China Arts & Entertainment
Sad Sunshine After the Rain: Zhang Zhehan’s New Record Becomes #1 on iTunes
Zhang Zhehan’s latest song is his first success after he suffered scrutiny in China, but his song wasn’t released in the mainland.

Published
2 years agoon

Zhang Zhehan became a ‘tainted celebrity‘ in mainland China in 2021. Now, the Chinese singer is enjoying a major career comeback as his latest single is topping iTunes charts. Despite his success, Zhang’s comeback is taking place outside of China.
The past one and a half years have not been easy for Chinese actor and singer Zhang Zhehan (张哲瀚, 1991). With his latest song becoming a top record in the worldwide iTunes charts, it seems that Zhang is finally seeing some sunshine after the rain.
Zhang Zhehan was a celebrated and award-winning artist in mainland China, especially known for his roles in Legend of Yunxi (2018), The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion (2020) and the highly popular costume drama Word of Honor (2021).
Zhang got caught up in controversy in August of 2021 after photos surfaced online of the actor attending a wedding ceremony at the Japanese Nogi Shrine and of him visiting the area near the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Both shrines are historically sensitive places and are linked to Japanese militarism, war crimes, and the Sino-Japanese War.

These social media posts played an important role in Zhang Zhehan’s fall from grace in mainland China.
As the incident went completely viral, Zhang was harshly criticized. Although his loyal fans defended him, many netizens were less forgiving. The Zhang incident also came at a time when various Chinese celebrities were investigated, blacklisted, or banned, with an “entertainment circles earthquake” occurring at the time.
Despite issuing an apology statement, in which Zhang explained he was unaware of the historical significance of the places where he previously took photos, the incident had a profound impact on his life and career.
Brands working with Zhang Zhehan canceled their partnerships with the actor, Zhang’s account and an affiliated work account were suspended by Weibo, and his name was included on a ‘black list’ (or ‘warning list’) released by China’s Association of Performing Arts (CAPA/中国演出行业协会).
In December of 2021, What’s on Weibo published an Op-ed contribution by the founder of the Teddyfoxfluff blog which did a deep dive into the Zhang Zhehan controversy. In this article, the author claims that Zhang had become a victim of online fake news propagation and cyberbullying.
One important person who came to Zhang’s defense is the famous producer/distributor/actor Li Xuezheng (李学政), director of the Golden Shield Film and Television Center, who posted dozens of Weibo posts in which he questioned the criteria of the names that are included on the CAPA ‘warning list’ and how an entity such as China’s Association of Performing Arts could have the legal power to enforce disciplinary measures over Chinese celebrities beyond the realm of their own association membership circles.
After these challenging times, Zhang Zhehan’s latest song “Sad Sunshine Is Here” (憂傷的晴朗) has now finally been released and is out on Spotify and iTunes, where it soon soared to the top of the popular song charts of worldwide and U.S. iTunes.
Zhang’s “Sad Sunshine Is Here” ranked number one song on the American iTunes charts on 17 December, just two days after its release, according to iTunesCharts and Popvortex. The song’s success shows that Zhang still has many fans, also outside of China, supporting him throughout his ordeals.

Zhang Zhehan comes in at number one in U.S. iTunes top charts, via Popvortex.
“Sad Sunshine Is Here” is a dreamy popsong with cryptic and poetic lyrics. Zhang sings about the “devil’s curse”, “resurrection,” fireworks lighting up the sky and a “stormy sea in the blink of an eye” – enough to make fans connect the meaning of the song to what Zhang has experienced since 2021.
The ‘sad sunshine’ title perhaps also refers to the bitter-sweet experience of Zhang’s comeback. Although Zhang is stepping back into the limelight, it is not the limelight in the country he perhaps would have preferred, namely China, the motherland he himself said he “deeply loves.”
Zhang Zhehan’s new song is available on Western platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, but it has not come out on Chinese music platforms.
Nevertheless, the song release did trigger discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where some wondered if international listeners would understand how meaningful Zhang’s successful song release – without any major record companies backing it – actually is.
Still, many Chinese netizens praise Zhang’s sudden international success. “I’m so proud to be your fan,” one Weibo commenter wrote.
Many Chinese social media users did not spell out Zhang Zhehan’s name, hoping to circumvent potential censorship of his name.
“He’s rising on the world’s stage!” some commented.
“After 492 days, I am still waiting for your return,” another Weibo user wrote, referring to early August of 2021 when Zhang first got caught up in controversy.
Listen to Zhang Zhehan’s latest single here. To get more insights on just how difficult it is to rise up after being canceled as a celebrity in China, check out our article on ‘tainted’ celebrities in China here. For more about Zhang Zhehan, check our articles here. If you like what we do – please consider becoming a premium member to support us and get full access to all of our articles.
By Manya Koetse
Get the story behind the hashtag. Subscribe to What’s on Weibo here to receive our newsletter and get access to our latest articles:
Spotted a mistake or want to add something? Please let us know in comments below or email us. First-time commenters, please be patient – we will have to manually approve your comment before it appears.
©2022 Whatsonweibo. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission – you can contact us at info@whatsonweibo.com.
Manya is the founder and editor-in-chief of What's on Weibo, offering independent analysis of social trends, online media, and digital culture in China for over a decade. Subscribe to gain access to content, including the Weibo Watch newsletter, which provides deeper insights into the China trends that matter. More about Manya at manyakoetse.com or follow on X.

China ACG Culture
“Black Myth: Wukong”: From Gaming Screens to the CMG Spring Festival Gala?

Published
2 weeks agoon
January 21, 2025
FROM THE WEIBO WATCH PREMIUM NEWSLETTER
Is Chinese game sensation ‘Black Myth Wukong’ making a jump from gaming screens to the CMG Spring Festival Gala? There’s already some online excitement over a potential performance at the biggest liveshow of the year.
The countdown to the most-watched show of the year has begun. On January 29, the Year of the Snake will be celebrated across China, and as always, the CMG Spring Festival Gala, broadcast on CCTV1, will air on the night leading up to midnight on January 28.
Rehearsals for the show began last week, sparking rumors and discussions about the must-watch performances this year. Soon, the hashtag “Black Myth: Wukong – From New Year’s Gala to Spring Festival Gala” (#黑神话悟空从跨晚到春晚#) became a topic of discussion on Weibo, following rumors that the Gala will feature a performance based on the hugely popular game Black Myth: Wukong.
Three weeks ago, a 16-minute-long Black Myth: Wukong performance already was a major highlight of Bilibili’s 2024 New Year’s Gala (B站跨年晚会). The show featured stunning visuals from the game, anime-inspired elements, special effects, spectacular stage design, and live song-and-dance performances. It was such a hit that many viewers said it brought them to tears. You can watch that show on YouTube here.
While it’s unlikely that the entire 16-minute performance will be included in the Spring Festival Gala (it’s a long 4-hour show but maintains a very fast pace), it seems highly possible that a highlight segment of the performance could make its way to the show.
Recently, Black Myth: Wukong was crowned 2024’s Game of the Year at the Steam Awards. The game is nothing short of a sensation. Officially released on August 20, 2024, it topped the international gaming platform Steam’s “Most Played” list within hours of its launch. Developed by Game Science, a studio founded by former Tencent employees, Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. This legendary tale of heroes and demons follows the supernatural monkey Sun Wukong as he accompanies the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang on a pilgrimage to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. The game, however, focuses on Sun Wukong’s story after this iconic journey.
The success of Black Myth: Wukong cannot be overstated—I’ve also not seen a Chinese video game be this hugely popular on social media over the past decade. Beyond being a blockbuster game it is now widely regarded as an impactful Chinese pop cultural export that showcases Chinese culture, history, and traditions. Its massive success has made anything associated with it go viral—for example, a merchandise collaboration with Luckin Coffee sold out instantly.
If Black Myth: Wukong does indeed become part of the Spring Festival Gala, it will likely be one of the most talked-about and celebrated segments of the show. If it does not come on, which we would be a shame, we can still see a Black Myth performance at the pre-recorded Fujian Spring Festival Gala, which will air on January 29.
Lastly, if you’re not into video games and not that interested in watching the show, I still highly recommend that you check out the game’s music. You can find it on Spotify (link to album). It will also give you a sense of the unique beauty of Black Myth: Wukong that you might appreciate—I certainly do.
By Manya Koetse
(follow on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram)
Spotted a mistake or want to add something? Please let us know in comments below or email us. First-time commenters, please be patient – we will have to manually approve your comment before it appears.
©2025 Whatsonweibo. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission – you can contact us at info@whatsonweibo.com.
Chinese Movies
Why Chinese Hit Movie “Her Story” is ‘Good Stuff’: Stirring Controversy and Celebrating Female Perspectives
China’s end-of-year movie hit, Her Story, is sparking debates and highlighting the rising influence of Chinese female directors.

Published
2 months agoon
December 7, 2024
The Chinese comedy-drama Her Story (好东西, literally “Good Stuff”), directed by Shao Yihui (邵艺辉), has been gaining attention and sparking discussions on Weibo since its late November release in mainland China.
The film features an all-star cast including Song Jia (宋佳), Zhong Chuxi (钟楚曦), Zeng Mumei (曾慕梅), Zhao Youting (赵又廷), and Zhang Yu (章宇). It tells a quirky yet heartfelt story about two women: Wang Tiemei (王铁梅), a self-reliant single mom juggling life and work, and Xiao Ye (小叶), a free-spirited young woman navigating her chaotic relationships.
Their friendship begins when Xiao Ye starts babysitting Tiemei’s nine-year-old daughter, Wang Moli (王茉莉). Xiao Ye introduces her drummer friend, Xiao Ma (小马), to teach Moli how to play the drums, but Xiao Ma’s presence stirs jealousy in Tiemei’s unemployed ex-husband, who schemes to regain his place in the family. Blending humor with poignant insights, the film explores themes of imperfect love, friendship, and the messy process of rebuilding lives.

(“Her Story” poster and the director Shao Yihui)
The film also addresses a range of hot societal issues through dialogues woven into everyday interactions, touching on topics like menstruation stigma, sexual consent, feminism, and how family dynamics can impact personal development.
In just eight days, Her Story surpassed 300 million RMB ($41 million) at the Chinese box office (#好东西票房破3亿#). Two days later, on December 2, it exceeded 400 million RMB (#好东西票房破4亿#), and on December 7 news came out that it had surpassed the 500 million RMB ($68.7 million) mark at the box office.
The film also achieved an impressive 9.1/10 rating on Douban, a Chinese platform similar to IMDb, making it the highest-rated domestic film on Douban in 2024.

(“Her Story” on Douban)
Notably, 65.4% of voters awarded it five stars, while only 0.5% gave it one star.
Conflicting Views: From Feminist Film to Chick Flick
Despite its huge success, it is almost unavoidable for a movie this big to come without controversy. The film sparked debate on Hupu (虎扑), a platform focused on sports and men’s lifestyle, where it received a lower score of 5/10. While 33.1% of users gave it five stars, 58.4% rated it one star, reflecting divided opinions.

(“Her Story” on Hupu)
Much of the criticism comes from male viewers who feel the film undermines men by portraying them in non-traditional ways and omitting proper names for male characters, such as referring to the ex-husband only as “the ex-husband” (前夫). On the other hand, many female viewers resonate with the film’s female-centered perspective, with one scene blending household sounds and Xiao Ye’s recordings praised as a standout cinematic moment of 2024.
Interestingly, not all women appreciated the film either. A Weibo user, identified as a female scriptwriter for two Chinese TV dramas, emphasized that most of the producers of the film are male. She accused the director of hypocrisy, claiming Shao accepts money and resources from privileged men to create films that encourage female audiences to look down on average men.
She wrote, “I hope that everyone who believes in the ‘ghg’ [girl help girl] myth and supports female idols will also congratulate the male producers who will earn a lot of money from the film.”
Zhou Liming (周黎明), one of China’s most influential film critics, noted two extreme perspectives in film reviews. Some critics label the film as a “boxer film” (拳师电影) or an “extreme feminist film.”
However, the film itself suggests otherwise, as reflected in Moli’s line, “I don’t want to box,” when her father tries to convince her to take up boxing. Some audiences interpreted the line as rejecting extreme feminist messages.
In China, the term “boxer” (拳师) is used to critique certain feminists. The second character in the word for feminists (“权” [quán] in 女权主义者) is pronounced the same as the first character in “boxer” (“拳” [quán] in 拳师). This term often mocks behaviors seen as overly aggressive or lacking nuance in feminist discourse, such as avoiding dialogue or oversimplifying social issues.
Some also dismissed the film as a “chick flick,” a casual term for romantic comedies, which Zhou argued unfairly minimizes its significance. He likened the film to Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, suggesting that, much like Allen’s work, Her Story transcends gender differences and reflects the cultural zeitgeist of its time.
Despite the controversy, the film has been praised by notable figures like actor Zhang Ruoyun (张若昀), who called it “super good, super awesome, and super cute” (“超级好、超级牛、超级可爱的东西”). Zhang described the movie as tackling absurd yet realistic issues from a female perspective with humor and depth.
The Increasing Influence of Female Directors in China
At the end of Her Story, Tiemei’s daughter, Moli, nervously prepares for her first drum performance. Despite her hesitation, she gathers her courage and steps on stage. This moment reminded some viewers of a similar scene in another female-directed film this year, YOLO (麻辣滚烫), where the protagonist gears up for a boxing match.
YOLO is a 2024 comedy-drama directed by Jia Ling (贾玲), starring Jia Ling and Lei Jiayin (雷佳音). A comedic adaptation of the Japanese film 100 Yen Love (2014), it tells the story of Du Leying (杜乐莹), a woman facing personal struggles who turns to boxing after meeting coach Hao Kun (昊坤). Through her journey, she finds a new direction in life after their breakup. Grossing USD 496 million worldwide, YOLO became the highest-grossing Chinese film of 2024.
These parallels between Her Story and YOLO highlight a broader trend: the growing prominence of female directors in Chinese cinema. Beyond the discussions of plot and central themes, Her Story reflects the increasing success and influence of women filmmakers in the industry.
In 2024, female directors have made a notable impact on Chinese cinema, with their films achieving both critical acclaim and box office success. Their works also spark conversations about the need for more diverse perspectives in the industry.

(“The Last Frenzy” poster and the director Wu Rina)
The Last Frenzy (末路狂花钱), directed by Wu Rina (乌日娜), premiered on May 1. This comedy follows Jia Youwei (贾有为), a man diagnosed with a terminal illness, who decides to sell his assets and live fully with his friends. Despite mixed reviews and a Douban score of 5.9, the film grossed over 700 million RMB ($96 million) by May 31, becoming a major box office hit.

(“Stand By Me” poster and the director Yin Ruoxin)
Stand By Me (野孩子, literally “Wild Kids”), directed by Yin Ruoxin (殷若昕), premiered on September 13. Starring Wang Junkai (王俊凯), it tells the story of two neglected children, Ma Liang (马亮) and Xuan Xuan (轩轩), who form a makeshift family while facing life’s challenges. With a Douban rating of 6.7, the film grossed 241 million RMB by October 9.

(“Like A Rolling Stone” poster and the director Yin Lichuan)
Like A Rolling Stone (出走的决心, literally “The Determination to Leave”), directed by Yin Lichuan (尹丽川), premiered the same week as Stand By Me. Inspired by Su Min (苏敏), a 50-year-old woman who embarked on a solo road trip, the film explores themes of self-discovery and the struggles of neglected women. Featuring Yong Mei (咏梅), the film earned praise for its authenticity, achieving a Douban score of 8.8 and grossing over 123 million RMB.
To the Wonder (我的阿勒泰, literally “My Altay”), a film-like TV drama directed by Teng Congcong (滕丛丛), adapts Li Juan’s (李娟) memoir. Starring Ma Yili (马伊琍), it tells the story of Li Wenxiu (李文秀), a young woman finding her place in her hometown of Altay after setbacks in the big city. Known for its poetic storytelling and portrayal of ethnic harmony, the series has a Douban score of 8.9 from over 300,000 ratings, ranking among the top dramas of 2024.
“An Era Where Women Are Being Seen”
The growing influence of female directors has sparked discussions about how women’s perspectives are challenging traditional storytelling.
Some Weibo users compared a scene from Her Story, where Tiemei scolds a man for urinating roadside, to a similar moments in YOLO. In YOLO, Hao Kun’s attempt to urinate roadside is humorously interrupted by car headlights. Such scenes highlight how female directors reinterpret everyday behaviors, inviting audiences to question societal norms.
Her Story has already been released in several countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with more international releases to follow.
The success of Her Story, the conversations it inspires, and its contribution to highlighting female perspectives in film reflect the evolving dynamics of contemporary cinema and the strengthening of female voices in traditionally male-dominated industries.
On Weibo, many view this as a positive development. One commenter wrote:
“Her Story [好东西/”Good Stuff”] is truly ‘good stuff.’ (..) At the start of this year, I watched YOLO, and at the end of this year, I watched Her Story. Suddenly, I feel very grateful to live in this era—the era where women are gradually being ‘seen.’ Both films hold very special meaning for me. It feels like everything has come together perfectly. I hope to see more outstanding works from female directors in the future, and I look forward to an era where there’s no gender opposition, only mutual equality.”
By Wendy Huang
Follow @whatsonweibo
Edited for clarity by Manya Koetse
Spotted a mistake or want to add something? Please let us know in comments below or email us. Please note that your comment below will need to be manually approved if you’re a first-time poster here.
©2024 Whatsonweibo. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission – you can contact us at info@whatsonweibo.com
What’s on Weibo Chapters
Subscribe

Tuning Into the Year of the Snake

The ‘China-chic Girl’ Image and the Realities of China’s Competitive Food Delivery Market

From “Public Megaphone” to “National Watercooler”: Casper Wichmann on Weibo’s Role in Digital China

“Black Myth: Wukong”: From Gaming Screens to the CMG Spring Festival Gala?

“Dear Li Hua”: The TikTok/Xiaohongshu Honeymoon Explained

The Price of Writing Smut: Inside China’s Crackdown on Erotic Fiction

Our Picks: Top 10 Chinese Buzzwords and Phrases of 2024 Explained

Weibo Watch: “Comrade Trump Returns to the Palace”

The ‘Cycling to Kaifeng’ Trend: How It Started, How It’s Going

Hu Xijin’s Comeback to Weibo

“Dear Li Hua”: The TikTok/Xiaohongshu Honeymoon Explained

Why Chinese Hit Movie “Her Story” is ‘Good Stuff’: Stirring Controversy and Celebrating Female Perspectives

Chiung Yao’s Suicide Farewell Letter: An English Translation

12-Year-Old Girl from Shandong Gets Infected with HPV: Viral Case Exposes Failures in Protecting Minors

Breaking the Taboo: China’s Sanitary Pad Controversy Sparks Demand for Change
Get in touch
Would you like to become a contributor, or do you have any tips or suggestions? Get in touch here!
Popular Reads
-
China Insight9 months ago
The Tragic Story of “Fat Cat”: How a Chinese Gamer’s Suicide Went Viral
-
China Music10 months ago
The Chinese Viral TikTok Song Explained (No, It’s Not About Samsung)
-
China Insight11 months ago
The ‘Two Sessions’ Suggestions: Six Proposals Raising Online Discussions
-
China Digital8 months ago
China’s 2024 Gaokao Triggers Online Discussions on AI
J.
December 19, 2022 at 1:20 am
Thank you for the article. I thought to provide some additional third-party information from reputable sources with regard to the background about how Zhang Zhehan was framed:
1. Legal talk given in 2022 by respected China legal scholar Wang Yong from Hong Fan Research Institute and China University of Political Science and Law about the defamation of Zhang Zhehan, with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/baoskGTLhP8
*You can verify the authenticity of the talk and the credentials of the speaker since he is famous in the China legal circle and is often invited on shows to talk about China law. In Chinese, this is his name, designation and related institutes: 洪范研究所/中国政法大学教授王涌
2. Subtitled version of Zhang Zhehan’s IG video where he talks in first person about how he was framed as seen on Chinese Stars News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FutBr_cbFFQ
Should you wish to see the version of Zhang Zhehan’s on IG, you may go to https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGhDfkJRtQ/
3. Yahoo report about Zhang Zhehan speaking of how he was framed and about his criminal defamation report: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/zhang-zhehan-denies-entering-yasukuni-shrine-willing-investigated-063158363.html
4. Singapore’s Straits Times podcast which talked about the false rumours and how Zhang was framed:
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/popvultures-podcast-chinese-entertainment-updates-divorces-marriages-and-bts-gets-on-instagram
Time code: 00:48 Chinese entertainment/Zhang Zhehan update
OJ
December 22, 2022 at 5:57 am
Zhang Zhehan had a small part in the acclaimed Nirvana in Fire as the young General Lin Shu who was victim of political frame-up by evil rivals in the royal court. This is coincidentally parallel to what happened to him in real life. Given the geopolitical backdrop of China/US rivalry and American determination to beat China at all costs, this seems to be part of a soft power war using Zhang as a tool to manipulate public opinion against China.
dawnraptor
December 23, 2022 at 6:38 pm
I’m very happy for this comeback, even if it’s only a partial one.
I’m from Italy and I was very affected by his sad history. I was so incredulous and sad, I couldn’t understand or believe in what was so clearly a see of misinterpretations, misunderstandings, false accuses, absurdities and vicious lies…
There are clearly hidden powers at work, and a great artist paid the cost. Shameful.
Tidieu
January 11, 2023 at 12:04 pm
It was obvious that there was an organized effort to defame Zhang Zhehan in Aug 2021, which seemed to have started way before that.
– Zhehan himself has reported his case as being defamed.
– There have been numerous research and findings that showed an organized cyber crime was committed that lead to the Aug 13, 2021 event.
– All of the disinformation that were circulated were found to be started and circulated quickly by internet trolls.
Frankly I cannot understand what is really going ok in China. Is it because one citizen out of 3 billion people is not significant, or some other hidden corrupted powerful forces / officials are behind the scenes pulling strings.
More information about how a defamation campaign is designed and works is detailed in the following Ted Talk video:
https://youtu.be/Iu4OdhjnN4I
Another article about water army (paid internet fake accounts to manipulate public opinions):
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/01/27/technology/social-media-bots.html
Article about how China influencer, who can be bought and paid for, can manipulate public opinion to the extreme of getting a professor fired:
https://jingdaily.com/the-follower-factory-in-china/
In recent congress meetings in China, the issue of cyber crime was discussed at length, Zhang Zhehan case was even brought up, but we still have not heard any good news yet…only a few officials and water army companies were caught since then.
I do hope China will show to the world that its government is for the people at large, and not just for a few in power.