LayarHijau.com — Zhang Ruonan issued an official statement today, April 30, 2025, in response to rumors circulating about her involvement in ranking manipulation within the drama industry.
The actress firmly denied the allegations that she was involved in manipulating billing ranks for her roles, particularly in her recent projects Zhan Zhao Adventures and the earlier drama The First Frost, according to Sohu.
In her statement, Zhang emphasized that she had taken swift action to prevent the spread of false information by communicating directly with the drama and platform owners.
The production teams of both dramas also provided clarifications, with Zhan Zhao Adventures confirming that they had not been involved in the creation, review, or modification of content related to rankings. Similarly, The First Frost confirmed that the correct ranking information had been submitted to each platform.
Zhang Ruonan’s Role in The Dramas
Zhang Ruonan’s role in Zhan Zhao Adventures has garnered significant attention. She plays Huo Linglong, the courageous eldest daughter of Linglong Manor.
Huo Linglong embarks on a dangerous journey after fleeing an arranged marriage, only to cross paths with Zhan Zhao, an imperial guard who holds crucial evidence against a corrupt official. Together with Bai Yutang, known as the "Golden-Furred Rat," they form an alliance to uncover a major conspiracy and restore justice. This role highlights Zhang's versatility in portraying a strong and independent character within the wuxia genre.
In The First Frost, Zhang Ruonan plays Wen Yifan, another key character who plays an important role in the drama’s storyline. Alongside other main characters, she helps drive the plot forward, contributing to the success of the series.
The Significance of Billing Order
The rumor about ranking manipulation suggested that Zhang Ruonan’s agency may have influenced her billing order, particularly in Zhan Zhao Adventures and The First Frost.
In the competitive world of Chinese drama, billing order is crucial because it can impact an actor's visibility and the perception of their importance in a project. Actors who receive top billing often enjoy more media coverage, greater exposure in promotional materials, and more screen time across various platforms.
The rumor indirectly implied that Zhang Ruonan’s rising popularity, especially in The First Frost, could have been caused by a boosted billing position. If she had indeed manipulated the ranking, it could have led to greater promotion in advertising campaigns, potentially making her seem more important to the project than her actual role might have warranted. This could result in increased fan attention, media focus, and opportunities for future projects.
However, despite the rumors, there is no evidence to support the claims that Zhang Ruonan was involved in ranking manipulation. Both she and the production teams of her dramas have firmly denied the allegations. Her agency has also taken swift action to prevent the spread of misinformation.