Artist Profile
- Real Name: Yu Shuxin
- Native Name: 虞书欣
- Nicknames: Shuxin, Xiao Yu, Xinxin
- Birthday: Dec 18, 1995 (30 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 (11 years)
Esther Yu (虞书欣), born in 1995 in Shanghai, China, is an actress and singer who has been active in the entertainment industry since 2016. Yu was a member of the project girl group THE9, formed through the reality survival show Youth With You 2, and is a recording artist within the C-pop genre.
Early life
Yu is the only child of a family with a significant business background. Her grandfather served as the chairman of Xinyu Iron and Steel Group, while her parents operate businesses in the real estate, construction, and steel sectors. Yu also holds shares in several companies.
Yu attended the Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Normal University before continuing her education at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Yu worked as a model and was frequently referred to as an “heiress” due to her family background.
Career
Yu began her acting career in 2015 with the martial arts series Border Town Prodigal, which premiered in 2016. During the same period, Yu appeared in the school-themed reality show Grade One Freshman.
Between 2016 and 2017, Yu held supporting roles in several television series, including Flower Falling Years, The Advisors Alliance, and Li Dabao’s Ordinary Days.
In 2018, Yu starred in the youth drama Youth, a Chinese adaptation of the series Hello, My Twenties!.
In 2019, Yu played the lead role in My Amazing Boyfriend 2: Unforgettable Impression.
In 2020, Yu participated in the survival show Youth With You 2, finishing in second place and debuting as a member of THE9 on May 30. Yu remained active with the group until its disbandment in late 2021. Concurrent with group activities, Yu held lead roles in the television series I’ve Fallen for You and A Love So Romantic.
In 2021, following the disbandment of THE9, Yu transitioned to solo activities. In the same year, Yu starred in the romance drama Moonlight, portraying a young editor in the publishing industry.
In 2022, Yu played the role of Orchid in the xianxia series Love Between Fairy and Devil. The same year, Yu took the lead role in A Romance of the Little Forest, portraying a fashion blogger with a PhD in ornithology.
In 2023, Yu appeared in two major productions: Sword and Fairy and My Journey to You. In addition to acting, Yu released her first personal EP, titled Esther, in late 2022 and continued promotional activities throughout 2023, including a performance of the song “Shi Yi” at an online music festival.
In 2024, Yu released her debut full-length studio album, Spicy Honey. In television, Yu starred in the historical fantasy drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, which premiered in November. At the Tencent Video Starlight Night that year, Yu received the “Most Popular TV Actress” and “Breakthrough Artist” awards.
In 2025, Yu continued her acting career with a lead role in the sports romance Ski into Love alongside actor Lin Yi. Upcoming projects for Yu include Road to Success and Speed and Love.
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
