Against the Current is currently one of the most talked-about historical dramas on Chinese television. Premiering on September 11 on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video, the series quickly gained momentum and became a major topic of discussion on social media. Its popularity has also spread to other Asian countries, where Chinese drama fans have frequently discussed lead stars Tan Songyun and Liu Xueyi. Alongside the heroine Lan Xiang, Liu Xueyi’s character Lin Jinqi has emerged as one of the drama’s biggest attractions.
However, few viewers may know that before Liu Xueyi became Lin Jinqi in Against the Current, another well-known actor was reportedly considered for the male lead. According to a Sohu article published on September 25, the production team initially had Ding Yuxi in mind for Lin Jinqi during the drama’s early preparation stage. After the original female lead, Wu Jinyan, left the project, Ding Yuxi was reportedly regarded as one of the strongest candidates for the male lead. Sohu claimed, however, that Ding’s side was dissatisfied with the billing arrangement and ultimately withdrew from the project, forcing the production team to look for another option.
Ding Yuxi is already a highly popular face in historical dramas, known for his handsome appearance and ability to create strong chemistry with his co-stars. However, Lin Jinqi is not the kind of male lead who can be portrayed through looks and charisma alone. The character carries numerous secrets and must constantly weigh his emotions against personal interests and complicated relationships. He requires a sense of maturity and experience that convinces viewers there is an untold story hidden behind his calm exterior. This is where Liu Xueyi has a significant advantage. With his mature appearance, masculine features, and somewhat cold and enigmatic aura, the actor is particularly suited to a character who is difficult for others to read. Through Liu Xueyi’s performance, Lin Jinqi feels calm and guarded, sometimes leaving viewers wondering whether he genuinely cares for Lan Xiang or is still calculating his next move.
Sohu also praised the decision to cast Liu Xueyi in Against the Current, arguing that the actor is capable of expressing Lin Jinqi’s complexity through his eyes and even the smallest facial expressions. When dealing with others, the character appears observant and calculating, carefully advancing toward his goals. Around Lan Xiang, however, he becomes restrained and patient, revealing his concern for her in much subtler ways. It is the kind of role that requires a certain maturity in how an actor approaches the character rather than relying solely on appearance or romantic scenes.
Ding Yuxi, meanwhile, has a more youthful appearance and brighter energy, which some believe could have made it more difficult to convey the sense of experience required for Lin Jinqi. When imagining the two actors in the same role, the difference in their screen presence becomes particularly noticeable: one leans toward the image of a youthful historical-drama heartthrob, while the other has a more mature appearance that suggests someone who has been through significant experiences and always keeps part of his thoughts hidden. That is why reports that Ding Yuxi was once considered for Lin Jinqi have generated renewed discussion after resurfacing. It is not that Ding Yuxi lacks the looks or ability to star in historical dramas. Rather, after Against the Current began airing, Liu Xueyi made viewers accustomed to a version of Lin Jinqi that feels exceptionally well matched to his own aura. With another actor, the character might have appeared younger and more straightforward. Liu Xueyi instead brings an unpredictable, masculine, and layered quality to the role, particularly in scenes where Lin Jinqi says little but still commands attention through his gaze and demeanor.
