Pursuit Of Jade actor Zhang Linghe to reimburse fans affected by cancelled event after overcrowding fiasco
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Fans of Chinese actor Zhang Linghe (left) rushing into a mall in Nanning, Guangxi, to catch a glimpse of the Pursuit Of Jade star.
PHOTOS: WEIBO
Chinese actor Zhang Linghe and his studio will reimburse fans who were affected by the cancellation of a headline-making in-person mall event due to overcrowding.
The heart-throb was originally scheduled to attend a Molsion eyewear promotional activity in a mall in Nanning, China, on May 31.
However, due to overwhelming crowds, the event organisers decided to call off the onsite event and replace it with a live stream, with organisers explaining they prioritised safety to prevent potential injuries.
Zhang’s team issued a statement on Weibo on May 31, apologising for the last-minute change of plans, stressing their concerns over safety issues.
His team added that they will reimburse all travel and accommodation expenses incurred by fans who travelled from afar to catch a glimpse of the Pursuit Of Jade (2026) star.
Thousands had gathered at the mall in the capital of Guangxi, many arriving hours before the event in the hope of catching a glimpse of the 28-year-old actor, who in April was named as a brand ambassador of the Chinese eyewear company.
However, as crowds swelled throughout the day, safety concerns began to mount.
Videos circulating on social media showed packed walkways and balconies across multiple levels of the mall, while one of the venue’s glass entrance doors was reportedly damaged amid the rush of women entering the building.
The chaotic turnout was another reminder of his remarkable popularity.
Already a fan favourite through C-dramas such as Love Between Fairy And Devil (2022), Story Of Kunning Palace (2023) and The Princess Royal (2024), Zhang saw his star rise even further following the success of Pursuit Of Jade.
The period romance introduced him to an even wider international audience and cemented his status as one of China’s most sought-after young actors.
The Nanning incident is far from the first example of Zhang’s formidable star power.
Previous brand events, drama promotions and airport appearances also attracted massive turnouts, with videos of fans packing venues, screaming his name and scrambling for a closer look frequently going viral online.
His recent attendance at the GucciCore Cruise 2027 fashion show in New York City also drew throngs, as fans waited for his arrival at JFK Airport. Before his arrival in the Big Apple on May 16, fervent supporters bought advertising space on digital billboards in Times Square to welcome him to the city.
