Fact Check: Are Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai dating in real life?

Are Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai Dating in Real Life?

The claim that Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai are dating in real life appears to stem from their on-screen relationship in the 2023 Chinese television series "When I Fly Towards You." This claim has been circulated among fans and media outlets, but it is essential to critically evaluate the sources and context surrounding this assertion.

What We Know

1. Show Synopsis: "When I Fly Towards You" is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that aired on Youku from June 13 to June 29, 2023. It features Zhang Lurang (played by Zhou Yiran) and Su Zaizai (played by Zhang Miaoyi) as the main characters, whose relationship develops throughout the series 13.

2. Character Dynamics: The series portrays a romantic storyline where Su Zaizai is infatuated with Zhang Lurang, leading to various plot developments that suggest a romantic relationship between the characters 24. In episode recaps, characters express suspicions about Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai dating, and there are moments in the show where they openly acknowledge their relationship 26.

3. Fan Speculation: The idea that the actors are dating in real life seems to be fueled by their on-screen chemistry and the nature of their characters' relationship. A YouTube video titled "They're officially dating!!" has garnered significant views, indicating that fans are eager to believe in a real-life connection 7.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry provides a general overview of the series, including its plot and airing details. While it is a reliable starting point, Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which may lead to inaccuracies or bias 1.

• CPOP HOME Recap: This source offers a detailed recap of the series and mentions the characters' relationship explicitly. However, it does not provide evidence of real-life dating, focusing instead on the fictional narrative 2.

• MyDramaList: This site summarizes the characters and their relationships within the show. It is generally reliable for drama summaries but does not delve into real-life relationships 3.

• Taicike: The summaries from Taicike provide insights into character developments but also do not confirm any real-life relationship between the actors 46.

• The Fangirl Verdict: This review discusses the on-screen relationship and its development but does not make claims about the actors' personal lives 5.

• YouTube Video: The video claiming they are "officially dating" lacks credible sourcing and may be more reflective of fan enthusiasm than factual reporting. User-generated content can often exaggerate or misinterpret information 7.

Methodological Concerns

The claim of Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai dating in real life lacks direct evidence. Most of the supporting information comes from fictional narratives and fan speculation rather than verified statements from the actors or their representatives. There is no official confirmation from either actor regarding a romantic relationship outside of their roles in the series.

Additional Context

The phenomenon of fans speculating about real-life relationships between co-stars is not uncommon in the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of romantic dramas. This can lead to misunderstandings and the spread of unverified claims. More concrete evidence, such as interviews or social media posts from the actors themselves, would be necessary to substantiate any claims of a real-life relationship.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The assertion that Zhang Lurang and Su Zaizai are dating in real life is unsupported by credible evidence. The claim primarily arises from their on-screen chemistry in "When I Fly Towards You" and fan speculation, rather than any verified statements or confirmations from the actors themselves. While the series does depict a romantic relationship between their characters, this does not translate to a real-life romance.

It is important to recognize that the entertainment industry often fosters such speculation, which can lead to misconceptions. The lack of direct evidence, such as interviews or social media confirmations from the actors, further emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding this claim.

Readers should approach such assertions with skepticism and critically evaluate the information presented, considering the distinction between on-screen portrayals and off-screen realities.

Sources

1. When I Fly Towards You - Wikipedia. Link
2. When I Fly Towards You Episode 19 Recap - CPOP HOME. Link
3. When I Fly Towards You (2023) - MyDramaList. Link
4. 《When I Fly Towards You》(1-24)Full Eps Plot Summary - Air Date - Cast. Link
5. Review: When I Fly Towards You [China] - The Fangirl Verdict. Link
6. 《When I Fly Towards You》Episode 22 plot introduction. Link
7. They're officially dating!! || When I Fly Towards You || ZHANG LU RANG || SU ZAIZAI. Link
8. When I Fly Towards You (TV Series 2023) - IMDb. Link