Chasing Dramas

In The Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Drama Recap

As 2024 winds down, Karen and Cathy share the most viewed dramas and most popular dramas, winners, and losers of the second half of the year. Then we discuss the top dramas of 2024, some interesting trends, and finally our top dramas of the year! Listen to hear the stats and our thoughts on the Chinese dramas of 2024.

In the Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: A welcome return and new romance buzz

After a 3 year hiatus, Chinese vlogger and global phenomenon Li Zi Qi set the internet ablaze by releasing 3 new videos. She chose lacquerware for her return which holds a unique significance to her. We discuss her background and influence not just in China but globally too. Elsewhere, a new romance might be blooming with Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Yun Long. Gu Li Na Zha was embroiled in Xu Kai Cheng and Zhang Tian Ai's relationship last year and publicly stated that she wanted to take a break from dating but that might have changed with a new video of the two of them. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the latest gossip!

In the Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: Unmasking Celebrities

Happy Halloween! In China, many celebrities have been unmasked from their personas in recent reality shows or plain internet sleuthing. This includes well known actor, professor, and cook Huang Lei, who's been unmasked as a regular cook and thin-skinned person who wants to have the last say. This also includes actress Zhou Yu Tong who's appearance in Season 6 of Divas Hit the Road has set off a firestorm on social media about her potentially narcissistic personality, dragging the entire season down. Listen to our latest podcast to hear how and why these two celebrities have been unmasked!

In the Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: Fashion Success

In this episode, we dive in to the fashion measures of success that fans and celebrities care about. This includes Fashion brand sponsorships with the different titles, Fashion Magazine covers, and public appearances wearing haute couture. Speaking of congratulations to Zhao Li Ying for winning best Actress at the Golden Eagle Awards wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture dress. Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn more about the competitive nature of fashion within the Chinese entertainment industry

In the Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: Measures of Success

With the recent Golden Eagle Award nominations, fans went into a frenzy to begin boasting about their idol getting nominations. For today's episode, let’s talk about what are the different measures of success fans have for their favored actor or actress. That includes award nominations, ratings, marketability, and so much more! Listen to our latest podcast as we discuss the fierce competition amongst fans and the celebrities themselves on the measures of success.

In the Know – Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Pop Culture Slang

In 2024, a new slate of pop culture slang has taken China by storm. The most popular has been whether you are an i person or an e person. There's also the City Walk and the special ops vacation. Listen to our latest podcast episode to see if you recognize some of these latest pop culture references!

Oct 2024 Chinese Drama Update – She and Her Girls, Love in Nirvana, Love in the Desert, Snowy Night: Timeless Love, The Rise of Ning

It's October and we have a new slate of dramas! My favorite drama this year is She and Her Girls. This recounts story of teacher Zhang Gui Mei and her establishment of the first free all girl high school in China. It's definitely a winner. Meanwhile, Ren Jia Lun just keeps having duds with Love In Nirvana alongside Li Lan Di. Uyghur beauty Ha Ni Ke Zi looks right at home in Love in the Desert with the handsome Fang Yi Lun but the plot is rather lacking. Karen's most excited about upcoming Wu Xia drama Snowy Night: Timeless Love starring Li Qin and Zeng Shun Xi. Zhang Wan Yi and Ren Min star in The Rise of Ning, hoping to win some audiences with another period romance drama. Let us know your thoughts about these dramas!