
China cracks down on pretty boys in media Recently Chinese costume drama Pursuit of Jade 逐玉 gained high ratings and viewership. This attracted the attention of censors. National Radio and Television Administration called a meeting w various TV stations, criticizing TV trends focusing on looks, demands stop idol/looks worshipping, establishing healthy aesthetic etc. IMO the issue is disconnect between people who watch TV Dramas and people who criticize TV Dramas. TV Drama audience is primarily women. TV shows usually cater to their viewers' tastes. People who criticize the prevalence of pretty boys in TV shows are usually men but they don't watch those TV dramas anyway. Of course the boomers in the censorship department always err in the direction of maximum control.












