Born in 1996 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, He Yu initially studied architecture before shifting to acting after meeting actress and film instructor Liu Tianchi, who offered him his first opportunities. Beginning with minor supporting roles, he gradually moved into projects that required both skill and star appeal. In 2025, his leading role as Jin Zhao in Speed and Love (2025), opposite Esther Yu, brought him closer to the public eye, thanks to his bright screen presence and clearly emerging acting potential.
When we interview, he’s preparing for Reborn of the Rightful (2026), a forthcoming historical drama centered on political power and internal conflict within the Yanbei Royal Household. For the role, He Yu has focused less on outward authority than on how his character shifts across relationships. It also marks his transition into more serious period drama with greater emotional depth, rather than the familiar romantic archetype –an important milestone as he approaches his thirties.
Esquire Vietnam: Share your age, hometown, and your journey – how did you first get your start in your career?
He Yu: I’m from Yinchuan, Ningxia, a place renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, often referred to as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall”. It’s currently winter in Ningxia, and you can witness the sight of snowfall in the desert. You can also enjoy roasted whole lamb while soaking in a hot spring amidst the desert. Coincidentally, I met teacher Liu Tianchi, who believed in my potential as an actor and gave me my first opportunity to act.
When did you first identify yourself as an actor in the professional sense?
I truly feel that I’ve started to grasp the basics of acting in the past two years. In the early years, my acting was based on instinct. As I performed more, I began to understand how to approach acting from a holistic perspective – shaping a complete character and considering the continuity and details of performance from this angle.
Cashmere vest and pants: Marni. Belt: Janes.
In Speed and Love, you did many of your own stunts. Describe the feeling of doing a daring stunt. What goes on in your mind?
For safety reasons, many car stunts are actually performed by professional stunt instructors. They are very skilled, and some of the challenging scenes in the show are all thanks to them. I also participated in some scenes that were not so challenging, and I specifically practiced car drifting and other skills.
Tell us about your latest project, Reborn of the Rightful. How did you prepare for a drama set in the past?
Reborn of the Rightful begins with a minor family conflict within a household and expands into larger struggles between the Yanbei Royal Household and various aristocratic families. The story later shifts to the courtroom and focuses on the theme of struggle.
My character faces internal conflicts with his siblings over family rights, and as the representative of the Yanbei Royal Household, he must balance relationships between different aristocratic families. Outwardly, he appears frail and sickly, but in reality, he is a master strategist. When portraying this character, I paid attention to how he behaves differently with different people.
Jacket, shirt, T-shirt, pants and belt: Amiri. Necklace: Stugazi. Gloves: Dents. Boots: Stuart Weitzman. Bag: Grotto.
You’ve played several romantic roles. What type of character would you like to play in the future?
I’m open to trying new things within the framework that suits me best, such as mystery dramas, sitcoms and other genres.
What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far?
When the role I play is recognized by the audience, they fall in love with the character because of my performance. After the broadcast of Speed and Love, I could clearly feel that more people recognized me, and when I go out, some people call me Jin Zhao, the name of my character.
The theme of our issue is “New Natural” What does “natural” mean to you in an increasingly artificial, technological world?
I grew up in a place with exceptionally beautiful natural scenery, and I have also experienced the damage caused by urban development. Today, with technological progress, I can see positive changes when I return home. In the past, our area was very dry and often affected by sandstorms. With scientific intervention, these problems have been significantly reduced.
Technology and nature are not mutually exclusive –technology can also benefit nature. As cities develop and people’s lives improve, the natural environment is also being protected.
Jacket and pants: ordúdíordú. Shirt: Mithridate. Shoes: untitlab.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not acting? How do you stay grounded?
Fitness, cycling, and mountain running. I always try to see reality clearly and see myself clearly.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026, the Year of the Horse?
Work smoothly and stay healthy.
Blazer: Balmain. Shirt: Zickness.
***Creative Team***
Talent: He Yu.
Photographer: Dalong Yang.
Editor: Dan Q. Dao.
Stylist: Ivy Leung.
Makeup: Nike.
Hair: Torres.
Production: Cory Tran.
Creative Director: Tracy Zhu.
Videography: Ellis Jin.
Photographer Assistant: Meng.
Stylist Assistant: Ming.
