Deng Lun

Deng Lun (; born 21 October 1992), also known as Allen Deng, is a Chinese actor, singer and businessman. He made his acting debut in the romance drama Flowers in Fog. He also starred in the series Because of Meeting You (2017) and Ashes of Love (2018).

Early life and education Deng Lun was born in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. His parents were reportedly in the military. He grew up with his grandparents and continues to spend time with his grandmother. Among the 'Post-90s Generation' of Chinese actors, he holds a string of viewership records, including the distinction of being the actor with the most television series achieving ratings over 1%. His five dramas (Because of Meeting You, Sweet Dreams, Ashes of Love, My True Friend, and Mr. Fighting) have all surpassed this benchmark. He is the only actor from the 'Post-90s Generation' to have two leading roles in dramas that rank among the Top 10 highest-rated series on CCTV.

2012–2016: Beginnings

In 2012, Deng Lun was picked by Chiung Yao to star in the romance series Flowers in Fog. Deng Lun played opposite Yang Zi (Bai Menghua) as Xu Hao. The drama aired in 2013, marking his debut.

In 2014, Deng Lun was featured in the period drama Moment in Peking. He played the female lead Yao Mulan's younger brother Yao Afei.

In 2015, Deng Lun starred in the urban family comedy series Dad to be Married, in which he played the ideal and aspiring big boy Su Da, watching over his half-sister and helping her find true love. He also co-starred with Sun Yi in the urban sitcom Love Upper Lot, playing the role of Sun Xiaofei, a business administration graduate with a fair-looking, shy and unsociable character. In the same year, Deng Lun began filming for Promise of Migratory Birds and the historical mythical drama Investiture of the Gods, his first historical drama. He also worked on two more drama projects, Brotherhood in War and White Deer Plain.

In 2016, Deng Lun co-starred with Zhang Ruoyun and Sun Yi in Promise of Migratory Birds, an urban youth idol drama adapted from the novel of the same name, playing the second male lead Liu Qianren who is cold in appearance but warm in heart. Deng Lun also appeared in the urban drama Super Cinderella, playing the female lead Du Qihua's younger brother, Du Qitian. In the same year, Deng Lun filmed the urban drama Graduation Season with Krystal Jung. He also began working on three more new TV series, Because of Meeting You, Princess Agents and Ode to Joy 2. On December 10, Deng Lun won the ‘Trending Young Actor of the Year’ award at the 10th Tencent Video Star Awards for his performance in Promise of Migratory Birds.

2017: Rising popularity

On March 2, the family series Because of Meeting You was premiered, with Deng Lun again starring with Sun Yi. The series’ ratings soared to No.1 throughout its broadcast, winning the national TV series concurrent viewership ratings with an average of 1.93% in 52 cities and an average of 3.26% on the national network, the highest ratings for a single episode exceeded 5%, and the number of online broadcasts surpassing the 7 billion mark. Because of Meeting You became the biggest dark horse of TV dramas in 2017. This drama set the record-ratings with an all-time series high.

On April 16, broadcast began for the critically acclaimed period drama White Deer Plain. Deng Lun gained recognition for his performance as the supporting role Lu Zhaohai, winning the Breakthrough Actor award at Weibo TV Drama Awards. He also won 2017's Popular Artist award at the 6th iQIYI Scream Night Awards Ceremony. On May 11, the metropolitan romance series Ode to Joy 2 began premiering. Deng Lun played Xie Tong, a rising musician in his early twenties opposite Qiao Xin. Deng Lun also contributed two singles to the series' soundtrack. On June 5, the historical action drama Princess Agents was premiered, with Deng starring opposite Zhao Liying. With an average audience rating of 1.741% and a market share of 10.84%, the drama was ranked as the champion of weekly dramas in 2017–2018.

Deng Lun continued working on new series. Blossom in Heart s filming began in February, Ashes of Love in June, and Sweet Dreams in October.

2018: Breakthrough

In March, Deng Lun participated in Who's the Keyman, a 13-episode variety game show that challenged the players' strength in deductive reasoning. Deng Lun went on to win the season's 'Almighty Reasoning King' title. He is widely known to excel in logical reasoning.

In May, Deng Lun began filming for the TV series My True Friend alongside Angelababy. On June 25, the romance drama Sweet Dreams was premiered. Deng Lun starred as the male lead opposite Dilraba Dilmurat. The series' concurrent viewership ratings 'broke 1%', with an average of 1.018% in 52 cities. Sweet Dreams was one of the Top 20 highest rated dramas in 2018. The series reached 6 billion views before the drama wrapped its run. His romance drama Ashes of Love began premiering from August 2 – September 4, with Deng reuniting and co-starring with Yang Zi. Since the broadcast, the series' ratings climbed to No.1, the concurrent viewership ratings of 52 Cities 'broke 1.3%', and the highest view count for a single day was 41,208,066 views on September 2. The series reached 100 million views in just 15 minutes after the broadcast of the first episode. Ashes of Love became 2018 summer vacation's national ratings champion.

In October, Deng Lun began filming for the drama Mr. Fighting. In the same month, he filmed for the variety show Treasure in the Forbidden City, China's first cultural innovation reality show for The Palace Museum, serving as the host and The Forbidden City's Cultural and Creative New Product Development Officer. The show hit No.1 on TV premiere and dual smartphone networks, No.1 in the country for TV ratings, and No.1 in popularity on the entire network.

Deng Lun also contributed songs for Treasure in the Forbidden City, as well as Sweet Dreams and Ashes of Love series' soundtracks. Starring as the male lead in two 2018's highly rated TV series Sweet Dreams and Ashes of Love ushered in the peak of Deng Lun's acting career. Ashes of Love became a commercial success with high ratings and positive reviews both domestically and internationally. Deng Lun received widespread acclaim for his performance and experienced a surge in popularity.

2019-2022: Mainstream popularity

On February 4, Deng Lun participated in CCTV New Year's Gala for the first time, he performed the song "I Strive in Happiness" next to William Chan and Jackie Chan. On March 30, Deng Lun appeared as a resident member in the escape room themed series Great Escape (China). Investiture of the Gods, the historical mystical drama filmed four years ago, finally received an airdate on April 8. Deng Lun was 23 when he played the role of the bewitching nine-tailed fox demon king Zi Xu. The series' concurrent viewership ratings 'broke 1%', with an average of 1.061% in 55 cities.

On May 19, My True Friend began premiering. The series' concurrent viewership ratings 'broke 1%', with an average of 1.093% in 55 cities. Deng Lun's performance in the heart-warming series earned him a nomination for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' at the Asian Television Awards and 'Best Actor (Emerald Category)' at the 6th Actors of China Awards Ceremony; the series won 'Special Award for Overseas Drama' at the 13th Tokyo International TV Drama Festival. On July 31, Mr. Fighting began broadcast. Deng Lun starred in the leading role Hao ZeYu, an actor who tries hard to regain his fame alongside Ma Sichun. Deng Lun also contributed a single to the series' soundtrack. Since its broadcast, the series' real- time broadcast ratings 'broke 2%', and it became the national ratings champion.

On August 19, Deng Lun began filming for The Yin-Yang Master movie in Hengdian World Studios. On October 24, the period romance drama Blossom in Heart began premiering. Deng Lun played the main lead alongside Li Yitong. Blossom in Heart became the broadcast's platform's (MGTV) annual champion. Within the first 24 hours of airing, the viewership broke 200 million views. Deng Lun was the No.1 drama actor on Vlinkage New Media Index.

In mid-June 2020, Deng Lun participated in the anti-epidemic drama With You. Deng Lun played a leading role in one of the chapters titled I am Dalian. Deng Lun's episodes were aired on October 6, with ratings 'breaking 1%' on multiple networks.

On December 25, 2020, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity film was screened nationwide in China, starring Deng Lun as warrior Boya and Mark Chao as Qingming. This was Deng Lun's first movie; his acting skills were well received by the public. The film was a box office success as it raked in a record of ¥452 million 10 days after its official theatrical release. Netflix acquired the international rights, and it was then launched in more than 190 countries and regions.

On December 28, 2020, Deng Lun's closing credits soundtrack titled Tomb of Infatuation for the movie The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity hit No.1 on QQ Music, KuGou Music, and DouYin. On January 5–6, 2021, the closing credits soundtrack also hit No.1 on the Asian New Songs Chart. The 'Asian New Songs Chart' is a list of new Asian popular/trending music jointly created by Ali Music, Sina Weibo, Sina Entertainment, and Youku Tudou. It also hit No.1 in Migu Music's first half of 2021 film OST ranking chart. Despite popular demand, he is unwilling to pursue singing as it detracts him from his acting career; for that, he is popularly known as 'a singer mistaken as an actor'.

On January 7, 2021, the period drama Brotherhood in War filmed in 2016 finally began broadcast on a domestic channel. Deng Lun played Ma ChuXi, the protagonist's adopted brother; he received praise for his acting skills and for accomplishing his complicated role brilliantly.

On July 20, 2021, Deng Lun began filming the drama Night Wanderer with co-star Ni Ni, marking Deng Lun's comeback drama after almost 3 years since 2019. The drama is adapted from the popular novel of the same name by author Zhao Xizhi.

On February 21, 2022, Deng Lun starred in Gucci Love Parade advertisement campaign, becoming the first Chinese artist to appear in Gucci's global ready-to-wear commercial, together with Beanie Feldstein, Jared Leto, Lee Jung-jae, Liu Wen, Miley Cyrus, and Snoop Dogg.

2022-present: Career stoppage

On March 15, 2022, Deng Lun was fined US$16.6 million for tax evasion, for which he issued an apology on Weibo. His private and official social media accounts were subsequently closed. Thereafter, he shifted his focus to the hotpot business Fireroom, which he co-founded with childhood friend Guo Jiaxi in 2020. In January 2025, he was featured in Art PDF magazine as a faceless, nameless model.

Endorsements He has served as brand ambassador for brands like Bvlgari, L'Oreal, Ralph Lauren, Roger Vivier, and Bally. Within a year, he achieved the grand slam for the "Big 5" men's magazines in China with appearances in Harper's Bazaar Men, GQ, Elle Men, L'Officiel Hommes, and Esquire, another first for the "Post-90s Generation".

Filmography Year English title Chinese title Role Notes 2020 The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity阴阳师:晴雅集Bo Ya (on Netflix) The Yin-Yang Master: Retaliation阴阳师:泷夜曲

Television series (drama)

Variety shows Year English title Chinese title Role Notes 2017 King Cross/Crossover Singer Season 2 跨界歌王2 Contestant Ep.9, 10, 12 White Deer Plain Opening Ceremony on A Bright World 世界青年说 白鹿原 开播盛典 Cast member 13 April 2017 Where Are We Going, Dad? Season 5 爸爸去哪儿第五季 Intern father Ode to Joy2 Opening Concert 欢乐颂2 开播演唱会完整版 Performer (duet with Qiao Xin) "Our Small World" (我们的小世界) and "Love What I Love" (爱我所爱) Hunan Satellite TV New Year's Eve Concert 2018湖南卫视跨年演唱会 Performer 31 December 2017 (solo) "Stable Happiness" (稳稳的幸福) and "Wings" (翅膀) 2018 Zhejiang Satellite TV Spring Festival 浙江卫视春季盛典 Performer 31 March 2018 (solo) "Tempting Heart" (心动) and "All About You" (全部都是你)Who's the Keyman我是大侦探 Resident member Super Penguin League Season 3 超级企鹅联盟S3 Contestant (’Brothers’ team captain) Ep.4-6 Shake It Up 新舞林大会 Contestant Ep.6 (26 August 2018) The Letter 一封家书 Member Ep.9 Trust in China 信中国 Narrator Ep.7 Who's The Murderer Season 4 明星大侦探4 Member Ep.3Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City上新了·故宫 Host and The Forbidden City's Cultural and Creative New Product Development Officer DragonTV New Year's Eve Concert 2019 东方跨年盛典 20181231 Performer (solo) "Young and Promising" (年少有为) 2019 2019 CCTV Spring Festival Gala 2019央视春晚 Performer (trios with Jackie Chan, Chen WeiTing) – "I Strive in Happiness" (我奋斗 我幸福)Great Escape Season 1 密室大逃脱1 Resident member Game On 我要打篮球 'Flash' team captain Jeremy Lin 3rd Annual All Star Game 林书豪明星赛 Contestant 10 August 2019Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City 2上新了·故宫2 Host and The Forbidden City's Cultural and Creative New Product Development Officer 2020Go Fighting! Season 6极限挑战6 Resident member Super Show 618超级秀 Performer (trios with Guo JingFei, Jia NaiLiang) - "The Younger Me" (少年), Go Fighting! Season 6 (group performance) - "Fighting Fighting Go"Go Fighting Treasure Tour: Three Districts and Three States Charity Season极限挑战宝藏行·三区三州公益季 Resident member Ep.4, 5 Great Escape Season 2密室大逃脱2 Resident member Great Escape vs Sisters Who Make Waves密室大逃脱 X 乘风破浪的姐姐 Resident member Special episodeRevival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City 3上新了·故宫3 Host and The Forbidden City's Cultural and Creative New Product Development Officer Dunk Of China Season 3这！就是灌篮3 Manager 2021Go Fighting! Season 7极限挑战7 Resident member Great Escape Season 3密室大逃脱3 Resident member The Young The Flowering / 28-Year-Old You 28岁的你 Member A special program dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the CCP - Ep.1 (30 May 2021) Yangtze River Delta: Go Fighting Password 潮涌长三角: 小专题《极限密码》 Go Fighting resident member A special program dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the CCP (27 June 2021), Go Fighting! Season 7 (group performance) - adapted version of "Fighting Fighting Go" Great Journey: Breaking Dawn 中国共产党成立100周年文艺演出《伟大征程:破晓》 Performer A theatrical performance to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the CCP (七一晚会 1 July 2021) 2022 Who's the Murderer Season 7 明星大侦探7 Member Ep.5-6

Discography Year English title Chinese title Album Ref./Notes2017 "The Sky is Dark" 天已黑Ode to Joy 2 OST "Love What I Love"爱我所爱 2018 "Flowers Stay Silent" 花不语 Sweet Dreams OST "Unparalleled in the World" Ashes of Love OST Duet with Yang ZiSolo version "Revival Of The Palace Museum" / "Treasure in the Forbidden City"上新了·故宫 Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City OST 2019 "Youth Beijing"青春北京 Project for 40th anniversary of economic reform"I Strive in Happiness" 我奋斗我幸福 Performance for CCTV Spring Gala"Suddenly I Wanna Love You " 突然想爱你 Mr. Fighting OST"Waiting For Love" 等爱 Blossom in Heart OST "Art of Astrology" 牵星术 Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City 2 OST 2020 "Fighting Fighting Go" Go Fighting S6 Go Fighting S6 Charity Theme Song"Great Escape"密室大逃脱 Great Escape 2 Theme Song "Zi Jin Qiu"紫禁秋 Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City 3 OST "Together / With You" 在一起 Together / With You "Grave of Infatuation" / "Tomb of Infatuation" 痴情冢 The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity OST 2021 "Fighting Fighting Go" (adapted version) 加油加油冲 Yangtze River Delta: Go Fighting Password An adapted version of "Fighting Fighting Go" in the special program Yangtze River Delta: Go Fighting Password (潮涌长三角:极限密码) dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the CCP

Voice over Year English title Chinese title Role Notes 2018 Revival Of The Palace Museum / Treasure in the Forbidden City Season 1: Emperor Shunzhi's Love Letter 上新了·故宫: 顺治御制董鄂后行状 Reciter Deng Lun recites the love poem written by the Emperor Shunzhi to Concubine Dong E 2019 Autonavi Navigation (App) / Amap 高德地图 (App) Deng Lun's voice navigation Deng Lun provided road users with voice-guided GPS navigation under the app's celebrity voice navigation feature Behind The Mask Season 1 面具之下1 Case presenter / Lin Che (林彻) Audio story (Ximalaya/Himalaya App) (喜马拉雅 App) ’Coco‘ Disney Pixar animation 邓伦配音的寻梦环游记 Narrator Deng Lun provided audio description for the visually impaired - a public welfare project: ‘Movie Dreams for the Visually Impaired’ Zhu Shenghao's Love Letter 朗诵朱生豪的情书 Reciter Deng Lun recites a love letter written by Zhu Shenghao to his lover 2020 Behind The Mask Season 2 面具之下2 Case presenter / Lin Che (林彻) Audio story (Ximalaya/Himalaya App) (喜马拉雅 App) Deng Lun x Dear Basketball x Kobe 邓伦x亲爱的篮球x科比 Reciter Deng Lun recites 'Dear Basketball' to pay respect to his idol Kobe Bryant 2021 China - Guanlong 纪录片: 中国 之 关陇 (中国群星配音版 ·邓伦) Narrator China's various artists dubbing edition – Deng Lun narrates the story of Yuwentai Suchuo, who worked together to innovate and lead the Guanlong Group to revitalize the Western Wei Dynasty

Awards and nominations

Honors and recognition Year Honors and recognition Notes 2017 CBN Weekly "2017 China's Most Commercially Valuable Star Ranking TOP100" (ranked #51) 2018 Forbes China's 30 under 30 for Chinese Entertainment 2019 Forbes China Celebrity 100 list (ranked #21) TCCAsia 100 Most Handsome Faces in Asia 2019 (ranked #5) 2020 Forbes China Celebrity 100 list (ranked #34) Wax figure, Madame Tussauds Shanghai TCCAsia 100 Most Handsome Faces in Asia 2020 (ranked #54)

Endorsements and business cooperation