Ren Hao (任豪)

Ren Hao first captured public attention as a member of the hit boy band R1SE, formed through the 2019 survival show Produce Camp 2019. But his true breakout came in 2026 with the historical drama Pursuit of Jade (Zhuyu), where his portrayal of the secondary lead Li Huai‘an — described as “gentle as jade, restrained and deeply affectionate” — turned him into an unexpected sensation. With his striking 183 cm frame, sharp features, and an ability to hold his own opposite lead actor Zhang Linghe, Ren proved he was far more than just an idol-turned-actor, earning widespread recognition as one of the most talked-about supporting players of the season.

Breakthrough Role Ren Hao‘s breakthrough came with the 2026 hit series Pursuit of Jade, where he played Li Huai‘an, a character whose quiet intensity and restrained emotional depth made him an instant fan favorite. In a drama filled with what viewers called “psycho aesthetics” and “battle-damaged glory,” Li Huai‘an stood out as a refreshing contrast — a character defined not by explosive drama but by subtle, controlled performances that resonated deeply with audiences. The role sparked a wave of online searches from viewers asking, “Who is this actor?” and cemented Ren‘s transition from idol to serious actor. Prior to this, he had built his resume with roles in A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College (Guozijian Laile Ge Nü Dizi), Ancient Love Poetry (Qian Gu Jue Chen), and the comedy Lan Gui Happy Events (Lan Gui Xi Shi), with the latter earning him the 9th Wenrong Award for Top Ten Young Actors and the Tencent Video Starlight Award for Breakthrough TV Actor.

Public Perception Ren Hao currently occupies a highly polarized space in the Chinese entertainment industry. On one hand, his performance in Pursuit of Jade has been praised as a career-defining moment, with many hailing him as a successful example of an idol transitioning into a credible actor. His visuals — often described by fans as “a face made for historical costumes” — continue to draw attention. However, his public image remains deeply tarnished by past controversies. Most notably, his 2021 remarks about Japan‘s nuclear wastewater sparked widespread backlash and severely damaged his public goodwill. Additional controversies, including allegations of personal misconduct and an incident involving queue-jumping for nucleic acid tests, have further eroded his reputation. Today, Ren Hao is a figure of sharp contradiction: a talented actor finally proving his worth on screen, yet one whose past missteps continue to shadow his every success, leaving his standing with the broader public fragile and deeply divided.