Recently, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Moon Red, starring Yang Mi and Gong Jun, has been competing against Joy of Life Season 2 with Zhang Ruoyun. Both shows are filled with attractive male leads, but Fox Spirit Matchmaker seems to have the upper hand in this department. The absence of Xiao Zhan in Joy of Life 2 has notably decreased the number of handsome men on screen.
The Male Gods of Fox Spirit Matchmaker
Fox Spirit Matchmaker boasts an impressive lineup of male actors, including Gong Jun, Zhang Linghe, Wei Zheming, and Mao Zijun. Gong Jun’s portrayal of Dongfang Yuechu presents a charming and loveable character, quite different from his previous roles. His performance, along with his stunning looks, has captivated many viewers. The character’s mix of cuteness and maturity adds depth and makes him a fan favorite.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Dongfang Yuechu, played by Gong Jun, is unruly yet wise. His carefree demeanor, combined with his calmness in critical moments, makes him an intriguing character. Additionally, his foodie nature adds a layer of charm to his persona.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Gong Jun’s eye-catching shirtless scenes have sparked a lot of discussions, showcasing his perfect eight-pack abs and further enhancing his appeal.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Zhang Linghe, another standout, plays Hu Weisheng. His romantic storyline with Chen Duling’s character is compelling and visually pleasing. The combination of handsome men and beautiful women makes for a visually stunning show.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Hu Weisheng, portrayed by Zhang Linghe, was originally a woodcutter who fell in love with the leader of the tree demon tribe, Yue Tixia. Their pure love story, filled with obstacles, makes their eventual reunion after reincarnation heartwarming and engaging.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Mao Zijun, despite being less recognized, brings a unique charm to his role as Yan Rushan. His performance is expected to boost his popularity, especially given the romantic and dramatic elements of his character’s storyline.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
Yan Rushan, played by Mao Zijun, is a demon and the only disciple of Tushan Rongrong. His love story with the demon catcher Lu Jianwen is both tragic and captivating, making viewers deeply invested in their relationship.
Image source: Weibo “Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yuehong”
The Decline of Joy of Life 2
In contrast, Joy of Life 2 has seen a decline in its handsome male content with the departure of Xiao Zhan. While still a strong show, it lacks the visual appeal brought by its former male lead. This shift highlights how critical casting decisions can be in maintaining audience engagement, especially when it comes to costume dramas where visual appeal plays a significant role.
From a personal perspective, Fox Spirit Matchmaker seems to have a winning formula with its blend of handsome actors and engaging storylines. The absence of Xiao Zhan in Joy of Life 2 is a noticeable gap that affects the show’s overall appeal. It’s fascinating to see how much impact casting can have on a series’ popularity. For fans of costume dramas, the current battle between these two shows is a visual and emotional treat.
Overall, Fox Spirit Matchmaker takes the crown for having more handsome male leads, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.