Is there ever a time when you can't help but sympathize with a character despite knowing you shouldn't? You are not alone! Chinese drama villains are not an easy bunch. Villians are just as important as the hero of the story. The story won't be compelling if the villain lacks personality or a reason for being evil. Check out this list of the top ten villains in C-drama that you can't help but feel for them. (Spoiler Alert)
1. Yang Kang- Legend Of The Condor House
While watching Legend of the Condor House and reading the novel, I can't help but sympathize with Yang Kang. But yes, you can't forgive him for what things he did. His internal struggle is whether he should accept his fate as a peasant or continue being the Jurchen Prince he was once. Kang's mother, Bao Xiruo, marries Wanyan Honglie, a Jurchen Prince, after the death of her first husband and Yang Kang's father, Yang Tiexin. Yang Tiexin has been found alive after eighteen years. After many internal and family struggles, Bao Xiruo and Mu Nianci (Kang's love interest) accept Yang Tiexin as Kang's father. But life as a Song peasant is not as easy as being a Jurchen Prince. As a result of Wanyan Honglie's chase of Bao Xirou, it gets revealed that Bao Xirouo and Yang Kang separated for Wanyan's sake. Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and Mu Nianci tell him to kill Wanyan Honglie. But it is a difficult decision for him because Wanyan raised Kang for eighteen years. The internal struggles in Yang Kang's mind for his family, his father, and his country make him more human.
2. Xian Fei- Story Of Yanxi Palace
Xian Fei was once a kind and unfavored concubine who didn't bother much about court politics. But after her family's fall, she changes dramatically. Xian Fei starts by killing Ji Pin and plotting to bring Wei Yingluo down. She has motives to get higher in court, though she doesn't hate the emperor. Her ending is rather tragic, as she becomes the isolated empress with no real power, similar to how she started.
3. Sui He- Ashes Of Love
Characters who became Villian for love are easiest to determine what motivates them. But we also know they would never achieve what they want because the male lead belongs to the female lead. For Sui Hui, one of the two reasons that make her do things that she does is love, and the other factor is because she wants to please the Queen to keep her leadership position. We see her break down when the male lead, Xu Feng, reveals that he never loved her and only wanted to see her attempt to kill the female lead's parents.
4. Hua Fei/ Nian Shilan- Empresses In The Palace
The only motive of Hua Fei is love. She already has power, and her family is powerful as well. The only thing she requires is the love of the male lead. Hua Fei is ready to destroy the King's new concubines, Zhen Huan (female lead) and She Meizhuang. But as well know, she never succeeds in tricking Zhen Huan.
5. Zhang Xian Zong- From Wu Xin: The Monster Killer
The role of Zhang Xian Zong, played by Zhnag Ruo Yun, in the 2015 Chinese drama 'Wu Xin: The Monster Killer' is perfectly depicted. Xian Zong, a high-ranking officer, has no issue harming others on demand, especially by order of Yue Qi Luo. He teams up with her to fuel his revenge and strive for their blood-driven goals. In the beginning, we see him develop feelings for her. But their relationship is in an unusual sense. Yue Qi uses him, and he serves her with ill intentions. Soon he begins relinquishing his need for revenge. We can see his genuine affection for her and his willingness to give up on his desire to help with her goals. Keeping aside his loyalties and love, Zian Zhong is a complicated character with dangerous and sweet instincts. And this character has been performed wonderfully.
6. Jia Li - All About Secrets
Jia Li is one of the worst antagonists. She doesn't complicate the revenge plans but back-stabs without blinking an eye. Jia Li was best friends with Yu Chi Zi (by Landy Li) and used her Chi Zi to find information on Duan Bo Wen (by Chen Zhe Yuan) from school. She makes Chi Zi believe she doesn't like Duan Bo Wen and uses that opportunity in her favor. She shamelessly flirts and pursues the male lead. What makes you want to sympathize with her is her background. Her father hits and ignores her and the activities she gets forced to participate in after school- entertaining older men. Seeing such a little girl dealing with a toxic environment is painful.
7. Gong Zi- Bloody Romance
Some viewers felt for Gong Zi despite how deadly and terrifying this character is. This 2018 Chinese drama 'The Bloody Romance' features young actors who impressed viewers and the antagonist Gong Zi, played by Wang Duo. Wang Duo plays this complicated character perfectly, even though he is a newcomer. Gong Zi is a dark, twisted character unafraid to hurt others- perhaps because of the pain he received growing up. Gong Zi's parents take the title of the nasty parents in the series, as his father plotted his death and his mother blinded him. The character of Gong Zi is an example of clever writing and is presented with redeeming qualities to be a pitied devilish monster. Another quality of Gong Zi is his care and love for Wan Mei (Li Yi Tong), even though the romance does not develop. That shows that he has a vulnerable side.
8. An Ning- Only Side By Side With You
Qin Hai Lu plays the role of villain An Ning in the 2018 drama 'Only Side by Side With You.' She has a chilling composure, but she is someone you don't want to cross. She makes life a little difficult for Shi Yue (William Chan). Underneath her power-hungry and cold skin is a woman who loves Shi Yue. It may be toxic, but it is sincere. Considering the abusive relationship with her husband, the viewer sees why this twisted love is all she could offer Shi Yue.
9. Feng Manna- Rookie Agent Rouge
You would feel bad for Feng Manna in the beginning when her best friend Lan Yanzhi betrays her. Yanzhi helps the Nationalist Party by infiltrating Manna's house and revealing that her parents are Japanese spies. That causes the death of Manna's parents and the destruction of her friendship. You would think that Yanzhi is the villain, but she is not. The reason is what actions Manna takes after a few episodes and when she ends up being the spy for the Japanese to capture Yanzhi. Manna unleashes all types of torture on her.
10. Zhou Zhiruo- From The Heavenly Sword And Dragon Slaying Sabre
The character of Zhou Zhiruo gets impacted by love. The pressure she receives from her master, Miejue, before her death causes her to make decisions and transform. Miejue made Zhiruo promise not to love Zhang Wuji and even kill him. Zhiruo loves Zhang Wuji but also can't disobey her master Miejue. She is struggling with an inner dilemma. She follows Miejue's orders and becomes the leader of Emei. She kills Yin Li and pushes the lame onto Zhao Min. After stealing the two swords, she tries to kill Zhao Min and Wuji, but she can't bring herself to do that.
