Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN's Ratings Plummet, Original Writer and Cast Blame Each Other

Kapanlagi.com - The latest romantic epic drama, LOVE AND CROWN, is now a hot topic of discussion. Starring Ren Jialun and Peng Xiaoran, this drama premiered on November 14, 2025, and is scheduled to end on December 2.

Adapted from the popular novel titled WO DE HUANG HOU by Xie Lounan, this drama was initially expected to be an epic viewing experience. However, instead of receiving praise, LOVE AND CROWN is facing a storm of harsh criticism.

Its ratings have drastically dropped on Douban, triggering a heated debate among fans and the industry. The situation escalated when the original writer and the female lead got involved in mutual accusations regarding the direction of the story adaptation.

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1. Rating LOVE AND CROWN Plummets

Chinese drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

The colossal drama LOVE AND CROWN is now in the spotlight after its rating plummeted on Douban, a leading review platform in China. With a score of 4.8, it ranks as one of the worst-received romantic dramas of the year.

This shocking figure has sparked intense debate between the original novel's author and the cast regarding the direction of the story adaptation, which is deemed problematic. This dispute resurfaced even before its official score was released, intensifying the public polemic.

2. Disappointment of the Original Novel's Author

Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

Xie Lounan, the original author of the novel WO DE HUANG HOU, openly expressed his disappointment through social media. He feels that the adaptation of the drama LOVE AND CROWN has strayed far from the initial vision he created in his work.

According to Xie Lounan, several key elements, including the emotional side and the sacrifices of love made by the main female character Ling Cangcang, have been removed. This has caused the character to lose the hallmark of deep love that is the essence of the story.

3. Female Characters Considered Changed

Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

The strengthening of the female character's image as an independent figure in this drama version has also been sharply criticized by Xie Lounan. He sees it as a form of betrayal against the main value of the novel, which focuses on the theme of love as everything.

His comments sparked further controversy when he praised the acting of the male lead, Ren Jialun, who is considered successful in portraying Xiao Huan. However, he mentioned that Peng Xiaoran's performance seemed cold and inconsistent with her character, which was seen as widening the emotional gap.

4. Peng Xiaoran's Response

China Drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

In response to the harsh criticism, Peng Xiaoran ultimately provided a lengthy clarification that included three main points to explain her position. She explained that actors do not have full authority over the determination of the storyline or characters.

All creative decisions are entirely in the hands of the production team, and the script is often incomplete when filming begins and continues to undergo changes. This means that actors can only focus on scene by scene without control over the overall logic of the story.

5. Peng Xiaoran Emphasizes

China Drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

Peng Xiaoran also reminded the importance of maintaining a collaborative atmosphere during the drama's airing and avoiding internal conflicts. She emphasized that all parties involved in the production should be on the same side to prevent losses in the overall quality of the drama.

Finally, she asserted that the assessment of the drama's quality is entirely the audience's right and should not be forced. She used the analogy that no restaurant can force customers to give five stars to emphasize the audience's independent judgment.

6. Speculation Behind the Controversy

Chinese drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

Behind this heated polemic, there are also allegations whether the controversy was intentionally created to increase public attention. The aim may be to boost the popularity of the drama LOVE AND CROWN amidst fierce competition.

However, one thing is clear: neither the original writer nor the actors have full control over the adaptation policy of a work. The phenomenon of excessive adaptation or major changes from the original work itself is not new in the Chinese entertainment industry.

7. Between Loyalty and Commercialization

Chinese drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

Many IP works in China have faced criticism for sacrificing the essence of the story for commercialization. For instance, the adaptation of the novel YOU FEI by Priest is considered to have lost the wuxia spirit in favor of a too-commercial romance narrative.

This shows that although controversy can attract attention, the quality of adaptation and fidelity to the source material remain crucial factors. These are decisive for the long-term success of a drama in the eyes of loyal viewers.

8. Synopsis of the Drama LOVE AND CROWN

Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN rating plummets/mydramalist.com

The drama LOVE AND CROWN tells the story of Ling Cangcang, a tough female warrior played by Peng Xiaoran. She is the founder of Fenglai Pavilion, an organization that fights to uphold justice in a world filled with corruption.

On the other hand, there is Xiao Huan, the young emperor of the Nanqi Dynasty played by Ren Jialun, who disguises himself as Bai Chifan. The two form a deep bond, working together against injustice, restoring order, and navigating political intrigues that threaten the empire.

9. FAQ

Who are the main cast members in the Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN? The Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN stars two big names, Ren Jialun as Xiao Huan and Peng Xiaoran as Ling Cangcang.

Why did the rating of the Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN plummet? The rating of the Chinese Drama LOVE AND CROWN dropped to 4.8 on Douban because it is considered to deviate from the original novel and sparked criticism from both the author and the main cast regarding the adaptation of the story.

What is the main criticism from the original author about the adaptation of LOVE AND CROWN? The original author, Xie Lounan, criticized the adaptation of LOVE AND CROWN for removing important emotional elements of the character Ling Cangcang and reinforcing an independent image that is seen as betraying the novel's focus on the theme of love.

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10. The Importance of Communication in Large Drama Projects

Transparent and effective communication between the writer, director, producer, and actors is crucial in any drama project. It helps align creative visions and reduces the potential for conflict later on.

Alignment of vision can prevent misunderstandings and sharp criticism. It can also ensure that an adaptation remains true to the original spirit, while still being appealing to new audiences.

(kpl/mda)