LayarHijau – Chinese stars Yang Yang and Zhang Linghe are set to go head-to-head once again at the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards. After competing for the Asian Star Award, the two actors are now up against each other in the Male Actor Award category.
Yang Yang is representing “The Immortal Ascension” (《凡人修仙传》), while Zhang Linghe is competing with “Pursuit of Jade” (《逐玉》). Their latest showdown has already sparked fresh discussions among fans following their closely watched battle in the earlier fan-voted category.
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Zhang Linghe held the lead in the Asian Star Award voting for 29 days and was still ahead with just 24 hours left. However, Yang Yang mounted a late surge and managed to turn the race around.
Yang Yang ultimately took first place with around 1.88 million votes, while Zhang Linghe finished second with approximately 1.2 million. The result set the stage for another showdown between the two actors at this year’s Seoul International Drama Awards.
This time, however, the focus is no longer simply on popularity. The Asian Star Award was decided through fan voting, while the Male Actor Award puts the spotlight on the actors and the performances they delivered in their respective dramas.
Yang Yang is competing with “The Immortal Ascension,” in which he plays Han Li. Unlike many larger-than-life protagonists, Han Li does not begin his journey as an overwhelmingly powerful figure. He gradually grows stronger while navigating dangerous situations and facing one challenge after another.
The role requires Yang Yang to portray Han Li’s gradual transformation from a relatively young and inexperienced man into someone more mature and composed. That character development gives the performance a different challenge from roles in which the protagonist is already powerful from the outset.
Zhang Linghe, meanwhile, is competing with “Pursuit of Jade,” in which he plays Xie Zheng. The drama stars him opposite Tian Xiwei and gives him a character with a complicated background and a hidden identity.
Xie Zheng is a nobleman who conceals his true identity and circumstances. Beneath his seemingly frail exterior is a man carrying the weight of his family’s tragedy and pursuing his own goals. The character allows Zhang Linghe to explore different emotional layers while revealing another side of his acting abilities.
“Pursuit of Jade” has also further established Zhang Linghe as one of the young actors to watch in Chinese costume dramas. He previously gained widespread attention through popular series including “Story of Kunning Palace” (《宁安如梦》) and “My Journey to You” (《云之羽》).
Yang Yang and Zhang Linghe are now entering a very different kind of competition. Yang Yang came out on top in their first showdown through fan voting, but this time, their performances and the dramas they represent will be at the center of attention.
The winner of the Male Actor Award will be announced at the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards, which is scheduled to take place on October 8. For fans of both stars, the question is no longer simply who can attract the most votes, but who will ultimately take home the Best Actor honor from this year’s ceremony.
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