LayarHijau.com — Chinese drama actor Song Weilong skyrocketed to fame after starring in Go Ahead alongside Tan Songyun and Zhang Xincheng in 2020. Recently, he has once again captured attention with his new historical costume drama Youthful Glory, co-starring Bao Shangen. The drama is adapted from the novel Little Cardamom by Bu Zhi Shi Ke Cai.
Youthful Glory has become a major hit despite airing alongside popular dramas such as The Prisoner of Beauty starring Liu Yuning and Song Zuer, and Legend of Zang Hai with Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi. The drama secured the third spot on China’s drama popularity list, and after its release on Netflix Taiwan, its ratings soared to third place there as well, nearly matching the current ratings champion The Prisoner of Beauty. This achievement is especially impressive given the intense competition, reports Upmedia.
In Youthful Glory, Song Weilong plays Jiang Xu, a cold and powerful prince of Dingbei, who falls in love with Ming Tan, the intelligent daughter of a general played by Bao Shangen. Their story begins with conflicts and misunderstandings and progresses to a politically arranged marriage, sparking excitement among viewers with the “marry first, love later” formula.
What are the secrets behind the popularity of Youthful Glory? Here are the three main factors:
Strong Chemistry Between Song Weilong and Bao Shangen
Song Weilong and Bao Shangen show very natural and strong chemistry as an on-screen couple. Viewers are captivated by their interactions—from initial misunderstandings to becoming a supportive pair. Song Weilong’s charming portrayal of the prince earned him the nickname “The Chosen Prince” from netizens, while Bao Shangen’s fresh and elegant aura perfectly suits her role as a noble daughter.
Impressive Supporting Cast
Besides the leads, Youthful Glory is strengthened by a stellar supporting cast including Dai Luwa, known for her role as Anian in Lost You Forever, Bai Shu who gained attention in Dashing Youth, and Ke Ying, who recently rose to fame in Perfect Match. The supporting couple Dai Luwa and Bai Shu have already won much affection from netizens since the early episodes.
Fast and Reasonable Plot Development
The drama features a fast-paced and dynamic storyline, especially in the first five episodes where Ming Tan and Jiang Xu quickly move from strangers with misunderstandings to engaged partners, then marry by imperial decree. Political conflicts and Jiang Xu’s investigation into corruption unfold alongside the development of their relationship, keeping viewers engaged without feeling bored.
With this combination of strengths, Youthful Glory has successfully won the hearts of audiences and become a strong contender among popular dramas today. Will it continue to rise and overtake The Prisoner of Beauty at the top? Let’s wait and see how the story unfolds.
