Liu Yuning (刘宇宁)

Liu Yu Ning is a Chinese pop singer and actor born in Dandong, Liaoning, China. He's the lead singer of Modern Brothers. He started out his career with street performances, mainly live streams with the group, which was formed among his best friends after graduating from a vocational high school. He made his acting debut in the film "Class 952" (九五2班) in 2016. On September 15, 2018, Liu Yu Ning released his first solo single, "Imagine." On March 25, 2019, he won the Best New Artist and the Internet Influence Honor awards at the Chinese Top Ten Music Awards 2019. At the Chinese Top Ten Music Awards 2020, he won the All-Round Artist of the Year award, the National Recommended Singer award, and the Media Recommended Album for his first studio album, "Ten". Liu Yuning’s rise to fame is a quintessential underdog story for the digital age. Starting as a street performer and live-streaming cover singer, he first built a massive following with his powerful vocals. However, he defied expectations by successfully crossing over into acting, transforming from a "traffic star" into a genuinely recognized actor. His unique appeal lies in this very duality: a singer-turned-actor who embraces his humble beginnings, openly discusses his ambition, and has earned a reputation for his quick wit, high emotional intelligence, and unwavering professionalism.

🎬 Breakthrough Role

While Liu‘s first acting role was in 2019, his true breakthrough came in 2021 with the historical drama The Long Ballad. He played Hao Du, a cold and ruthless guard who develops a deep, devoted love for the princess Li Le’yan. Despite initial skepticism about a singer taking on such a role, his performance as the stoic guard with a hidden heart of gold was a surprise hit. The unexpected chemistry between him and his co-star created the beloved “Hao Yan CP” (couple), which became a viral sensation. This role established him as a promising actor and proved he was more than just a singer.

🌟 Public Perception

Liu Yuning’s current standing in the industry is a fascinating mix of acclaim and persistent debate. He is widely recognized as a dedicated actor who has shown significant growth, praised for his ability to convey deep affection through his eyes and for delivering impactful performances in hits like A Journey to Love and The Story of Pearl Girl. However, his journey has been marked by polarizing opinions. Early on, his acting was often criticized as stiff or unnatural, and his appearance in costume dramas became a point of contention. Crucially, Liu has navigated this with remarkable grace, using self-deprecating humor and a public stance against fan conflicts to win over the general public. The 2025 drama Kneeling (Zhe Yao) is widely seen as a turning point, where his refined performance as the complex warlord Wei Shao successfully silenced many critics and solidified his status. Today, he is respected as a resilient figure who is consistently striving to prove his worth, embodying a new kind of celebrity who earns their place through relentless effort and genuine character.