Actress Zhang Yuqi’s Dating Advice Stirs Fierce Debate Over Teen Idol Song Yaxuan’s Love Life and Image in China’s Pop Industry
The Chinese pop scene was set ablaze this week after actress Zhang Yuqi appeared on a variety programme and told 19‑year‑old idol Song Yaxuan, a front‑line vocalist for the boy group Teens in Times, that “if he wants to date, he should go ahead.” Zhang argued that a romantic relationship could enrich the young performer’s inner life and, by tasting real‑world emotions, improve his acting. The comment sparked a fierce debate on Weibo, where the hashtag quickly trended and divided netizens between those who championed the right of a teenage star to experience love and those who warned that such a move could jeopardise his carefully cultivated image.
21 August 2025
The backlash was swift. Critics accused Zhang of overstepping, suggesting that a public figure still in his teens should concentrate on his career and preserve the “pure” persona that drives fan devotion. Supporters, however, countered that the pressure to stay perpetually single is an outdated relic, arguing that genuine personal growth is essential for artistic authenticity. The discourse underscored a broader cultural clash in China’s entertainment industry: the tension between a burgeoning fan‑driven economy that rewards flawless marketable images and the evolving expectations that young celebrities should be allowed, even encouraged, to lead ordinary lives.
Song Yaxuan’s own journey has been a steady climb since his birth on March 4, 2004. At just eleven, he joined the entertainment collective that would later become Teens in Times, debuting with the music video “Chasing Dream with a Red Heart.” His early years were not without controversy; a “cake incident” in July 2021 drew criticism when he was filmed probing the frosting with a fork, prompting his agency to defend the episode as non‑illegal value‑added content for paid members. By April 2022, the group’s five‑member line‑up—comprising Ding Chengxin, Ao Ziyi, Zhang Zhenyuan, He Junlin and Song—was spotlighted in a cover‑dance video of “Roar” and a live‑stage broadcast that elevated the squad’s profile while marginalising other members.
Recent weeks have seen Song’s fanbase rallying against perceived neglect from his agency, Times Fengjun. A trending hashtag calling for the company to “return respect and resources” and “protect his development rights” reflects growing anxiety that the idol’s career is being mishandled. The same discussions have touched on his relationships with fellow members, teasing a playful network of camaraderie and competition within the group. A separate thread highlighted the mentorship role of senior figures such as Ma Jiaqi, praised as the “most sober” member, and the affectionate image of teammates “raising children” amid the hectic schedule of rehearsals and recordings.
The controversy has also drawn in a cast of senior industry voices. Comedian‑actress Jia Ling jokingly threatened to “go hard on” Song during an interview, while an elder dubbed “Uncle Shen” lamented that the idol now enjoys preferential treatment that eclipses his former teammates. Even playful references to video‑game avatars—dubbed “Wild‑core Sun Wukong” and “Projectile‑core Sun Shangxiang”—have been used by fans to metaphorically celebrate Song’s ability to take on formidable opponents, underscoring the blending of pop culture, gaming, and fandom in contemporary Chinese media.
Beyond the immediate drama, the episode illustrates the potent influence of public sentiment on celebrity reputations in an industry where fan engagement translates directly into chart rankings, endorsements, and even regulatory scrutiny. As Chinese entertainment continues to grapple with questions of merit versus manufactured popularity, the Song Yaxuan saga highlights the delicate balance agencies must strike between nurturing talent, managing public image, and responding to an increasingly vocal fan economy. While the episode has little direct political impact, its reverberations are felt in the way young idols are marketed, the expectations placed upon them, and the evolving conversation about the ethical responsibilities of both stars and the companies that steer their careers.
