iQIYI has always shown support for women through our female empowerment original series, including popular titles like “Story of Kunning Palace”, “Wild Bloom” and “Born to Run” among others, which have gained significant popularity among viewers. Additionally, “Fox Spirit Matchmaker 1” will be joining the ranks of such series on the platform this year.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, iQIYI honors these on-screen role models, praising the female protagonists who have courageously spoken up for women and illuminated the essence of “Be Your Own Light.”
Jiang Xuening from “Story of Kunning Palace” (宁安如梦)
- Bai Lu: “I never thought it is wrong for a woman to be ambitious.”
“Analyzing oneself, accepting oneself, surpassing oneself” – the process of introspection, learning to embrace oneself fully before striving to surpass personal limits, is a journey every girl must undertake for self-development. Jiang Xuening, for instance, endured numerous challenges on her path to being crowned queen. Yet, she faced a palace coup and was coerced into suicide before reawakening to seek the truth once more.
Jiang Xuening transformed herself, rewriting her destiny, living for her own aspirations, and pushing herself to excel and become an improved version of herself. Her story serves as a testament that there is no shame in being an ambitious woman; rather, it is commendable. Especially resonant are Jiang Xuening’s words, “I am on the outside, and you are on the inside,” highlighting the significance of a woman’s journey towards setting goals. Only through ambition and diligence can we inch closer to the individuals we aspire to become.
Moreover, Bai Lu has recently been named as iQIYI International’s first ever global ambassador and is set to star in Northward (北上), slated for release later this year.
Liu Yuru from “Destined” (长风渡)
- Song Yi: “I want to be just like my mother-in-law, making money based on my own ability and finding the foundation for my own life.”
It is better to rely on yourself than to rely on others. Liu Yuru had planned to change her destiny by marrying a good man since she was a child. However, due to an unexpected combination of circumstances, her plans did not unfold as intended, and instead, she married the playboy Gu Jiusi. She possessed a natural talent for managing business, and with Jiang Rou’s guidance, she even took on the responsibility of supporting the entire Gu family business. Her experience advises all women to strive for financial stability. This ensures a foundation for one’s own livelihood, enabling them to live on their own terms – to leave as they wish, buy as they hope, and do as they please, without being overly concerned with others’ opinions.
Song Yi is also starring in “Follow Your Heart” (颜心记), which will be released later this year.
Guan Xue in “In the Name of the Brother” (哈尔滨一九四四)
- Yang Mi: “I wouldn’t back down too, if you’d like to mess around with me.”
Yang Mi portrays Guan Xue, the head of the Special Service Division of the Police Force in In the Name of the Brother. Having undergone rigorous special agent training, she exudes sharpness and a “Don’t mess with me” attitude. When confronted by those who deliberately try to provoke her, she shows no mercy in putting them in their place, stating firmly, “I won’t back down if you try to mess around with me.”
Additionally, Yang Mi is set to star in the female-dominant Xianxia series, “Fox Spirit Matchmaker 1” (狐妖小红娘月红篇), scheduled for release this year. In this role, she will portray the head of the family, willing to sacrifice anything, including a millennia-old destiny.
Cheng Anxin in “Born to Run” (如果奔跑是我的人生)
- Elaine Zhong: Who are you to decide if a female gives birth, if she can’t then don’t
In “Born to Run”, Elaine Zhong portrays An Xin, who tragically loses both her legs in a car accident. Compounding the tragedy, she is a dancer who heavily relied on her legs for her livelihood. Initially heartbroken, she progresses through stages of pathos and paranoia, concealing her vulnerability behind a facade before ultimately embracing her true self. Through this journey, she evolves into a resilient and courageous woman.
Adding to her ordeal, An Xin grapples not only with amputation but also with a cheating husband and other significant life changes. Surmounting these challenges, she learns to be more open-minded and rejects societal norms and standards that would confine her.
Xu Banxia from “Wild Bloom” (风吹半夏)
- Zhao Liying: “As a woman, I don’t think your life should only be revolving around love but instead, have a dream and also pursue things you like.”
“Wild Bloom” is set in the 20th century’s era of reformation. With her unique insight and bold personality, Xu Banxia braves the challenges of the male-dominated steel industry, carving a path to success for herself. Despite witnessing her husband’s infidelity and enduring a brutal assault, she perseveres, determined to establish her own identity. Xu Banxia believes that a girl’s life should not revolve solely around love; rather, she encourages them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
