Chinese drama sensation Yu Shuxin, widely known as Esther Yu, captivated over 1,000 fans at her first ever Malaysia fan meeting held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The event, part of the iQIYI Starship 2026 tour, saw "Little Pomegranates" (as her fans are known) gathering as early as 4:00 PM with banners and merchandise. Yu’s popularity in Malaysia has skyrocketed following hit dramas like Love Between Fairy and Devil and My Journey to You.

During the meet, Yu expressed her gratitude for the warm Malaysian welcome, noting that over 600 fans had greeted her at KLIA upon her arrival. The star, who serves as an iQIYI International Global Ambassador, performed several hit songs and engaged in a Q&A session that moved many in the audience to tears. The event highlights the growing dominance of C-dramas in Malaysia's multicultural entertainment landscape, rivaling the popularity of traditional Hollywood and K-drama content. 

The fan meet has also provided a significant boost to the local digital streaming market, with iQIYI reporting a surge in new subscriptions following the tour announcement. Industry observers point to Yu’s visit as a sign that Malaysia is becoming a key market for Chinese entertainment icons looking to expand their global reach. As the C-drama wave continues to grow, more high profile visits from regional stars are expected throughout the second half of 2026.