Working In Progress

Yu Shuxin: I want what I do to have meaning and value
Rising Actress of the Year

After the premiere of a talent competition show in 2020, Esther Yu’s meteoric rise became a pop culture phenomenon of the year. In an environment that was extremely tense, cutthroat, and fiercely competitive, she stood out with a kind of carefree ease, bringing audiences a sense of relief and lightness—and in doing so, presented a new kind of idol persona.

This year, the hardworking young idol proved her strength as an actress with her lively and natural performances in Love Between Fairy and Devil and A Romance of the Little Forest.

GQ China: Tell us about your highlight moments.
Yu Shuxin: When more and more people begin to recognize my work, when people who once doubted or disliked me start to change their minds, or when someone who didn’t really know me says something like, “So this is who she is—I’m just now realizing it,” those are what I consider my highlight moments. Because moments like these prove that the things I’ve been doing seriously actually have meaning and value.

GQ China: With your busy work schedule, how do you relax? Are you willing to give yourself a long vacation?
Esther Yu: Traveling, shooting fashion editorials, and living the kind of life a young girl my age should enjoy. I’m not afraid to take time off, but even during a long break, I wouldn’t disappear. Sharing my life with everyone has already become a habit.

GQ China: How do you interpret the sense of ease or effortlessness people often feel from you?
Yu Shuxin: Fire signs tend to have a big heart by nature. I don’t really like to analyze or define my own personality—most of the time it’s only when I hear other people describe me that I go, “Oh? So that’s what I’m like?” I just think I’m a cute, hardworking, sincere little baby with a good eye for aesthetics. I don’t really think much beyond that.

GQ China: What are some ways you protect yourself and stay true to who you are, that you can share with us?
Yu Shuxin: Just focus on doing your own thing, and no matter what happens, keep your mindset steady. Enjoy every little thing in life that brings happiness: like a hot meal delivery, getting lots of likes on a post, taking a great photo, watching a good movie or drama, your favorite idol dropping a new set of stunning pictures, or cracking up in a group chat with your besties—these small, simple moments can actually fill your whole day with joy.

智族 22-12-9 12:45

Introducing: GQ China’s 2022 Rising Actress of the Year: Yu Shuxin
When it comes to her highlight moments, she says: “I’ve always carried faith, courage, passion, and the drive to move toward the light of the future. I believe there are even more beautiful clouds ahead.” #GQMOTYPersonOfTheYear

智族 22-12-9 13:05

#GQMOTYPersonOfTheYear Take a moment to reflect: What defines a highlight moment?
Here are the answers from Bai Lu, Yu Shuxin, and Chou Zhou Chenchen (listed in alphabetical order).

智族 22-12-9 13:50

#GQMOTYPersonOfTheYear
Answer this: What’s your highlight moment?
2022 Youth Actress of the Year Cover Story—Yu Shuxin: “I want the things I do to have meaning and value.”

1. 智族 Weibo: https://weibo.com/gqcomcn
2. 智族 22-12-9 12:45 – https://weibo.com/1667999147/MiM4chA1t
3. 智族 22-12-9 13:05 – https://weibo.com/1667999147/MiMcixe83
4. 智族 22-12-9 13:50 – https://weibo.com/1667999147/MiMuzvzQq