Esther Yu's Profile
- Real Name: Yu Shuxin
- Native Name: 虞书欣
- Nicknames: Shuxin, Xiao Yu, Xinxin
- Birthday: Dec 18, 1995 (29 years old)
- Blood Type: AB
- Height/Weight: 169 cm (5’7") / 50 kg (110 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Chinese Zodiac: Pig
- Debut: 2015 (Actress), 2020 (THE9)
- Birthplace: Shanghai, China
- Ethnicity: Han Chinese
- Nationality: Chinese
- Profession: Actor, Singer
- Languages: Mandarin (Native), English
- Current Agency: Huace Film & TV
- Active Years: 2015 – present (10 years)
Esther Yu (birth name: Yu Shuxin, Chinese: 虞书欣), born in 1995 in Shanghai, China, is an actress and singer who has been active in the entertainment industry since 2016. She was a member of the project girl group THE9, formed through the reality show Youth With You 2, and has contributed as a vocalist in the C-pop genre.
Early Life
Esther Yu is the only child in a family with a strong business background. Her grandfather once served as chairman of Xinyu Iron and Steel Group, while her parents are entrepreneurs engaged in real estate, construction, and steel. Esther herself also holds ownership stakes in several companies.
She attended the Affiliated High School of Shanghai Normal University before pursuing further studies at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Yu worked as a model and was often referred to as a “heiress” due to her prominent family background.
Career
Esther Yu began her career in 2015 with the wuxia drama Border Town Prodigal, which aired in 2016. Around the same period, she appeared on the school-based reality show Grade One Freshman.
In 2016 and 2017, she played supporting roles in several television dramas, including Flower Falling Years, The Advisors Alliance, and Li Dabao’s Ordinary Days. This was a formative stage in which she accumulated acting experience before landing her first leading role.
In 2018, she starred in the youth drama Youth, the Chinese adaptation of Hello, My Twenties!. This marked a significant step forward as she was recognized as the female lead in a major television production.
In 2019, Esther further established herself with the lead role in My Amazing Boyfriend 2: Unforgettable Impression. At the same time, she continued to engage in various entertainment activities to broaden her presence.
The year 2020 was a turning point when she competed on the survival show Youth With You 2, finishing in second place and officially debuting as a member of the girl group THE9 on May 30. She remained active with the group until its disbandment at the end of 2021. Alongside group activities, she continued her acting career with lead roles in Find Yourself, I’ve Fallen for You, and A Love So Romantic.
In 2021, following THE9’s disbandment, Esther shifted her focus to solo activities. That same year, she starred in the romance drama Moonlight, portraying a young editor in the publishing industry.
In 2022, she gained widespread attention for her role as Xiao Lan Hua in the fantasy xianxia drama Love Between Fairy and Devil. The series significantly expanded her influence in historical fantasy television. Also in 2022, she starred in A Romance of the Little Forest, playing a fashion blogger with a PhD in ornithology.
In 2023, she appeared in two major productions: Sword and Fairy and My Journey to You. Beyond acting, she released her first solo EP Esther in late 2022, with promotional activities continuing throughout 2023. Among her performances was the song Shi Yi at an online music festival.
In 2024, Esther released her first full-length studio album Spicy Honey. On television, she starred in the fantasy costume drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, which premiered in November. At the Tencent Video All Star Night the same year, she received the awards for “Favorite Television Actress” and “Breakthrough Artist.”
In 2025, she continues her acting career with the lead role in the sports romance drama Ski into Love, co-starring actor Lin Yi. She also has upcoming projects such as Road to Success and Speed and Love, signaling her sustained presence in the Chinese television industry.
Fun Facts
- Her most famous nickname is “Yújǐng Bǎobǎo” (Baby Esther) thanks to her endearing, ultra-cute behavior on reality shows.
- She once devoured 15 spicy skewers in a single filming session—netizens dubbed her “Spicy Queen”!
- Known for her eyebrow acting—her expressive brows have become a meme sensation on Douyin.
- She maintains a sweet post-show friendship with BLACKPINK’s Lisa and once texted her a heartfelt birthday greeting.
- Writes handwritten thank-you letters to fans every birthday—her round, adorable handwriting always melts hearts.
- Idolizes Zhao Wei and once said she wants to play a “dark version” of Little Swallow (Xiao Yanzi).
- A die-hard fan of Your Name—she reportedly cried so hard watching the ending that her eyes swelled shut.
- Once trended online for wearing “anti-UV armor” from head to toe at the airport—fans joked she looked like a fashionable secret agent.
- Famous for her “failed influencer” stories, like warping the door behind her in a heavily edited selfie.
- She calls her pet “Little Boss” and refuses to cuddle it unless her hands are squeaky clean!
Photo Gallery
