Chinese wuxia, mythology, and historical dramas, once dominated by heroic “manly men” radiating strength and charisma, are now brimming with delicate “flower boys” with red lips and flawless, porcelain skin. Sounds disorienting, doesn’t it? Is China falling under the spell of “Koreanization”?
Feminine Styling: Trend or Travesty?
Androgynous beauty isn’t new in Chinese culture. The “refined gentlemen” archetype has graced many classic works. However, the distinction lies in the execution:
- Traditional Representation: Characters were soft-spoken yet exuded strength, intelligence, and heroic spirit.
For instance, Hu Ge as Yang Guo in The Return of the Condor Heroes or Li Yifeng as Linghu Chong in Swordsman didn’t need heavy makeup to captivate audiences. Their inner depth and confident demeanor were enough. - Modern Representation: Today’s male leads increasingly focus on glamorous appearances, often at the expense of emotional depth.
Characters like Chen Feiyu in Immortality or Luo Yunxi in Love and Redemption have sparked the question: “Can they really shoulder the burdens of the martial world?”
This shift not only diminishes the heroic aura but also raises concerns about its appropriateness within the wuxia genre.
Loyal wuxia fans aren’t buying it:
“Wuxia is not a fashion runway!”
“A protagonist should carry the martial world, not a makeup bag!”
The Reasons Behind Wuxia’s “Beautification”
Three main factors drive the rise of this “pretty boy” trend:
1. Changing Audience Preferences
- Audience surveys: According to a survey by a Chinese film website, 68% of younger viewers (aged 18-25) prefer actors with “flower boy” aesthetics and polished appearances in historical dramas.
- Social media engagement: Data from Weibo reveals that posts about actors with “flower boy” looks receive 35% more engagement compared to posts about traditionally masculine actors.
- Viewership comparisons: The drama The Legend of Shen Li, starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, achieved impressive rankings, consistently holding second place in Vietnam’s social media buzz charts from March onward and remaining in the top 10 for months.
2. Commercial Pressures
- Box office revenue: During the summer of 2024 (June 1 to August 31), China’s box office revenue hit 11.643 billion yuan. Many successful films featured popular “flower boy” actors, showcasing their commercial appeal.
- Period drama success: The Legend of Shen Li, starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, not only dominated in China but also created waves on Vietnamese social media platforms, highlighting the commercial viability and global appeal of “flower boy” actors.
- Government regulations: China’s government has implemented rules to limit overly “effeminate” portrayals of male actors, emphasizing the preservation of traditional cultural values. However, detailed statistics on the impact of these regulations on the production of “flower boy” content remain sparse.
Wuxia Needs Swords, Not Lipstick
While beauty may attract viewers, it’s the spirit of the story that keeps them hooked. C-Biz must carefully balance modernization with tradition, ensuring that wuxia dramas don’t become a “pretty boy symphony.” After all, audiences still long to see a true hero fighting for justice, not fretting over smudged makeup.
Question for you: Do you prefer the “graceful yet masculine” heroes of the past or today’s “powdered gentlemen”? Share your thoughts!
