LayarHijau– Chinese drama star Esther Yu has returned to the spotlight after being embroiled in a series of controversies that once put her career at risk. Previously caught up in allegations of bullying during a variety show and rumors surrounding her family’s involvement in a corruption case, her once-sweet public image took a heavy hit, leading to a sharp decline in popularity and widespread speculation about her future in the entertainment industry.
The situation worsened when A Journey to Glow—a drama rumored to be a sister project to A Journey to Love, starring Liu Shishi and Liu Yuning—fell into limbo. Esther Yu had been announced as the female lead, but the project stalled indefinitely, raising doubts about her standing with the production team amid the growing controversy.
Just as public opinion began to turn increasingly pessimistic, Esther Yu’s new drama Speed and Love, co-starring He Yu, suddenly premiered on December 12 without prior hype. The drama’s smooth release was widely interpreted as a clear signal that she has not been classified as a “problematic artist.” Around the same time, she also swiftly confirmed her next project, officially signing on as the female lead of the upcoming costume drama Yun Chu Ling.
Netizens were quick to notice developments surrounding A Journey to Glow. The drama’s official Weibo account has removed all posts related to Esther Yu and even unfollowed her personal account, strongly suggesting that their collaboration has officially fallen through.
Last year, Esther Yu enjoyed a massive surge in popularity thanks to Love Game in the Eastern Fantasy. Riding that momentum, she lined up multiple projects, including Ski Into Love, Speed and Love, and Road to Success.
That trajectory abruptly changed when actress Zhang Haoyue accused Esther Yu of bullying during their time on the variety show Grade One: Graduation Season 3. Soon after, further controversy emerged involving allegations that Esther Yu’s father had exploited her grandfather’s former position to illegally acquire state assets.
Following the successful broadcast of Speed and Love, the official account of Yun Chu Ling wasted no time in announcing Esther Yu as its female lead. Adapted from a novel by Chao Yun Zi, the drama centers on Yun Chu, a noblewoman betrayed and murdered by her husband in her previous life. Given a second chance at life, she returns determined to exact revenge, manipulate court politics from the shadows, and reclaim control over her own destiny.
Although the male lead has yet to be officially announced, industry chatter points to Zhang Yunlong—best known for Love Pavilion—as her co-star. He is said to play Chu Yi, the Prince of Pingxi, a calculating strategist who conceals his ambitions behind a calm exterior. While many feel the role suits him well, the eight-year age gap between the two actors has sparked debate over whether their on-screen chemistry will resonate with audiences.
Meanwhile, questions remain about Esther Yu’s complete exit from A Journey to Glow. With all traces of her involvement erased from the drama’s official platforms, a recast now seems inevitable. Attention has shifted to Yun Chu Ling, as observers wait to see whether the project can move forward smoothly—or if lingering controversy will once again cast a shadow over her comeback.
