In the entertainment world, Chinese actress Wu Jinyin’s life took a new turn in February this year when she welcomed motherhood. Best known for her role as Wei Yingluo in the hit drama “Story of Yanxi Palace,” Wu Jinyin has swiftly regained her slender figure by the end of May, marking her public appearance post-pregnancy.
Facing the spotlight once again after tying the knot and becoming a mother, Wu Jinyin’s comeback journey is filled with both blessings and scrutiny. In Chinese showbiz, there is often an unconscious labeling of female actors who go through marriage and motherhood as experiencing a career decline, almost as if society sees a natural conflict between family and career for women.
Recently, Wu Jinyin made her first public appearance post-pregnancy at the prestigious “Fashion Bazaar” annual party, captivating everyone with a stunning silver to gold gradient gown. Her figure had already bounced back to its slim form, accentuated by the gown’s tailored silhouette, showing her postpartum tight physique in excellent condition. At the event, she revealed she’s already delving into new scripts, expressing her desire to take on more groundbreaking roles. The screenwriter even publicly voiced support, lashing out at online critics who doubted Wu Jinyin’s ability to reach new career heights, asserting that “a woman’s radiance knows no age.” This fiery exchange sparked heated discussions.
Rumors surfaced that Wu Jinyin’s post-maternity project involves starring alongside Chen Zheyuan, the breakout star of “Love Unexpected,” in the upcoming drama “Yutian Ballad.” However, due to disagreements over roles, their collaboration hit a snag, delaying the start of filming until later this month.
With reports circulating that Chinese online platforms are banning actors above 35 from starring in historical dramas, netizens lamented the low tolerance for married female stars’ on-screen opportunities. Some speculated that Wu Jinyin, nearing 35, might face rejection due to her age, prompting suggestions for her to consider transitioning roles. Comments from the Z-generation Chinese internet users suggested, “Those above 35 can switch to portraying parents in daily life and urban dramas,” and “It’s fine if they haven’t had children, but after having kids, it’s a no-go.”
Nevertheless, many fans praised Wu Jinyin for being in excellent postpartum shape, believing that her motherhood status could inject deeper emotional layers into her characters. Fans also criticized the strict regulations of online platforms, likening the casting process to a civil service exam and deeming the restrictions too absolute.
Wu Jinyin’s acting journey has been far from smooth sailing. In 2018, her role as Wei Yingluo in “Story of Yanxi Palace” propelled her to stardom, only to face a career setback due to rumored diva behavior that offended China Central Television. Her showbiz career plummeted, remaining dormant for six years until she made a comeback in 2024 with the drama “Through the Ink Rain.” Today, Wu Jinyin boldly declares, “I don’t want to repeat myself,” showing her determination to break free from the so-called “postpartum actress dilemma” as described by netizens.