Posts in Media
#MeToo in Chinese Dramas vs #MeToo in Reality

Women continue to face discrimination in China, encountering quotas and other restrictions, even as they try to break barriers in spaces traditionally dominated by men. High profile #MeToo cases have been dismissed, essentially ending in favour of the accused -- and that’s if they even make it that far. Some have been countersued by their powerful accusers, while feminist groups online have been shut down and activists arrested. How is this reality being portrayed in dramas?

Read More
The Chinese dubbing industry: Why are so many Chinese dramas dubbed? (Updated)

Since I started watching Asian dramas, I’ve become increasingly curious about the world of subtitles, translators, and voice dubbing. In China, many dramas will employ separate voice artists to dub over the original voices of the actors. Some actors also dub their own voices. Ever wonder why?

Read More
Everything you need to know about The Untamed soundtrack

If you love the soundtrack as much as I do, and also love going down mini rabbit holes and getting nerdy about behind-the-scenes production details, my friend Wuulongcha’s latest blog post is for you. I loved the post because it’s exactly the kind of informative deeper dive into C-drama pop culture that is not always accessible to non-Chinese readers, making it a unique and valuable bridge for international fans who want to learn more.

Read More
Reflections, Part II: Xiao Zhan one year after the AO3 incident

Xiao Zhan shared a lengthy and deeply personal message exactly one year after the “AO3 227” incident that nearly killed his career. It’s heartfelt reflection on what happened a year ago and the fallout that followed. But why would he even draw attention back to the event at a time when his career appeared to finally be recovering?

Read More
Reflections, Part I: Xiao Zhan, AO3, toxic fandoms, and China's idol economy

Chinese actor Xiao Zhan penned a very personal open letter about what happened to him a year ago in the AO3 227 incident and what followed. It is a case study in toxic fan culture, China’s idol economy, and the rise and fall — and rise again, of a star.

Read More