Asian Hunks: Meet the Stars of Costume Short Dramas

Costume dramas are having a major moment in the short-drama world. From breathtaking emperors to tragic princes and charming jokers, the new generation of “male gods” is redefining what it means to shine on the vertical screen. 

Unlike modern dramas, where good looks may be enough, period dramas demand more: presence, elegance, and the ability to make audiences believe you truly belong to another time.

Recently, Sohu spotlighted six breakout stars whose ancient-style performances have captivated millions. Each one brings something unique, but the real question is, who would you crown as your number one?

No.1 Yang Ze - Born in 1995, 184cm, from Chongqing

Don’t be fooled by his youthful image. Once Yang Ze put on his period costume for Fragrant Snow Reflects the Palace, his career skyrocketed. Netizens on Xiaohongshu consistently rank him as one of the most striking men in costume drama. With sharp features, deep-set eyes, and that cold-yet-affectionate aura beloved in webnovels, Yang Ze embodies the ruthless hero archetype. Just don’t try imagining him as a soft puppy love interest,  fans warn it’s too heart-shattering!

No.2 Wang Peiyan - Born in 2001, 183cm, from Chongqing

What sets Wang Peiyan apart? Comedy. At first glance, his sense of humour might outshine his looks, but put him in costume, and the transformation is unreal. In My Concubine, he emerged like a comic-book tyrant come to life, with narrow eyes, red eyeshadow, and all the lethal charisma you could want. A man who can be both funny and devastatingly handsome? That’s the real charm. 

No.3 Spreading Wings (Zhang Chi) - Born in 2001, 180cm

Delicate features, red lips, and a restrained aura define Zhang Chi. He shifts effortlessly from aloof to vulnerable, showing off refined emotional range. In Attack the Heart, just a look conveyed a character’s journey from coldness to warmth. With roles in Slave of the Jade Waist, Cherishing Jade and Loving Fragrance, and Spring Night in Your Arms, his 16-drama résumé proves he’s one of the most dedicated stars of the genre.

No.4 Li Ruoxun - Born in 2003, 184cm

Li Ruoxun embodies the “tough yet noble” archetype. With eyebrows like blades and a nose bridge that seems sculpted for the screen, his youthful looks carry surprising gravitas. Among his 29 short dramas, 18 are costume pieces,  a statistic that highlights his dominance in the genre. From The Legend of Fenghua to The Strategy of the Beauty and The Rebellion of Zhaohua, he balances roles as both noble hero and scheming mastermind. Fans still swoon over his Republican-era role in The Hot Heroes.

No.5 He Congrui - Born in 1997, 177cm, from Guangdong

Though his filmography in costume dramas is smaller, every pick is a gem. Please Come Into My Arms earned 9 million in collections, cementing its place as a top-tier short drama. He Congrui’s charm lies in duality and gentle features softened by strength, an emperor’s majesty paired with a scholar’s elegance. His soulful eyes make him equally believable as a tyrannical ruler or devoted lover. His collaborations with Liu Nian (Nian Nian Youci, What a Trouble) have fueled fandom’s favourite CP, “Bai Nian Hao He.”

No.6 Chen Tianxiang - Born in 2002, 183cm, from Hunan

The final name on this list is unforgettable. His white-haired look in The Double-Faced Official Has a Secret Love for Me left audiences breathless. With 26 dramas under his belt,  20 of them costume pieces and nine surpassing one million collections, Chen Tianxiang’s track record is extraordinary. His noble yet icy screen aura, sharpened by his single-lidded eyes, makes him perfect for roles that demand both elegance and emotional depth. Moon in the West Tower, The Medical Concubine, and The Emperor and Her only prove his star power further.

The Verdict

Six “male gods,” six distinct charms: from Yang Ze’s commanding aura to Chen Tianxiang’s ethereal beauty. But as the fandom loves to say, only children would choose just one. For true fans of short-drama costume epics, why not admire them all? So tell us, who’s your number one?

Sources :

• Sohu, August 29, 2025.

Article written by Blessing Azugama

#BlessingAzugama