Zhang Linghe is being called the "foundation cream general," with 4 hours of makeup and controversial acting?

In recent days, Zhang Linghe's name has once again become the focus of discussion on social media as the drama "Jade Axis" airs, sparking a series of conflicting opinions surrounding the actor's acting, appearance, and statements.

From being a rising young star in Chinese cinema, he unexpectedly found himself embroiled in controversy when he was criticized for being "handsome but unconvincing in his acting," and even given a sarcastic nickname related to his on-screen image.

In "Jade Axis," Zhang Linghe plays Xie Zheng, a general with many secrets and a complex inner world. From his first appearance, he quickly garnered attention thanks to his striking looks, earning him the title of "ancient costume heartthrob" from many viewers. However, alongside the praise for his appearance, many opinions suggest that his acting is stiff, lacking emotion, and fails to convey the depth of the character.

Faced with these controversies, the actor chose not to shy away but to confront them. In an interview, Zhang Linghe mentioned Leonardo DiCaprio as an example. He argued that there are times when a striking appearance can lead to an actor being underestimated in terms of ability, and shared that he himself had considered this. The actor said that what he could do was put aside external factors and focus entirely on acting.

However, this very statement sparked a new wave of controversy. Some viewers argued that comparing himself to Leonardo DiCaprio was inappropriate, as the Hollywood star had a long career with many recognized roles before winning major awards. Meanwhile, Zhang Linghe was still in the process of building his reputation and lacked substantial works to prove his talent.

Beyond his statements, the actor's appearance in the film also became a hot topic of discussion. Many viewers commented that his portrayal of the general lacked the necessary strength, instead relying on heavy makeup, smooth white skin, and an overly polished image. This made the character seem unsuitable for the battlefield setting, even leading to sarcastic nicknames like "the foundation-faced general."

Some opinions also suggest that the overemphasis on camera angles, lighting, and appearance has caused the character to lose its authenticity. Zhang Linghe's action scenes have also been criticized for lacking power and decisiveness, reducing the persuasiveness of his portrayal of a military general.

Amidst the debate, many viewers compared this portrayal to classic general roles from the past, especially He Rundong's in *Chu Han Legend* and *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. With his sun-tanned skin, grimy face, and sharp gaze, He Rundong's portrayal was considered to clearly convey the spirit of the battlefield.

To embody the character of Xiang Yu, actor He Rundong even had to wear a suit of armor weighing nearly 50kg, contributing to the realistic and visually impactful battle scenes. This comparison quickly spread, helping his personal page gain over 1 million followers in just a few days.

However, some argue that maintaining a neat and attractive image for the actors is a way of showing respect to the audience, while also emphasizing that not every general needs to be portrayed as rugged and tough.

Despite ongoing debate, the portrayal of Zhang Linghe and He Rundong somewhat reflects the current state of Chinese historical dramas. With the rise of idol dramas, the line between a general on the battlefield and the image of a "handsome historical drama actor" is becoming increasingly blurred.

In recent years, Chinese authorities have intensified their efforts to regulate the "feminization" trend in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the image of male artists. Accordingly, the State Administration of Radio, Television and Film of China has continuously issued regulations aimed at reorienting aesthetic standards, requiring male artists to limit effeminate and gender-neutral imagery on screen and stage.

Accordingly, television programs, films, and performances are required to strictly control everything from clothing and style to the makeup of male artists. Images influenced by K-pop idol culture, with heavy makeup and a soft appearance, are no longer encouraged. Instead, management aims to build an image of strong, robust men who symbolize traditional values.

According to AFP, this move stems not only from aesthetic concerns but also relates to social issues, including the declining birth rate and worries about changing male role models among young Chinese people. The reorientation of the artist's image is therefore seen as part of a broader effort to reinforce cultural and social values.

Zhang Linghe, born in 1997 in Jiangsu Province, China, is one of the most promising young actors in the Chinese entertainment industry. With his handsome looks, impressive height, and captivating charisma, he is affectionately called the "new generation's male god" by his fans.

Before pursuing an artistic career, Zhang Linghe studied Electrical Engineering at Nanjing Normal University. This was a completely different path from acting. However, driven by his passion for art, he officially entered the entertainment industry and quickly gained attention for his exceptional potential.

To date, the actor has participated in many prominent television projects such as *Shang Lan Jue*, *Yun Zhi Wu*, and *Du Hua Nian*, gradually establishing his position in the hearts of the audience. Not only has he impressed with his roles, but he has also won many notable awards. With a solid foundation and impressive development trajectory, Zhang Ling Hach is expected to continue shining and achieving even more success in the future.

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