The most popular international actors in China on social networks

Who are the most popular international actors in China?

While the movie industry is more and more directing and adapting its content to the Chinese market, who are the most popular celebrities to endorse brands and movies in China? Daxue Consulting realized a research on Baidu Index to know who are the most popular international actors in China and what topics are the most discussed about each actors on Wechat, Weibo and others social networks.

Top 10 of the most popular International actors in China

 Top 5 of the most popular International actors in China on Baidu Index

Baidu Index (百度指数) is an index that reflects the total number of searches on China’s leading search engine Baidu based on keywords evolution.

According to this Baidu Index analysis, Asian actors are more popular than western actors in China. Song Joong-Ki is the most popular Asian actors in China, is the hottest topic on the Chinese web since 2015.

In this top 5, there are two western actors: Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.

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Number 1. Song Hye-Kyo (South Korea)宋慧乔

With 4,228 average Baidu searches, Song Hye-Kyo ranked 1^st and appears to be the most popular international actress on the Chinese Internet.

Song Hye-Kyo is a popular romantic film and TV series actress from South Korea. In 2016, she received much attention from Chinese Internet when she played a main character in “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) in 26^th February, 2016.

The release of her TV series, marriage news and wedding got a lot of attention from Chinese social media and elevated Song Hye-Kyo‘s exposure in China.

1. News about her marriage (July 5^th, 2017): Song Hye-Kyo’s office announced her engagement with Song JoongKi (宋仲基), who is another famous movie and TV series actor from South Korea. This news brought her the highest peak with 445,018 searches on Chinese Internet.
2. The wedding day of Song Hye-Kyo (October 31^st, 2017): Her second highest peak (178,979 searches) corresponded with her wedding with Song JoongKi (宋仲基) in 31-10-2017.
3. Release of TV series “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) in China(26-02-2016): Her third peak (150,083 searches) came from her most popular TV series Descendants of Sun. In this show, Song Hye-Kyo and Song JoongKi (宋仲基) both played leading roles and have many romantic scenes.

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Search Behaviors for Song Hye-Kyo (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. Song JoongKi (宋仲基): Song Hye-Kyo’s husband, who is also a famous South Korean actor, played many main roles in romantic and action movies and TV series. They got married in 31^st October, 2017.
2. Pregnant(怀孕): From January 2018, there are more and more news about Song Hye-Kyo pregnant. Although those news have not been confirmed by the couple, many Chinese netizens already started to believe it.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. Her personal life

There are about 55% netizens discussing her marriage with Song JoongKi(宋仲基), almost 90% of them thought their wedding is romantic and touching. Also, they both really enjoy marriage life since they have joined any new movies or TV series since the wedding.

2. Her image

Song Hye-Kyo’s image is another hot topic on the Chinese internet. There are about 35% people gave their opinions about her image. They all agree that she has exquisite facial features with soft and cute nature. 10% of them want to know how she dose skin care.

3. Her TV series

About 10% netizens are talking about her TV series: “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) (26-02-2016). Most of them thought her romantic scenes with Song JoongKi(宋仲基) are funny and touching.

Number 2. Dwayne Johnson (USA)道恩强森

Baidu Index Trends for Dwayne Johnson on the Chinese Internet: With 4,019 average Baidu searches, ranked 2^nd and appears to be the first most popular western actor on the Chinese Internet.

Dwayne Johnson, aka Rock Johnson, is one of the highest earning action movie stars in Hollywood (64.5 million dollars in 2016). On the Chinese internet, he started to become famous in May 2013 when he played one of main roles in Fast & Furious 6（速度与激情6）(24-05-2013).

The release of his three movies got a lot of attention from Chinese social media and provided him higher popularity.

1. Release of Fast & Furious 7(速度与激情7) in China（21-04-2015）: His highest peak came from Fast & Furious 7 that is officially showed in China, he received 11,681 searches the highest volume of searches on Baidu in 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. Release of San Andreas (末日崩塌) in China (02-06-2015): The second highest peak (10,284) due to his main role in movie San Andreas.
3. Release of the Fate of the Furious (速度与激情 8) in China (14 April 2017): His third peak (8,159) corresponded with Johnson’s apparition as a main role in the Fast and Furious franchise again.

Search Behaviors for Dwayne Johnson (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. Dwayne Johnson’s all movies(道恩强森的所有电影): As a famous champion from WWE in USA, he is absolutely the right person to play main roles in action movies, such as Rampage(狂暴) in 13-04-2018. However he also showed humorous and soft side in his movies like Baywatch (海滩救护队) in 26-05-2017.
2. Rock （巨石）： Rock is Dwayne Johnson’s nick name when he started his career in WWE. After he became a popular movie star, Rock used by audience to describe his brawny strength in his movies.
3. Run for president（竞选总统）: In 15^th December 2017, when he got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame(好莱坞星光大道), Dwayne Johnson said he is considering running for the president election of USA in 2024.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

With 105,202,6 followers on his official Weibo, Dwayne Johnson is very popular among Chinese netizens.

1. His recent movies

About 50% of netizens are talking about his recent movies such as Rampage (狂暴巨兽) in 13-04-2018 and Jumangi: Welcome to the Jungle (勇敢者的游戏：决战丛林) in 12-01-2018. Around 90% of them think Dwayne Johnson not only showed his talent of action movie, but also his sense of humour.

2. His “Rock”(巨石) image

About 30% netizens agree his nickname is his best image and 100% of them believe Dwayne Johnson is the strongest actor in Hollywood. 10% of them believe his key to keep strong is training hard every day.

3. His new daughter

Dwayne Johnson’s family is another topic concerned by Chinese people. There are about 12% people are discussing his third daughter who just born in 27-04-2018.

4. His public activities

8% people are discussing his public activities, mainly about his announcement in 15-12-2017 that he is considering to run for the president election in 2024. Most of them gave positive opinions about it and think it is possible that Dwayne Johnson will become a president of USA.

Number 3. Choo-Ja Hyun(South Korea)秋瓷炫

Baidu Index Trends for Choo-Ja Hyun on the Chinese Internet: With 3,566 average monthly Baidu searches, she ranked 3^rd and appears to be the second most popular Asian actor on the Chinese Internet.

As a popular South Korean TV series and movie actress, she wasn’t that famous on Chinese internet until March 2011, when she played one of main roles in Chinese TV series Home temptation(回家的诱惑). This show brought her “The most popular overseas actors” Award (最受欢迎海外演员奖) in “Asian Idol Ceremony” (亚洲偶像盛典) in 08-08-2012.

Her three remarkable events particularly attracted the media’s attention and increased her popularity on Chinese internet.

1. Announcement of her relationship with her boyfriend Yu Xiaoguang (September 16^th, 2015): The highest peak came from Choo-ja Hyun’s romantic relationship with Yu Xiaoguang, who is a Chinese TV series actor and pop singer. This news provided her 90,407 searches on Baidu, the highest volume of searches during 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. Participating South Korean variety show with Yu Xiaoguang (July 9^th, 2017): The second highest peak (79,216 searches) connected with her variety show in South Korea：Strange Bedfellows 2 (同床异梦2) with her husband Yu Xiaoguang.
3. Release of Home temptation(回家的诱惑)(March 2011): Choo-ja Hyun’s third highest peak (65,739 searches) corresponded with her TV series Home temptation officially showed in China.

Search Behaviors for Choo-ja Hyun (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. Her husband Yu Xiaoguang(于晓光)：Choo-ja Hyun and Yu Xiaoguang officially admitted their relationship in 16-09-2015 and they got marriage certificate in January 18^th, 2017. They post many pictures about their married life.
2. Pregnant (怀孕)：In October 23^rd, 2017, Choo-ja Hyun confirmed her 2 month pregnant.
3. South Korean Variety Show (韩国综艺秀): In August 2017, Choo-ja Hyun participated the variety show, Strange Bedfellows 2: You are my destiny (同床异梦2:你是我的命运) with her husband Yu Xiaoguang. During the show, they share their romantic history and attracted a lot of attention on Chinese internet.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. Her personal life including her husband and pregnant

There are about 56% netizens are talking her personal life, among them 50% believe her marriage with Yu Xiaoguang, who is a Chinese actor and pop singer, is very happy and romantic and want to know more about their married life. Another 50% of them concerned her upcoming baby from after she confirmed the pregnant in October 23^rd, 2017 and want to know her due date.

2. Her variety show

Choo-ja Hyun and her husband Yu Xiaoguang joined a variety show, Strange Bedfellows 2: You are my destiny (同床异梦2:你是我的命运) together in South Korea from August 2017. About 44% people are discussing it. And all of them like it because the couple presented their happy and warm married life during the show.

Number 4 Jason Statham (U.K) 杰森斯坦森

Baidu Index Trends for Jason Statham on the Chinese Internet: With 3,330 average Baidu searches, he ranked 4^th and appears to be the second most popular western actor on the Chinese Internet.

The famous action movie star from UK Jason Statham was not very popular on the Chinese internet until July 2013, when he stated publicly that he would join the film Fast & Furious 7（速度与激情7）as a main antagonist. This announcement generated plenty of buzz among the Chinese media and the public.

The release of three of his movies particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated Jason Statham’s exposure in China.

1. Release of Fast & Furious 7 in China (April 12, 2015): The highest peak in search came when the film Fast & Furious 7（速度与激情7）officially showed in China. The Bristish actor garnered 39,066 searches, the highest volume of searches on Baidu in 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. Release of The Fate and The Furious（速度与激情8: 宿命）in China (April 14, 2017): the second highest peak (23,731) corresponded with Statham’s second apparition in a main role in the Fast and Furious
3. Release of Mechanic: Resurrection（机械师：复活）in China (October 21, 2016): The “most commercially successful solo film venture of his career” according to Forbes also drew the attention of many Chinese netizens, and consisted in the third peak in searches on Baidu ( 17,059 searches).

Search Behaviors for Jason Statham (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. “Full movies collection”（电影全集）: As a renowned martial artist owning a black belt karate, kung fu and kick boxing, all his movies such as Expendable 3（敢死队3）in 12-08-2014, Transporter 2（玩命快递2）in 01-09-2015 and Mechanic（机械师）in 02-08-2012 showcase fighting scenes that are famous among Chinese netizens. Chinese netizens also searched for his muscles and way of training.
2. Jason Statham girlfriend（杰森斯坦森女友）: the love life of the British actor interests Chinese netizens, especially since he got a baby boy with with his fiancée Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, American supermodel who is 20 years junior to Jason Statham.
3. Jason Statham and Guoda（郭达）: since the resemblance between Jason Statham and Guoda（郭达）, a Chinese actor who played several roles in Chinese comedies, was pointed out by the Chinese netizen 韬光养肥 on Weibo in 2014, it became a hot topic on social media. A Chinese journalist even mentioned their resemblance during a press conference for the release of “The Fate of The Furious” in Beijing in March 2017.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

With 255,154 followers on his official Weibo, Jason Statham is very popular among Chinese netizens.

1. His movies and way of acting

About 50% of netizens are talking about his movies and acting, among them, 80% people gave positive review about his fighting scenes and thought they are exciting. However, 10% people think most stories in his movies are too simple, only fighting scenes are good.

2. His “tough guy” （硬汉）image

Next, about 33% people are discussing his image, all of them agree he is a  “tough guy” （硬汉）, 70% of them attracted by his strong muscles and want to know how did he do exercise, some people even call him the “Most popular person with a bold head” （光头中最帅）.

3. His personal life including his wife and his baby.

At last, there are 17% people talking about his personal life including his wife, Rosie HW, who is a supermodel and 20 years junior to him, they engaged in January 2016 and had a baby in 24-06-2017.

Number 5. Song Joong Ki(South Korea)宋仲基

Baidu Index Trends for Song JoongKi on the Chinese Internet: With 3,226 average Baidu searches, he ranked 5^th and appears to be the third most popular Asian actor on the Chinese Internet.

Song JoongKi is a movie and TV series star in South Korea, however, he wasn’t that popular on Chinese internet until 2016.  In 15^th March 2016, he achieved “Style Icon” (风尚人物奖) in “9^th Style Icon Award” (第九届SIA风尚大奖) in South Korea for his performance in “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) (24^th February, 2016). At the same time, he started to be famous on the Chinese internet.

His three news about “Style Icon” (风尚人物奖), “SONG JOONGKIASIA FAN MEETING” (宋仲基亚洲巡回粉丝见面会) and marriage particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated his exposure in China.

1. The “Style Icon” (风尚人物奖) (15^th March, 2016): His highest peak in search is related to his “Style Icon” award and he garnered 499,208 searches on Baidu. It is the highest volume of searches on Baidu in 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. His marriage announcement (July 5^th, 2017): Song JoongKi confirmed that he would marry Song Hye-Kyo (宋慧乔) in October. She is the number 1 popular international actress on Chinese internet in this article. This news gave him second highest peak (430,797 searches).
3. The “SONG JOONGKIASIA FAN MEETING” (宋仲基亚洲巡回粉丝见面会) in China (21^th May, 2016): The third highest peak (336,007 searches) came from the fan meeting when he arrived at Wuhan(武汉) China.

Search Behaviors for Song JoongKi (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. Song Hye-Kyo(宋慧乔): The marriage life of Song JoongKi and his wife Song Hye-Kyo has become a popular topic on the Chinese internet, since he admitted their plan for marriage in July 5^th, 2017.
2. Wedding (婚礼): The wedding of Song JoongKi and Song Hye-Kyo(宋慧乔) was in 31^st October, 2017. It attracted much attention from Chinese Internet.
3. Popularity(人气): Song JoongKi has kept high popularity on the Chinese internet, since his most popular TV series “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) officially showed in China 24^th February, 2016. However, in South Korea, there is negative influence to his popularity among his female audience after he got married.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. His personal life mainly about his wife and marriage.

On the Chinese internet, there are about 60% people are interesting in his marriage life with his wife Song Hye-Kyo(宋慧乔), who is the most popular international actress in China(number 1 in this article). He married her in in 31^st October, 2017. Most of opinions are positive and believe they are perfect idols for their audiences, thus their marriage is perfect. However, there are 5% of them thought Song JoongKi’s wealth and handsome face are main reason of the marriage.

2. His “Sunshine boy” (暖男) image

About 26% people are discussing his image. They all agreed that Song JoongKi built a “Sunshine boy” (暖男) image. “Sunshine boy” means a guy can bring warm to people around him like sunlight and can care his family very well. Among them, almost 90% thought his image is the main reason to have so many female audiences.

3. His acting in the scream

There are around 14% people are talking his acting especially in romantic TV series and movie, such as “Descendants of Sun” (太阳的后裔) and “A Werewolf Boy”(狼少年)(19-12-2013). 50% of them believe he can handle romantic and action scenes both very well.

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Number 6. Scarlett Johansson (USA)斯嘉丽 约翰逊

Baidu Index Trends for Scarlett Johansson on the Chinese Internet: With 3,220 average searches monthly on Baidu, she ranked 6^th and appears to be the first most popular western actress on the Chinese Internet.

Scarlett Johansson is the most sexy movie actress in Hollywood. However, her popularity was not high on the Chinese Internet until 2011. In 14^th September 2011, her nude pictures were exposed on the Internet, which created a large number of searches on Baidu and all main Chinese social media.

The release of her movies and news of award particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated her exposure in China.

1. Achieved the “Best Supporting Actress” (最佳女配角)(29^th June, 2014): In the “40th Saturn Awards” (第40届土星奖), Scarlett Johansson achieved the “Best Supporting Actress” award for her performance in “Her”(她), which is a science and romantic film showed in 28^th December 2013. For this award, she garnered 14,344 searches, the highest volume of searches on Baidu in 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. The release of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”(美国队长: 冬兵)(4^th April, 2014): Scarlett Johansson’s second highest peak(13,197 searches) came from her apparition as a main role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which is her third apparition as the role of “Black Widow” (黑寡妇) in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe”(漫威电影宇宙).
3. The release of “Chief”(落魄大厨) (9^th May, 2014): Her third highest peak (11,506 searches) corresponded with the comedy movie Chief.

Search Behaviors for Scarlett Johansson (between May, 2017, and May, 2018)

1. Her “movies”(电影): As one of the most popular actress in Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson’s representative movies come from“Marvel Cinematic Universe”(漫威电影宇宙). Such as “ The Avengers” (复仇者联盟) (4^th May, 2012) and “Iron Man 2”(钢铁侠2) (7^th May, 2010). In those science fiction films, she played a main role “Black Widow”(黑寡妇), this role remembered by the audience as her most classic character.
2. “Nude pictures”(艳照): In 14^th September 2011, an anonymous hacker stole her personal pictures and posted them on the internet. Those pictures attracted a large amount of attention from Chinese internet. Even now, it is still a hot topic on Baidu.
3. “Durant”(杜兰特): “Kevin Durant” (凯文 杜兰特) is one of the most famous basketball players in “NBA”(美国男子职业篮球联赛). In 2011, he made a public statement in “Twitter” (推特) that he loves Scarlett Johansson and he is willing to drink her bath water.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. Her “Sexy” (性感) image

There are about 70% netizens are talking her image. They all thought “Sexy” is her best image and she is the perfect sample of “sexy” (性感) among all Hollywood actresses. Among them, 80% people thought Scarlett Johansson has old-fashion style and confidence temperament, which make her so attractive.

2. Her movies and acting

On the Chinese social media, there are 30% netizens are discussing her acting and movies. Almost 90% of them gave positive opinions about her acting skills. They thought she can handle different kinds of movies like romantic movies “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”(午夜巴塞罗那) (15-08-2008), action movies “Lucy”(超体)(24-10-2014) and comedy movies “Hail, Caesar!” (凯撒万岁)(05-02-2016). However, there are 10% thought she just uses her body to attract attention from male audiences.

Number 7. Park Shin-Hye(South Korea)朴信惠

Baidu Index Trends for Park Shin-Hye on the Chinese Internet: With 2,778 average searches on Baidu, she ranked 7^th and appears to be the third most popular Asian actress on the Chinese internet.

Park Shin-Hye is a popular TV series and movie actress from South Korea. In 2011, she started to received large attention from Chinese internet for her performance in TV series “Heartstrings”(你为我着迷) (29^th June, 2011).

Her TV series, news of fans meeting and magazine cover particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated her exposure in China.

1. The TV series “The Heirs”(继承者们): The highest peak(70,022 searches) came from her most popular TV series “The Heirs”, when its last 4 Episodes released in China (4^th December, 2013). This TV series achieved around 1.57 billion times of playing on the Chinese internet.
2. The cover of “CeCi” (ceci姐妹) magazine (1^st March, 2015): Park Shin-Hye’s second highest peak(69,669 searches) corresponded with the news that she has been chosen as the cover of “CeCi” magazine, which is the first South Korean fashion magazine entered Chinese market.
3. The “Asian fans meeting”(亚洲粉丝见面会) in 2014(2^nd February, 2014): At the beginning of February 2014, Park Shin-Hye confirmed that her Asian fans meeting would come to Shanghai at the end of February 2014. The news drew the attention of many Chinese netizens, and consisted in the third peak in searches on Baidu (65,531 searches).

Search Behaviors for Park Shin-Hye (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. “TV series” (电视剧): Park Shin-Hye is a romantic TV series and movie actress, her representative products are mainly about love or have romantic scenes. Such as TV series “PINOCCHIO”(匹诺曹)(12-11-2014) and movie “Cyrano”(恋爱操作团)(27-05-2013).
2. “Boyfriend” (男友): In 7^th March 2018, there was a news exposed the romantic relationship between Park Shin-Hye and “Choi Tae Joon”(崔泰俊). Their office both confirmed their relationship started 1 year ago. Choi Tae Joon is a TV series and movie actor from South Korea but not popular on the Chinese Internet before.
3. “Jong Suk” (李钟硕): He is also a popular South Korean actor, he played Park Shin-Hye’s boyfriend in the TV series “PINOCCHIO”(匹诺曹)(12-11-2014). After that, there were many news said they have romantic relationship, but never confirmed.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. Her personal life

There are about 60% Chinese netizens are talking about the news of her boyfriend, “Choi Tae Joon”(崔泰俊).  About 30% of them sent best wishes to them and want to know the background of Choi Tae Joon. On the other hand, about 70% of them feel the pity is that her boyfriend isn’t “Jong Suk” (李钟硕).

2. Her image

Then, there are around 25% people are discussing her image on Chinese social media. 50% of them thought Park Shin-Hye’s face is not that perfect, however, she has gentle and soft temperament and her nice slime makes people comfortable. Another 50% of them thought she is little fat, but her talent for singing and dancing make her attractive.

3. Her acting skills

Finally, there are 15% netizens are arguing about her acting skill. 70% of them gave positive opinions about it, they thought she presented varied acting skills for playing different roles in her TV series and movies. Such as the poor and inspirational girl in “The Heirs”(继承者们)(09-10-2013), neurosurgery doctor in “Doctors”(医生)(20-06-2016). However, there are 30% of them thought her acting is exaggerated.

Number 8. Jun (Jeon) Ji-Hyun(South Korea)全智贤

Baidu Index Trends for Jun Ji-Hyun on the Chinese Internet: With 2,682 average searches on Baidu, she ranked 8^th and appears to be the fourth most popular Asian actress on the Chinese Internet.

As a famous actress and model from South Korea, Jun Ji-Hyun wasn’t that popular on Chinese Internet until 2012.  In 13^th April 2012, Jun Ji-Hyun married Choi Joon Hyuk(崔俊赫) who is an executive in Bank of America(美国银行) in South Korea. Their marriage generated plenty of buzz among the Chinese media and the public.

The news about her TV series, award and pregnant particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated Jun Ji-Hyun’s exposure in China.

1. The Last 2 Episodes of “My Love From The Star”(来自星星的你)(26th and 27th February, 2014): Jun Ji-Hyun’s highest peak came when the last 2 Episodes released in 26^th and 27^th February 2014. She garnered 210,043 searches, the highest volume of searches on Baidu in 7 years (2011 to 2018).
2. She achieved “TV Awards”(电视类大赏奖) in “Baeksang Art Awards”(百想艺术大赏)(27^th May, 2014): Her second highest peak(50,136 searches) came from “Baeksang Art Awards” (百想艺术大赏), which is the one of highest art awards in South Korea and is hailed as the “Golden Globe Awards”(金球奖) in South Korea.
3. The news about her first pregnant(22^nd July, 2015): She admitted the pregnant when she was promoting her movie “Assassination”(暗杀)( 17^th September, 2015), this news drew the attention of many Chinese netizens, and consisted in the third peak in searches on Baidu (46,503 searches).

Search Behaviors for Jun Ji-Hyun (between May, 2017, and May, 2018)

1. Her “Husband”(老公): Jun Ji-Hyun’s husband is Choi Joon Hyuk(崔俊赫), who is an executive in Bank of America(美国银行) in South Korea. They married in 13^th April 2012.
2. “Kim Soo Hyun”(金秀贤): Kim Soo Hyun is a famous movie and TV series actor in South Korea. He played Jun Ji-Hyun’s boyfriend in romantic TV series “My Love From The Star” (来自星星的你)(18^th December, 2013), they also play roles in the same action movie “The Thieves”(盗贼同盟)(25^th July, 2012).
3. “Second child”(二胎): In 26^th June 2017, Jun Ji-Hyun confirmed her pregnant again, then she got her second boy in 26^th January 2018. In fact, she already had a son in 26^th Jun 2017.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. Her image

There are about 43% Chinese netizens talking about her image. 50% of them thought she is pretty because of her pure and soft temperament even she is already a mother of two children.  Another 50% of them thought her face is not perfect, but she always retains her slim figure and is free of wrinkles. They all want to know how Jun Ji-Hyun trained herself.

2. Her acting skills in movies and TV series

Next, there are about 30% people are discussing her acting skills on Chinese social media. Almost 100% of them gave positive opinions. They all believe she is a terrific actress, since she perfectly presented different kinds of roles. Such as the wild girl in romantic movie “My Sassy Girl”(我的野蛮女友)( 26^th July, 2001), the kind and naïve girl in TV series “Legend Of The Blue Sea”(蓝色大海传说)(16^th November, 2016) and two sisters with opposite personality in action movie “Assassination” (暗杀)( 17th September, 2015).

3. Her personal including her husband and children

At last, there are about 27% people are talking her personal life. 60% of them are interesting in her husband Choi Joon Hyuk(崔俊赫). They believe he is the perfect guy for her, since he has a rich family and a good job and he actually grown up with Jun Ji-Hyun. 40% of them are discussing her two sons, they thought the two children are the proof of Jun Ji-Hyun’s happy marriage.

Number 9. Robert Downey Jr (USA)小罗伯特·唐尼

Baidu Index Trends for Robert Downey jr on the Chinese Internet: With 2,616 average searches on Baidu, he ranked 9^th and appears to be the third most popular western actor on the Chinese Internet.

Robert Downey Jr is one of the richest actors in the world, he was continuously number 1 in the “Forbes World’s Rich Actors List” (福布斯全球演员富豪榜) from 2013 to 2015. However, he wasn’t popular on the Chinese internet until 05^th May 2012, when his science and action movie “Avengers”(复仇者联盟) officially showed in China. This movie generated plenty of buzz among the Chinese media and the public.

The release of his movies particularly attracted the media’s attention and elevated his exposure in China.

1. The release of “Iron Man 3”(钢铁侠3)(3^rd May, 2013): The highest peak in search came when the film Iron Man 3 officially showed in China. The USA actor garnered 5,929 searches on Baidu.
2. The release of “Captain America: Civil War”(美国队长: 内战): The second highest peak (4,923 searches) corresponded with Robert Downey Jr’s first apparition as a main role in the Capital America
3. The release of “Avengers: Infinity War”(复仇者联盟: 无限战争)(11^th May, 2018): His third highest peak (3,181 searches) came from the sci-fi action movie Avengers: Infinity War, when it officially showed in China and attracted attention from attention of many Chinese netizens.

Search Behaviors for Robert Downey jr (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. “Wife”(妻子): His wife is Susan Downey, who is a film producer from USA. They got married in 27^th August 2008. They got a daughter in 5^th November 2014.
2. “Robert Downy Jr. and Wu Xiubo” (小罗伯特唐尼和吴秀波): On the Chinese Internet, there are many netizens compare he with “Wu Xiubo”(吴秀波), who is a middle-aged popular Chinese actor. Chinese netizens thought they have familiar mature temperament and they both give audience the image of charming middle-aged man.
3. “Iron Man”(钢铁侠): Robert Downy Jr.’s most classic and representative role is “Iron Man” (钢铁侠). Since his first Iron Man (30-04-2008) movie officially showed in China, people started to take this role as his signature.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. His movies and roles

Firstly, there are about 50% Chinese netizens talking about his movies and characters. Almost 100% of them thought his most classic role is the “Iron Man”(钢铁侠) in all “Marvel” (漫威) movies. His name already closely connected with the “Iron Man” and nobody can replace him as “Iron Man”.

2. His image

Next, there are 40% people are discussing his image. About 80% of them thought his age provide him mature and responsible charm, he also can be humorous and a little mischievous. 20% of them thought he has bright and clear eyes that make him more attractive.

3. His personal life

Finally, around 10% netizens are discussing his personal life including his marriage. All of them gave positive comments for his marriage and he is a good husband.

Number 10. Lee Min-Ho (South Korea) 李敏镐

Baidu Index Trends for Lee Min-Ho on the Chinese Internet: With 2,490 average searches on Baidu, he ranked 10^th and appears to be the second most popular Asian actor on the Chinese Internet.

As one of the most famous actors from South Korea, Lee Min-Ho wasn’t well-known by Chinese audience on the internet until 2012. In 14^th January 2012, he joined the Chinese variety show “Happy Camp”(欢乐大本营), which is a guest interview and gaming show in “Hunan Satellite TV”(湖南卫视) every Saturday night. This show achieved highest ratings in China on that day and made him popular among Chinese netizens.

The news about he achieved several awards and would join the “CCTV Spring Festival Gala”(中央电视台春节联欢晚会), they are the main reason for receiving much attention from Chinese Internet and social media.

1. Joined the “CCTV Spring Festival Gala”(中央电视台春节联欢晚会) in China(30^th January, 2014): Lee Min-Ho is the first South Korean actor who joined the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. He sang a song “Of unwillingness”(情非得已) and received 9.65% ratings, which is the highest ratings of all shows in CCTV Spring Festival Gala. Thus, South Korean garnered highest peak with 430,435 searches on Baidu.
2. Achieved 5 awards in “16^th SBS Drama Award”(第16届SBS演技大赏)(31^st December, 2013): His second highest peak(134,534 searches) came when he achieved 5 awards, “Best Costume”(最佳着装奖), “Medium Term Best Acting Award”(中篇最优秀演技奖), “The Most Popular Award”(最佳人气奖), “Ten Stars Award”(十大明星奖) and “Best lovers”(最佳情侣奖).
3. Achieved “The Most Popular Asian Idol”(最受欢迎的亚洲偶像)(13^th April, 2016): His third highest peak(144,170) corresponded with the award “ The most Popular Asian Idol” he achieved in “The Night of Ecological Sharing”(生态共享之夜) held by “LeTV”(乐视), which is an online terminal application platform based on video and AI industry.

Search Behaviors for Lee Min-Ho (between May, 2017, and May, 2018) 

1. “TV series”(电视剧) : Lee Min-Ho had several awards for his performance in TV series, those TV series are also popular on Chinese internet. Such as “City Hunter”(城市猎人)(25^th May, 2011) and “The Heirs” (继承者们)(9^th October, 2013).
2. “Base Suzy”(裴秀智): In 23^rd March 2015, Lee Min-Ho admitted his romantic relationship with Base Suzy, who is a pop singer and actor in South Korea. However, they broke up in 16^th November 2017.
3. “Jong Suk” (李钟硕): Jong Suk is another popular TV series and movie actor from South Korea. Many netizens like to compare them because they both popular idols during the same period, although they never played roles in the same movie or TV series. Besides, there is a rumor said Lee Min-Ho’s ex-girlfriend started to date Jong Suk right after they broke up.

Most discussed topics and opinions of Chinese netizens on Chinese social media WeChat （微信）, Weibo （微博）, Zhihu（知乎）) :

1. His TV series, movies and acting skills

First of all, there are about 40% netizens are discussing his acting skills in movies and TV series. About 80% of them have positive opinions, they thought his acting skill is terrific since he can present complicated roles and scenes very well, such as “City Hunter”(城市猎人)(25-05-2011) and “Bounty Hunter”(赏金猎人)(01-07-2016). However, 20% of them thought his acting skills still need to be improved.

2. His personal life including his ex-girlfriend and his house

Next, there are 36% people are talking his personal life on Chinese social media. About 90% of them are interesting in his ex-girlfriend Base Suzy(裴秀智),  they feel sad for the end of their relationship and want to know why they broke up. About 10% of them were supervised by the picture of his house, they thought it is extraordinary.

3. His image

At last, there are around 24% netizens are talking his image. They all agree that he is still handsome even he became fat after he joined the army and received military training in 12^th May 2017.  And the military made so manly.

Conclusion: Most popular actors on Chinese digital platforms are mostly from Korea and Hollywood

The top 10 most popular international actors list consists of South Korean actors and “Hollywood” (好莱坞) actors. For South Korean actors, they started to become popular on Chinese Internet for TV series, although they all have movies showed in China. For western actors, they usually became famous only because of their movies.

Daxue Consulting can assist International brands to leverage the celebrity of actors in China

Daxue Consulting has extensive experience working with international brands, events and advertisers to track celebrities’ e-reputation in China, assess the values to be associated and evaluate the performance of endorsement programs on Chinese digital platforms. Contact us to know more about our social listening solution in China.