2026.05.24.XinHua New Agency Interview


0:19
Q: That is unique about the Zhan Zhao you portrayed this time?
YY: The Zhan Zhao in ZZA is
the heart of the entire story
and the main character
who drives the narrative
He faced the injustices in this world
And the character of Zhan Zhao
had a dual identity as both an official and a chivalrous knight
so he also experienced confusion
self-doubt
and such reflection and struggle

0:36
Q: In your performance, in which details are Zhan Zhao's "strength" and "gentleness" reflected respectively?
YY: I think Zhan Zhao's "strength/toughness" and "gentleness"
arose from the clash between
his chivalry and his adherence to the law
Then, regarding "strength/toughness", if manifested in actions
it means his movements are precise and swift
In terms of personality
this "strength/toughness" means Zhan Zhao is resilient
For example, in the scene at the West Bridge Port
he was surrounded and chased by many people
and the bad guys took civilians as hostage and threatened him
But Zhan Zhao's gaze and actions
always showed unwavering determination
As for "gentleness"
in terms of his action
maybe Zhan Zhao
is someone who would not harm others' lives
He is a person who would
eave the matter to the authorities to decide
He is a government official after all
The "gentleness" in terms of personality
he is particularly gentle when interacting with his friends
He would show more youthful spirit
and is very relaxed when he is with them
Zhan Zhao's "strength/toughness" and "gentleness"
are something inherent in his personality
It's also an instinctive reaction
that arises in different situations

1:33
Q: To better fit the character's identity, temperament, and historical context, what efforts did you make in refining the dialogue?
YY: Zhan Zhao had the identity of a chivalrous knight
as well as an government official
Therefore, in handling the dialogue
more attention will be paid to the balance between
the order of the government official and the chivalry

And a lot of the lines

I tried to do some subtraction (less verbose)

making Zhan Zhao simpler

and would express with a calmer style

He is an official in the government after all


1:54

Q: During filming, what efforts did you feel the production team made in recreating the appearance of the Northern Song Dynasty and conveying traditional culture?

YY: I went to KaiFeng a couple of days ago

and I felt the Traditional Chinese cultural heritage

of the ancient capital of 8 dynasties

Our production team

has done extremely meticulous research

on the restoration of

the Northern Song Dynasty's appearance

as well as the construction of sets, costumes, props, and sets

Take Zhan Zhao's clothing

for example

His everyday clothes are usually predominantly black

And his red official robes

actually represent his status and authority


2:15

Q: What do you think is the core value of this drama? What unique ways does it express the inheritance of martial arts culture and the spirit of chivalry?

YY: Perhaps beyond the compassion of chivalry

there's also a layer of prudent reflection

True chivalry isn't just about seeking revenge

it's about knowing that even without reward

one might still struggle

to continue down that path

In inheriting martial arts culture and conveying the spirit of chivalry

there's a line in the drama

"Using violence to stop violence

does not uphold justice"

The chivalry here

takes on a more thought approach


2:36

Q: Do you think contemporary society still needs "chivalrous heroes"? What should a "chivalrous hero" look like today?

YY: Of course

I think that many people in our lives

are actually practicing the concept of "chivalry"

In the past, a chivalrous person might have been someone who roamed the world with a sword

helping those in need

But in today's society

a chivalrous person can be someone with the courage to act bravely for a just cause

someone who shows kindness to strangers

or someone who speaks out for justice

I think

the concept of chivalry has never changed


3:00

(somehow this segment didn't have a question, but I felt this is another topic different from the previous question)
YY: I've collaborated with Youku several times
Actually, you could say we're old friends
A couple of days ago, we went to the Kaifeng Garden Party
and met with everyone together
It was a really fun time
like fulfilling
a chivalrous promise
I'm very grateful for this event
and hope to bring more great works
to our viewers

3:19
Q: Compared to when you debuted, has your attitude towards the profession of "actor" changed at all?
YY: To me
I actually feel a deep sense of awe
towards the acting profession
This feeling has grown stronger over time
Since my debut
every role I played has actually
helped me understand more deeply that
the role an actor plays is not just profession
but rather a representation of a life
a belief
And I feel even greater reverence for
the weight behind every shot
As an actor
I hope to stay grounded,
focused, and dedicated to
delivering a good performance in every project
bringing the best to the audience

3:47
Q: In today's fast-paced world, how do you think young actors should maintain their focus and dedication to perfecting their work?
YY: I think as an actor
you don't need to deliberately try to stay focus or grounded
Rather, if you love what you do
you'll naturally settle down
and focus on doing it
Take me for example
I feel I am very lucky
because I love my profession
So I will stay true to my original aspirations
and hope to bring more good roles
and good works
to the audience

4:12
Q: How do you adjust your mindset, avoid being disturbed by external voices, and focus on doing your job as an actor well?
YY: External voices
are a constant presence for actors
For example, when under the spotlight
because of my work and the characters I portray
I'd give my all
Outside the spotlight
I'd return to my own life
and turn any feedback/voice
into nourishment for me
motivating myself
to do even better

4:33
Q: Was there a specific moment that strengthened your resolve to dedicate yourself to acting and crafting each role meticulously?
YY: As an actor, I think it's probably
when many viewers
came to like your character
and through the character and the story in the drama
they resonated with their lives
accompanying them through a beautiful time
I think this is actually very touching
for me personally

4:49
Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans who have always supported you?
YY: Actually, my fans know me very well
and understand me perfectly
They've always been there for me
quietly supporting me
So, for me
I hope to repay their love
with more great roles

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