Chinese drama uses AI to replace blacklisted actress Zheng Shuang

The classic Chinese drama ‘Love O2O’, originally starring Zheng Shuang and Yang Yang, has been re-released on the Youku platform under the new title ‘Yi Xiao Qing Cheng’. Due to Zheng Shuang being blacklisted following tax evasion and surrogacy scandals, the production utilized AI technology to replace her face with that of actress Wang Zhuyue while retaining the original scenes and male lead.

The re-release has faced significant backlash from viewers. Critics have described the AI-generated replacement as having stiff expressions and a lack of chemistry with the male lead, noting that the new appearance does not align with the original characters.

Wang Zhuyue issued a public apology on social media, confirming that she had authorized the face-swap. She expressed regret for ‘ruining the character in everyone’s hearts’ and announced that she has transitioned to behind-the-scenes work.