Sun Li responds to the low ratings of Dangerous Relationship, stating that a work’s value should not be measured by popularity alone

On April 9, actress Sun Li publicly addressed the underwhelming ratings of her latest drama Dangerous Relationship. In a candid statement, she acknowledged the results while emphasizing that the show’s social message outweighs its numerical performance—sparking widespread discussion.

Premiering on March 31 across multiple TV networks, the series initially gained strong traction, with solid ratings and a promising start. It even opened with a respectable score of 8.2 on Douban, raising expectations for a breakout hit.

However, viewership declined as the series progressed, and final ratings fell short of expectations. Online popularity also plateaued, marking a noticeable gap compared to Sun Li’s previous successes.

In her response, Sun Li revealed that she had anticipated such an outcome. Despite initial hesitation from her team, she was drawn to the character’s emotional journey and transformation. “An actor can only control the work itself. Once filming wraps, the rest belongs to time and the audience,” she wrote.

She explained that her decision to take the role stemmed from a concern for emotional manipulation (PUA) in real life, especially as a mother reflecting on her daughter’s future. She also credited her husband, Deng Chao, for encouraging her to stay true to her identity as an actress.

The show’s performance highlights a broader challenge: serious, issue-driven dramas often struggle in a market dominated by lighter entertainment. Combined with minimal promotion and external controversies, its reach was further limited.

Despite its modest ratings, the series has been praised for its artistic depth and social relevance. Sun Li’s nuanced performance and the show’s exploration of psychological control have been widely recognized.

Her response underscores an ongoing industry debate—between commercial success and meaningful storytelling—reminding audiences that a show’s long-term value may extend far beyond its ratings.