Chen Xinhai (陈鑫海)

Chen Xinhai may be remembered for starring in the healing drama A Lonely Hero's Journey of Dining in Another World, but his acclaim came primarily for his standout role as a supporting actor. It was in 2024 that his profile truly skyrocketed, with his performance in the hit drama The Double widely discussed and praised by audiences. Breakthrough Role: His Claim to Fame Chen's breakout performance was in 2024's hit drama The Double, playing the second male lead, Ye Shijie. Prior to this, his starring role in 2023's healing romance A Lonely Hero's Journey of Dining in Another World had already helped his career and introduced him to a wider audience. However, The Double was a major phenomenon, achieving immense popularity in China within a month of its release and topping charts on international platforms, including in Thailand and South Korea. As the "perfect second male lead" who suppresses his own feelings for the female lead, Chen quickly amassed tens of thousands of new followers and became a trending online topic. Public Perception: Industry Standing and Audience Perception Chen Xinhai is considered an actor who has paid his dues. After finishing 23rd in the 2020 survival show We Are Young, he steadily honed his craft through supporting roles before landing his first lead in 2023. While his good looks and clean-cut image have won him a loyal fan base, his rapid rise to "leading man" status has also fueled ongoing speculation that he may have financial backing. He is often labeled a "resource drama actor"—a term implying his family’s money, rather than talent alone, secures him plum roles. He has never commented on these rumors. Nonetheless, audiences have noted that his acting is consistently improving. While not yet A-list, he is regarded as a hardworking and dedicated young actor with substantial growth potential.