Meng Ziyi (孟子义)

Meng Ziyi (孟子义) Born on December 5, 1995 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, Meng Ziyi—also known as Zoey Meng—is a prominent Chinese actress known for her elegant screen presence and emotional depth. She made her debut in television and quickly rose to fame with her performances in historical, fantasy, and romantic dramas. Meng Ziyi gained widespread recognition for her role as Wen Qing in the popular series The Untamed (2019). Meng Ziyi's rise is an extraordinary tale of unexpected redemption in the entertainment industry. Once derided as a "green tea," a "diva," and an "actress who can't act," she transformed herself into an endearing, adored personality solely through her genuine, unpretentious presence. Her performance in The Starry Love, where she portrayed the duplicitous yet endearing protagonist Hua Liuli, showcased her comedic talent. Meanwhile, variety shows like The Unexpected Life revealed her "blunt and quirky" personality, culminating in the creation of the beloved "Charming Airhead" archetype. Where audiences once rejected her, they now find her uniquely refreshing, establishing her as one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry. Breakthrough Role Meng Ziyi's journey lacked a single, monumental role; rather, it was a gradual building of trust. After catching attention as the tragic yet resilient Lei Chun in Heroes, she starred in the 2024 S+ production The Starry Love. Playing the dual role of a noble lady pretending to be frail, her impressive synchronization of crying and comedic scenes amazed audiences. This led to her career resurgence, followed by S+ hits like Blossoming Hearts and the highly anticipated spy thriller The Storm Rises. As an actor who once played 27 consecutive supporting roles to perfect her craft, her innate talent eventually overcame all preconceptions, finally earning her the leading-lady roles she deserved. Public Perception Today, Meng Ziyi's public persona is a paradoxical blend of "brilliant" and "clueless." Audiences admire her emotional intelligence in articulating her life perspectives, while also loving her memorably awkward moments on variety shows. The public's adoration for her has shifted from initial dislike to genuine love for her unfiltered "human touch." Her "authenticity" has sparked trending topics online, and her catchphrase "Meng Ziyi" has evolved into an internet meme meaning "real." Possessing significant influence and owning multiple upcoming S+ projects, her public image is defined by her refusal to feign perfection.