LayarHijau — Veteran actor Yan Yikuan recently stepped up to defend his co-star, Zhang Linghe, who has become the target of sharp netizen criticism. the controversy erupted following Zhang Linghe’s appearance in the upcoming drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), where his look was deemed “too perfect” for a battlefield commander, sparking the satirical nickname: the “Foundation General.”
The term foundation refers to the cosmetic base used to even out skin tone and cover imperfections. Netizens have weaponized the term as a jab, mocking Zhang Linghe for a look that appears heavily powdered, pale, and flawless—qualities they argue are unrealistic for a general who should look rugged and battle-worn on the front lines.
During a guest appearance on host Chen Chen’s podcast on April 1st, Yan Yikuan offered a sophisticated take on the uproar. In Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), Yan Yikuan plays Wei Yan, the uncle of Zhang Linghe’s character, Xie Zheng. As both a senior actor and a mentor figure on screen, Yan Yikuan felt it was important to provide some moral support.
“The fact that there is doubt or criticism means people are paying attention. What I want to tell Zhang Linghe is that he should embrace the criticism and strive to outrun his own shadow,” Yan Yikuan stated calmly.
The “Foundation General” backlash began when promotional clips showed Xie Zheng (played by Zhang Linghe) in full armor, sporting a magnificent pheasant-feather headpiece (雉鸡翎). Rather than looking like a gritty “God of War,” his pristine complexion triggered a wave of internet memes. Some netizens joked that troops should postpone the war because the general’s foundation was smearing, while others teased that he must have spent hours doing his makeup before heading to the front lines.
However, Yan Yikuan views this phenomenon through a deeper lens. He offered encouraging words for Zhang Linghe to push forward despite the storm of critiques.
“Regardless of the reasons behind the ‘Foundation General’ label, the fact that this scrutiny is falling on Zhang Linghe proves he has the potential to go much further. As the saying goes, ‘Heaven assigns great responsibilities to those it first tests,'” Yan Yikuan added.
As a seasoned industry veteran, the actor behind the character Wei Yan hopes Zhang Linghe remains professional. “I hope Zhang Linghe continues to follow the standards of an actor, cherishes every opportunity, and he will surely undergo a sublimation into an incredible performer. Use a humble mindset to accept criticism. There is still tomorrow, there is still a future, and there are plenty of chances to change gradually.”
While Zhang Linghe’s visuals have sparked a debate between the demands of battlefield realism and aristocratic aesthetics, the support from an experienced star like Yan Yikuan offers a beacon of hope. With guidance from his “on-screen uncle” both on and off the set, Zhang Linghe is expected to prove that his acting talent is far deeper than his makeup in Pursuit of Jade (逐玉).
