Team Zhang Linghe vs Song Weilong: Which one do you belong to?

Zhang Linghe and Song Weilong have undeniably cemented their status as reigning C-drama icons. Their immense popularity is hardly a mystery, as audiences worldwide find themselves smitten by their striking looks and compelling screen presence.

Turns out, there’s a fascinating parallel in their career trajectories. Both leading men have frequently stepped into comparable characters throughout their acting careers. Whether portraying noble ancient warriors or medical professionals, their various drama characters have consistently made fans globally fall in love with them repeatedly.

Ahead, we have paired some of their most iconic performances into thematic matchups to decide which heartthrob truly reigned supreme in each category.

As tortured heroes 

Zhang Linghe plays Murong Qingyi in Overdo (2026), a doctor whose childhood is marred by abuse and rejection after being mistakenly switched at birth. After finally finding love with Ren Susu (Wang Churan), her disappearance leaves him convinced he has been betrayed, turning his grief into resentment and revenge. Zhang captures his transformation from a gentle, loving man into someone colder and more guarded.

Song Weilong plays Chen Yi in Love for You (2026), a man shaped by an abusive childhood who grows into someone fiercely self-reliant and emotionally guarded. Even when reunited with Miao Jing (Zhang Jingyi), he keeps her at arm’s length, believing it is the only way to protect her.

Our verdict: Team Song Weilong

Both bring plenty of emotional baggage, but Song wins for his brooding intensity. His restrained portrayal of Chen Yi’s pain feels raw and magnetic, making his vulnerability all the more compelling.

As period drama heroes 

In Pursuit of Jade (2026), Zhang plays a mighty commander, Xie Zheng who faked his own death and assumed a secret identity after surviving from a family massacre. Under the guise of Yan Zheng, he enters a fake marriage of convenience with a butcher’s daughter, Fan Changyu (Tian Xiwei). The duo eventually falls deeply in love but are torn apart by the war. 

Song plays the commanding yet caring tribal clan leader, Xuan Lie in Everlasting Longing (2025). Jun Qiluo (Angelababy) is a merchant’s daughter who has to disguise herself as a son to fit into the male-dominated business world. Jun ends up being captured by Xuan who believes that she has information on his family’s assassination. 

Our verdict: Team Zhang Linghe

Zhang Linghe wins us over with a face made for period drama—strikingly symmetrical, refined and almost cinematic in its proportions. His performance in Pursuit of Jade, one of the breakout C-dramas of the year, has further cemented his leading-man status, propelling him to new levels of fame. Add the sweeping romance, commanding costumes and undeniable screen presence, and it’s an easy choice. 

As doctors

Song plays Lin Yusen in Shine on Me (2025), a talented surgeon who moves into the corporate world after an injury ends his medical career. Played with a cool, restrained confidence, Lin Yusen has the kind of accomplished, sophisticated presence that makes him instantly magnetic. His relationship with Nie Xiguang (Zhao Jinmai) gradually develops from initial misunderstandings into something deeper.

Zhang takes on the role of TCM doctor He Suye in The Best Thing (2025). He meets hotel manager Shen Xifan (Xu Ruohan) when she seeks treatment for her insomnia. After discovering they live in the same neighbourhood, the two gradually fall in love.

Our verdict: Team Song Weilong

Song wins this round for sheer charisma. There’s an effortless coolness to Lin Yusen that makes him particularly compelling—polished, confident and quietly magnetic without feeling like he’s trying too hard. Zhang’s He Suye is the sweeter choice, but Song has the undeniable boyfriend/husband appeal.

As investigators

Play

Set in 2035 where the world is resided by human lookalike robots, The Bionic Life (2023) sees Song playing an investigator named Cheng Nuo. A chain of murder has happened and Cheng is sent by the Mingmou organisation to solve the mystery. 

Zhang is a young demon hunter named Qi Xiaoxuan in Tiger and Crane (2023). He has dual personalities, and he struggles with keeping his dark side suppressed to prevent hurting his loved ones. 

Our verdict: Team Zhang Linghe

Bringing two extreme opposite personalities to life within one character is an undeniably huge challenge for any actor, so yes, Zhang’s convincing execution stands out for us. 

As youthful heartthrobs

Play

Zhang plays a well-liked swimmer Mai Sichong in Sparkle Love (2020). His athletic talent, combined with his suave looks, makes him the center of attention wherever he goes in campus. A supernatural romantic relationship forms when Mei Weiwei (Ling Meishi)—who can spark feelings of love from men around her by simply conducting electricity—enters his life. 

Song is a university intern named Yuan Song in Find Yourself (2020), dating his high-achieving, 30-something manager He Fanxing (Victoria Song). Despite the age difference, Yuan is protective and supportive of He whenever she is feeling the professional and societal pressures. 

Our verdict: Team Song Weilong

Song’s performance as a self-assured sweetheart, who demonstrates his devotion while chasing a romance with his senior manager, has thoroughly won our hearts.