Cover Liu Yuning’s performance in the historical romance Kneeling has drawn praise for its marked improvement.
Liu Yuning’s performance in the historical romance Kneeling has drawn praise for its marked improvement.
1 / 1
Liu Yuning, the male lead in the period drama “Kneeling”, is earning growing attention for his more refined acting and a character portrayal that has struck a chord with viewers.
In recent years, Liu Yuning has become a familiar face among devotees of Chinese television dramas. His latest outing, Kneeling, a historical romance co-starring Song Zu Er, has not only enjoyed considerable success but also attracted favourable reviews from both audiences and critics. To date, Kneeling is the fastest drama of 2025 to surpass 30,000 heat points, and it has amassed over 50 million views. According to DataWin, the series currently tops the charts not just in viewership but also in terms of public interest and social media discussion.
Yet before enjoying his present acclaim, Liu Yuning endured a journey fraught with personal and professional challenges.
Liu Yuning’s stormy childhood
Few are aware that the much-adored actor’s early years were marked by hardship. As a child, his parents divorced, and not long after, his father passed away. His mother remarried, and Liu was then raised by his grandparents.
Life grew even more uncertain after the passing of his grandparents, leaving him to fend for himself. At just 16, Liu purchased a one-way train ticket from the Northeast to Shenzhen in search of part-time work. The modest wages meant he often slept in dire conditions, his nights disturbed by relentless bedbug bites.
He later enrolled in a vocational school to train as a chef and worked in restaurants to support himself. During this period, he also faced financial strain so severe that he was unable to afford medicine when unwell. A helping hand came in the form of his employer, who supported him while he was hospitalised.
The arduous road from music to the screen
With a passion for music and a commanding presence, Liu Yuning formed the street band Modern Brothers with a group of friends, becoming its lead vocalist.
Over time, his voice began to gain traction online. It wasn’t just his singing that charmed audiences; his easygoing nature and comedic charm helped him connect with fans. As his recognition grew, so did his opportunities. Film producers began approaching him to perform soundtracks for popular series including Love And Redemption, A dream of splendor, and Love between Fairy and Devil. Most recently, in Kneeling, he also lent his voice to the theme song.
Above Liu Yuning and Liu Shishi in A Journey To Love on Chinese television
Liu Yuning and Liu Shishi in A Journey To Love on Chinese television
1 / 1
With rising fame came invitations to step into the world of acting. He made his small-screen debut in 2019 with Hot-Blooded Youth, appearing alongside rising talents such as Huang Zitao and Zhang Xueying. It wasn’t until 2021, however, that he caught wider attention with his role in The Long Ballad, where his on-screen pairing with Zhao Lusi became a fan favourite.
Since then, Liu Yuning has been increasingly present in Chinese television, with notable roles in Heroes 2022, Legend of Anle, Be Your Own Light, A Journey To Love, and The Story of Pearl Girl, among others.
You might be interested in: Joo Ji-hoon is everywhere and we’re not complaining
In contrast to his success in music, Liu Yuning faced considerable challenges transitioning to the small screen. In high-profile projects such as A Journey To Love and The Story of Pearl Girl, where he starred opposite renowned actresses like Liu Shishi and Zhao Lusi, some viewers felt his appearance lacked the visual chemistry expected of a historical romance lead. Moreover, his background in music led to mixed reviews of his acting, with some suggesting he was not yet suited to front a period drama.
His modern romance drama Be Your Own Light, in which he played the male lead opposite Liu Dao, also failed to meet expectations. The series attracted a wave of negative commentary, which contributed to a noticeable lull in his career, leaving him without many standout achievements during that period.
Above Liu Yuning received many compliments in the film Kneeling
Liu Yuning received many compliments in the film Kneeling
1 / 1
Fortunes began to shift with the release of Kneeling. While criticism did not entirely vanish, a growing number of viewers began to acknowledge his progress. Audiences praised his on-screen chemistry with Song Zu Er and described his portrayal of a cold, psychologically layered general as convincing. This marked a turning point. His performance resonated with many, and admiration for Liu Yuning grew steadily. The role signalled that his persistence was paying off, helping to gradually dispel past doubts.
Learn more: Live like Liu Yifei
Looking ahead, Liu Yuning is set to star in A Dream Within A Dream, another historical romance tipped to generate buzz. He appears opposite Li Yi Tong, with additional performances from rising stars such as Zhu Zi Dan, who recently made waves in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. The story follows a woman unexpectedly transported into a book, where the male lead harbours a secret identity that spans both ancient and modern worlds. The film has already caught attention for Li Yi Tong’s captivating bridal look. With its intriguing plot, star power and lavish visuals, A Dream Within A Dream is widely anticipated to strengthen Liu Yuning’s rising profile and propel his career to new heights.
Topics
