face to be reckoned with because she's practically everywhere - dramas, movies, you name it.

Zhang Han (born 1984) didn't sit idly either, dating co-star Gu Li Na Zha (born 1992) from their collaboration on The Classic of Mountain and Seas. Gu Li Na Zha is the Uighur girl that literally went from unknown to starring role in Rift of the Sky, which also starred Liu Shi Shi. 

Having been a fan of Liu Shi Shi (born 1987), I am super happy to share her wedding shoot with real-life sweetheart Nicky Wu (born 1970). Yes, shippers' wildest dreams do come true even though it's technically Nicky Wu's second marriage after divorcing co-star Ma Yashu from his Xiao Shi Yi Lang days.

Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi officially wed last year, the photos came out this month and the ceremony is said to be held March 20 at Ayana Resort in beautiful Bali. Her 'sister' Annie Liu from Scarlet Heart will be the bridesmaid and the motif will take inspiration from the magnolia flower (wink wink). They definitely look adorkably blissful (more pics below).

Nicky Wu was recently with Zhao Li Ying (born 1987) in Legend of Zu and rumors say that she is dating a non-showbiz boyfriend. Am I hearing hundreds of broken hearts?  

Zhao Li Ying was almost always linked to Chen Xiao after the pair rose to fame because of Female Prime Minister Lu Zhen and their OTP so popular that it warranted a cameo for Zhao Li Ying as Yang Kang's wife in Romance of the Condor Heroes ROCH. 

Their onscreen chemistry might be sizzling yet in reality, I am quite happy for Chen Xiao (born 1987) and Michelle Chen (born 1983), both of which played the leads in ROCH. They have been dating since ROCH in 2015 and netizens are anticipating wedding bells by the end of the year, Jul 2016 to be exact.

Are you still following? Yang Rong has a supporting role in too many dramas (ROCH, Lu Zhen included) and I'm glad that she is breaking out of the mold to play the lead. Expect to see her in Legend of Flying Daggers opposite Hawick Lau and the love line continues since Hawick Lau (born 1974) is basically Yang Mi's (born 1986) hubby. 

Yang Mi is cast opposite Mark Zhao (born 1984) in upcoming c-drama Three Lives Three Worlds and doh, of course he's married too, to gorgeous Gao Yuan Yuan (born 1979) nonetheless.

There's no way to connect the dots with a non-showbiz person joining the fray as Zhang Tian Ai's rich boyfriend but my creative juices are flowing so here goes. Zhang Tian Ai's co-star Yu Meng Long, the 9th prince in Go Princess Go, is also going to be in Three Lives, so whaddayaknow, we've come full circle.

Source: GB.Cri.cn, YCWB, QQ, Tuxi, Baidu

Upcoming period dramas in March and April 2016

February came and went leaving a trail of period dramas in its wake. I am still making my way through the first batch, yet four dramas are set to air very soon. Between fantasy, history, spy and gambling action, take your pick.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海经之赤影传说 premieres March 20 starring Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Han. It looks super fantastical, which is not exactly my cup of tea. However, Gu Li Na Zha also stars in God of War Zhao Zi Long, another c-drama airing concurrently so there is always a choice.

God of War Zhao Zi Long 武神赵子龙 premieres April 3 starring Lin Gengxin and Im Yoona. It's a much-awaited drama if not for the soaring popularity of k-pop idol Yoona from SNSD Girls Generation at her first foray into Chinese dramas. I wonder what compelled the production to also cast k-actor Kim Jeong Hoon (Princess Hours) when they already have Yoona but I suppose the more the merrier..

Zhao Yun is a historical figure from the Three Kingdoms era. I remember learning about him in school and being positively mesmerized by the heroism of that time. Judging from the trailers, the drama seems to be going in a completely different direction offering highly-stylized visuals combined with heavy influences of wuxia. I doubt there will be enough depth to satisfy the avid historian but whether the formula works or not remains to be seen. 

The drama boasts a large cast as is expected of an attempt at depicting this significant part of history and it is a star-studded affair indeed with Kevin Yan Kuan, Godfrey Gao and Yu Rongguang to name a few. Watch on Viki.

Hunter 猎人 premieres March 21 starring Huang Xuan as a detective adapting to the Communist era. Huang Xuan is everywhere these days, fresh off the highs of Imperial Doctress and headlining the much-hyped Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy. That's not all though as he also plays opposite Yang Mi in upcoming romantic comedy Les Interprètes. Seriously, everywhere.

Korean drama Jackpot 대박 premieres March 28 following Six Flying Dragons. Jang Geun Suk dons the ancient garb again after his latest appearance as the second lead in Hong Gil Dong back in 2008. He plays a gambler, no surprise there, but it's meant to be a match for the ages as he wagers everything against his brother King Yeongjo. Watch on Viki.

Historical dramas should experience a quiet lull after starting with a bang to greet the Lunar New Year yet it should still make for an exciting year with Ice Fantasy and Legend of Chusen gearing up for a summer premiere in July.

Crystal Liu and Yang Mi face off in Three Lives Three Worlds

Based on a novel by Tang Qi Gong Zi 唐七公子 (writer of Hua Xu Yin), Three Lives Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms 三生三世十里桃花 tells the tale of a romance spanning three lifetimes and Crystal Liu and Yang Mi will star as the lead in a movie and drama adaptation, respectively.

Undisputedly two of the most beautiful actresses in Chinese entertainment, Crystal Liu (born 1987) and Yang Mi (born 1986) are often typecast into the same roles especially if said role requires someone who looks like an ethereal goddess.

Is it any wonder that they have been acting in similar characters as early as 2005? Crystal Liu Yi Fei got her big break playing Ling Er in Chinese Paladin 1 and four years down the road, Yang Mi clinches the role of Xue Jian in Chinese Paladin 3, also opposite Hu Ge.

Yet the similarities don't end there. Back in 2004, Yang Mi portrayed the titular role of Xiao Qian in the drama version of A Chinese Ghost Story while Crystal Liu Yi Fei headlined the 2011 movie version of the same. 

They're not always pitted against each other though as I distinctly remember seeing them together in one of my favorite wuxia series titled The Return of the Condor Heroes with Crystal Liu as Little Dragon Lady (Xiao Long Nu) and Yang Mi as little Guo Xiang. 

Go Princess Go and Monster Killer in hot water

Pardon my far-from-perfect Chinese skills, but if my interpretation is correct, the highly-talked-about drama Go Princess Go has been taken down from video-hosting sites due to a breach of moral values. I have seen a couple of episodes of Go Princess Go and I can see that its quirky humor may not sit well with China's censorship agency known as SAPPRFT.

Go Princess Go would have been your average drama if not for its outrageous over-the-top storyline that you will either love or hate. If you are the former, you probably cannot stop watching. Fortunately, the drama is only blacklisted for the time being as its broadcasting company LeTV announced that scenes are being re-edited to accommodate SARFT's citations.

A second drama called Monster Killer, which I absolutely love, is also temporarily banned in China maybe for violence (again sorry for my weak translation skills). It's not all bad for Monster Killer because it just had a pretty good run in Hong Kong with its final episode ending at an all-time high. While Monster Killer still can't compare to mainstream dramas, it has amassed enough attention to boost the popularity of rising star Elvis Han (Chinese Paladin 5). Seriously, he is a good-looking guy with a six-pack. Who can resist?

Source: cankaoxiaoxi, People

Dating News: Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen

Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen's relationship has been out in the open since August 2015. I'm going to find a rock and crawl under it because how could I have missed this?

Various media outlets are speculating that the two are planning to get married and netizens even claim that Chen Xiao bought a diamond ring whereas Michelle Chen was spotted wearing one. Neither party confirmed nor denied the rumors so to see is to believe.

Despite doing very well ratings-wise, Romance of the Condor Heroes which starred the couple as leads has received non-stop criticism. I'm probably in the minority when I say that I still liked this version regardless of its many shortcomings and I'm glad their love story continues on.

It's interesting to note that not one but two couples who played the titular roles of Xiao Long Nv (Little Dragon Lady) and Yang Guo got together in real life. In case you didn't know, it is none other than Singaporean/Malaysian power couple Christopher Lee and Fann Wong who gave birth to a baby boy not too long ago. 

Sources: CZTV, ENT163 

Upcoming Chinese period dramas this Feb 2016

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and in true Chinese fashion, we are ushering the year with a fresh batch of TV series. It is common practice to impose a limit on historical dramas for what good reason, I really can't comprehend. For us viewers, it basically means that the number of historical dramas per channel can never exceed 15% of the total shows allotted for the same slot. 

Nevertheless, period dramas have proven time and again that they fare extremely well in the perpetual battle for ratings with hits like Journey of Flower and Sword of Legends to name a few. Lucky for us, this is why a number networks have chosen to welcome the Year of the Monkey with a lot of wuxia series.

Imperial Doctress 女医明妃传 premieres Feb 13 where Liu Shi Shi (Ballad of the Desert) will make a comeback in a palace drama opposite Wallace Huo (Journey of Flower). The promotional pictures alone feel and look like a Korean drama so I wasn't the least bit surprised that this is dubbed as the Chinese version of Jewel in the Palace.

Chronicle of Life 寂寞空庭春欲晚 premieres Feb 1 starring Hawick Lau (Legend of Flying Daggers) and Zheng Shuang (Sword of Legends). Set in the Qing dynasty, it depicts the tragic love story of a young Emperor Kangxi and seems to lean heavily towards a melodrama.

New Xiao Shi Yi Lang 新萧十一郎 premieres Feb 9 starring Yan Kuan and Gan Ting Ting. Unlike its predecessor, New Xiao Shi Yi Lang is expected to have a different take on Gu Long's classic wuxia. I classify this as a romance drama through and through but it is precisely my favorite because it masterfully combines romance and wuxia into one brilliantly written storyline.

Legend of Zu 蜀山戰紀之劍俠傳奇 was pre-released as a web drama last year and only began its TV broadcast on Jan 20 but to keep things interesting, the production team has prepared two separate endings. In a way, Zhao Li Ying reprises a role similar to Hua Qian Gu in Journey of Flower because she is once again in a fantasy wuxia. 

The Three Heroes and Five Gallants 五鼠闹东京 is about the misadventures of the noble martial arts heroes Zhan Zhao aka Imperial Cat and the Five Mice. The drama stars Chen Xiao, Yan Kuan and Zheng Shuang. Guessing it's double the fun for Yan Kuan and Zheng Shuang, both of which have two of their own dramas airing concurrently this Feb.

Princess Jieyou 解忧公主 premieres Feb 18 starring Zhang Xin Yi and Yuan Hong. The character stills remind me of a more traditional historical drama depicting the life of Princess Jieyou.

Last but not the least is The Legend of Nine Tails Fox 青丘狐传说 starring Jiang Jin Fu (Legend of Qin) and Gu Li Na Zha (Rift of the Sky), which will be seen on Hunan TV starting Feb 8. Since I actually get this channel, I might start with it for convenience sake. Which one will you be watching?

Also see upcoming dramas in March and April 2016.

Sources: Taizhou, Tianjinwe

Tzuyu from k-pop group Twice apologizes for nationalism controversy

I find it ridiculous that I am using k-pop and Chinese politics in one sentence but for sixteen-year-old Chou Tzuyu, it has become one of her misfortunes from being a public figure.

Twice is JYP entertainment's recently launched k-pop girl group whose members were chosen from a reality show called Sixteen. There are 9 members - 5 from Korea, 3 from Japan and 1 from Taiwan. I happen to really like their debut song, which is cute, catchy and rightfully showcases the talent of these youthful rising stars who worked hard to earn a place in the spotlight.

Alas, the group that is only a few months old is mired in controversy because Tzuyu has come under fire for waving the Taiwan flag at a Korean variety show called My Little TV. Honestly, the more I read the more riled up I get.

The culprit is a middle-aged singer from Taiwan named Huang An who accused Tzuyu of being a pro-Taiwan activist. Huang An is known for being a snitch. Pardon the language, what I meant to say is that he is extremely pro-China making a name for himself by outing people that support Taiwan independence. Nevertheless, his allegations caught on and Tzuyu was slammed by Chinese netizens resulting in endorsement cancellations and possibly a ruined career. 

This whole debacle is a reminder of how the internet can be such an easy medium for cyber-bullying, which is precisely what seems to be happening. I am trying my best to understand the reason behind the backlash and to put it nicely, I can kind of see that passionate individuals who feel strongly about politics might not want to support someone who holds opposing ideals and they have a right to their own opinions.

But what did Tzuyu do wrong? She never expressed her political views on TV. She is a performer focused on music and the arts. Besides, the flag was probably a prop given to her because what flag do you give to someone who's from Taiwan?

If anyone really had to be at fault here, I would blame the PR team for their failure to consider the repercussions of a mindless act that has been blown out of proportion since clearly, Taiwan-China relations is too sensitive a topic that should have been handled with care.

Yet what's done is done and what's left is a witch hunt on the innocent victims who are being used for political reasons. I have been to Taiwan and they use the same flags everywhere so for Huang An or netizens to pick on a minor for waving one is a complete overreaction. Huang An even has the nerve to post on Weibo (China's version of twitter) that he is proud Tzuyu finally apologized.

It was painful to watch her apology given how unfair the situation is. In the video, Tzuyu repeatedly says sorry and explicitly states her support for One China. If those were her real views, then I respect that, but it was more likely a desperate move by her company to appease the haters. 

It's disappointing to see what the world is becoming and I sincerely hope she comes back from this.



Source: ChineseKpopstarz