LayarHijau.com – The Chinese drama wave surged throughout the first half of 2025. Romantic, costume, and fantasy series continued to dominate discussions, drawing attention not only to the stories but also skyrocketing the popularity of their male leads. Recently, Sohu released the Top 10 Male Actors with the Most Weibo Follower Growth in the First Half of 2025, and the results came as a surprise to many fans due to several unexpected shifts in ranking.
Topping the list is Ao Ruipeng, who captivated viewers in the fantasy series Moonlight Mystique. He played dual roles: Fan Yue, the demon king, and Jing Yuan, the human king. The stark contrast between the two characters, combined with a compelling storyline, helped him gain more than 1.3 million new followers on Weibo.
In second place is Liu Yuning, who added 760,500 new followers thanks to his role as Wei Shao in The Prisoner of Beauty. Wei Shao is a battlefield hero whose personality changes after witnessing the massacre of his family. The character is both domineering and gentle, reserved yet deeply emotional—an arc that resonated strongly with viewers.
Wang Anyu landed in third place with 414,100 new followers. In Such a Good Love, he played Zhou Shui, a talented but somewhat arrogant young artist. His nuanced performance captured both the character’s stubbornness and vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
In fourth place is Bai Jingting, who gained 408,300 followers through his role as Sang Yan in The First Frost. Sang Yan is cold on the outside but warm and affectionate inside. His fairy-tale romance with Wen Yifan was described by fans as “sweet to the point of suffocation,” and Bai Jingting’s mature and heartfelt acting won over viewers.
Zhang Linghe is in fifth place with a growth of 364,500 followers. He made a comeback with his portrayal of He Suye in The Best Thing, a gentle and considerate traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Different from the usual domineering male leads in sweet dramas, He Suye’s calm and caring nature earned Zhang the nickname “fairy boyfriend” from fans.
In sixth place is Li Yunrui, who gained 317,200 followers thanks to his performance in To 1999 Me. His emotionally nostalgic role struck a chord with many drama lovers.
Seventh place belongs to Li Xian, who also saw a gain of 317,200 followers through his lead role in Flourished Peony. He portrayed a refined and composed male lead who charmed audiences in this vibrant period drama.
Lin Yi ranks eighth with 298,100 new followers. His drama Ski into Love showcased him as a quiet young man who carries hidden wounds but slowly opens up through a healing love story. His soft performance resonated strongly with younger fans.
Ninth place goes to Xin Yunlai, who added 279,200 followers through The Glory. His character grows up under societal and family pressures and slowly finds hope through a meaningful relationship.
Lastly, in tenth place is Yu Cheng'en with a follower increase of 273,200. In City of Romance, he portrayed a smart but sensitive urban youth navigating a sweet and heartwarming love story amid the bustle of city life.
This list reflects just how influential Chinese dramas are on actor popularity. While established names like Liu Yuning and Bai Jingting remained strong, the rise of a “dark horse” like Ao Ruipeng became one of the biggest highlights of 2025 so far.