Chen Bolin

Chen Bolin (Chinese: 陳柏霖; born August 27, 1983) is a Taiwanese actor, model, and singer recognized for his versatile performances in film and television across Taiwan and mainland China. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, he has starred in notable works such as the coming-of-age film Blue Gate Crossing (2002), the basketball drama Kung Fu Dunk (2008), and the romance In Time with You (2011), earning critical acclaim and the Golden Bell Award for Best Leading Actor in a Television Series for the latter in 2012.^[1] Bolin's film career includes acclaimed roles in Buddha Mountain (2010), where he portrayed a young man finding solace in a mountain temple, and The Continent (2014), a drama exploring personal growth amid China's social changes.^[2] He has also appeared in international co-productions like Jackie Chan's Chinese Zodiac (2012) and the horror anthology The Eye 3: Infinity (2005).^[3] In recent years, Bolin has continued to build his profile with roles in Dead Talents Society (2024) and Breaking and Re-entering (2024), showcasing his range in both comedy and thriller genres. In October 2025, Bolin admitted to paying NT$100,000 for fake medical reports to evade mandatory military service in his youth, describing it as an "absurd choice" and expressing remorse; he was released on NT$500,000 bail. On November 14, 2025, he was charged as part of an ongoing investigation into conscription evasion.^[4][5]

Early life

Childhood

Chen Bolin, whose real name is Chen Wei-zhi, was born on August 27, 1983, in Taipei, Taiwan, to a Taiwanese family with deep roots in the region.^[3][6] Little is publicly known about his parents, though he has siblings; Chen has maintained privacy regarding his family background during his formative years.^[7][8] Growing up in Taipei, Chen attended high school, where he first entered the public eye as a teenager. During his high school period, he appeared on the popular Taiwanese variety show Red Versus White (紅白勝利), a program featuring competitions and celebrity guests. His participation stemmed from his notable physical resemblance to acclaimed actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, which drew significant attention from viewers and industry professionals alike.^[9][10] This unexpected television exposure ignited Chen's early fascination with the entertainment world, transforming a casual high school appearance into a pivotal moment that highlighted his potential in front of a national audience.^[9] The experience not only boosted his confidence but also laid the groundwork for his subsequent entry into modeling and acting.

Education

Chen Bolin attended Jinwen University of Science and Technology in New Taipei City, Taiwan, where he majored in finance and financial management.^[11] He enrolled after completing high school, during a period when his early exposure to the entertainment industry was already underway. During his university years, which spanned intermittently from the early 2000s into the early 2010s, Chen balanced his academic pursuits with emerging opportunities in modeling and acting. His high school appearance on the Taiwanese variety show Red vs. White Victory had marked an initial foray into television, serving as a precursor to his professional endeavors. As his career gained momentum following his 2001 film debut in Blue Gate Crossing, he continued his studies part-time, navigating the demands of shoots and promotions alongside coursework in finance.^[12] Ultimately, Chen did not complete his degree, taking a leave of absence around 2010 and formally withdrawing in 2011 following a medical exemption from military service that was later revealed to have been obtained through falsified reports, as he admitted in October 2025.^[4] This decision allowed him to focus fully on his burgeoning entertainment career, though he has reflected on the value of his partial university experience in providing practical insights beyond formal education.^[7]

Career

Modeling and debut

Chen Bolin began his professional career in the entertainment industry shortly after completing high school, initially working as a model in his late teens. His entry was facilitated by his notable physical resemblance to acclaimed actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, which had previously drawn public notice during a high school appearance on the Taiwanese variety program Red Versus White.^[6][13] In 2002, at age 19, Chen made his acting debut in the Taiwanese coming-of-age film Blue Gate Crossing, directed by Yee Chih-yen, where he portrayed the leading role of Zhang Shihao, a charismatic high school swimmer caught in a web of adolescent crushes. The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight sidebar at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, earning positive reviews for its sensitive depiction of youth and providing Chen with early international visibility.^[14][15] Chen's early television work included minor roles starting in 1999 with the series Robbers and Angels, followed by appearances in Speed Youth (2002) and a cameo as a youth in the bar in the landmark drama Crystal Boys (2003), an adaptation of Pai Hsien-yung's novel exploring LGBTQ+ themes in 1960s Taiwan. These initial forays highlighted his versatility as a newcomer navigating Taiwan's vibrant yet competitive entertainment landscape, where breaking through required persistence amid a flood of talent.^[16][17]

Rise to prominence

Chen Bolin's acting career gained significant momentum in the mid-2000s with roles in films such as The Eye 3: Infinity (2005), a horror anthology co-production, and Kung Fu Dunk (2008), a basketball-themed action comedy opposite Jay Chou that boosted his visibility in the genre.^[18] Further acclaim came in 2010 with his role in the independent drama film Buddha Mountain, directed by Li Yu, where he portrayed Ding Bo, a motorbike courier who, with two friends, rents a room from a retired Peking opera singer (Sylvia Chang), leading to humorous and poignant intergenerational dynamics alongside Fan Bingbing. The film received international recognition, earning a nomination for Best Actor for Chen at the 13th Deauville Asian Film Festival, highlighting his ability to convey emotional depth in character-driven narratives.^[19] His true breakthrough came in 2011 with the lead role of Li Da-ren in the Taiwanese romantic drama series In Time with You, opposite Ariel Lin. As the dependable best friend harboring unspoken feelings, Chen's performance captured the nuances of unrequited love and personal growth, contributing to the series' widespread popularity and critical success. For this role, he won the Golden Bell Award for Best Leading Actor in a Television Series at the 47th Golden Bell Awards, solidifying his status as a rising star in Taiwanese entertainment.^[20] Building on this acclaim, Chen expanded into the mainland Chinese film market in the mid-2010s, taking on prominent roles in high-profile productions, including the international co-production Chinese Zodiac (2012) with Jackie Chan. In 2014, he starred as Jiang He, a geography teacher on a transformative road trip, in Han Han's directorial debut The Continent, a comedy-drama that explored themes of friendship and self-discovery among young men from China's eastern fringes. The following year, 2015, saw him in the fantasy comedy 20 Once Again, a remake of the Korean hit Miss Granny, where he played a supporting role that contributed to the film's commercial triumph, grossing approximately $57.4 million at the Chinese box office.^[21][22] To further internationalize his career, Chen signed with the Korean agency BM+ Entertainment in 2015, marking his entry into the Korean entertainment industry and opening doors to cross-border collaborations. This partnership facilitated his involvement in several Sino-Korean co-productions through 2020, including roles in films like Life Risking Romance (2016) and variety programs, enhancing his visibility across East Asian markets.^[23] In recent years, Chen has continued to diversify his roles, appearing in thrillers like Breaking and Re-entering (2024) and the horror-comedy Dead Talents Society (2024), demonstrating his range amid ongoing projects as of 2025.^[3]

Music endeavors

Chen Bolin ventured into music composition and performance in the early 2010s, co-writing and singing the insert song "I Won't Like You" (我不會喜歡你) for the 2011 Taiwanese drama In Time with You, in which he starred as the male lead Li Da-ren. The track, with lyrics by screenwriter Mag Hsu and additional composition by Biung Wang, delves into themes of unrequited romance and emotional denial, aligning closely with the series' narrative of long-suppressed feelings between childhood friends.^[24] Its introspective tone and heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, establishing Chen's initial foray into music as a natural extension of his acting persona. In the years following, Chen Bolin sustained his musical involvement through select singles tied to film roles, notably performing "The Adoring Look" (愛的視線) in 2024 as part of the movie Dead Talents Society (鬼才之道), where he portrayed Makoto, a former 1990s pop idol turned haunting agent. The upbeat, dance-infused number, released as an official music video and film ending credit, pays homage to retro J-pop aesthetics and showcases his energetic stage presence.^[25] While Chen has not issued a full-length album, these releases highlight his ongoing artistic exploration in music, often blending vocal performance with character-driven narratives up to the mid-2010s and beyond. His established fame from acting has amplified the reach of these endeavors in Taiwan.

Personal life

Relationships

Chen Bolin has been in a long-term romantic relationship with Taiwanese singer-actress Chen Ting-hsuan, a former member of the girl group Popu Lady, since approximately 2012. By 2025, the couple had been together for about 13 years, maintaining a notably private and low-key approach to their personal life despite their prominence in the entertainment industry.^[26][27] The pair's relationship first sparked public interest through rumors in late 2013, when they were spotted together multiple times, but they did not officially confirm it until 2022, emphasizing their preference for discretion amid demanding acting schedules.^[28][27] In interviews and rare public statements, Bolin has described their bond as enduring and supportive, highlighting how it provides stability in a fast-paced career that often strains personal commitments. Their low-profile dynamic has been praised by media outlets as a rare example of longevity in Taiwan's entertainment scene, where high-visibility romances frequently face intense scrutiny.^[26][27] In July 2025, reports emerged suggesting the couple was planning a year-end wedding, potentially a small ceremony in New Zealand, with no budget restrictions and an emphasis on intimacy. However, Bolin quickly addressed the speculation, expressing perplexity and denying any immediate marriage plans, reaffirming their commitment to privacy.^[29][30][31] Prior to his relationship with Chen Ting-hsuan, Bolin was subject to several high-profile dating rumors, most notably with South Korean actress Ha Ji-won in 2015 and 2016, stemming from their on-screen chemistry in the film Life Risking Romance (2016). Both parties firmly denied the allegations, clarifying that they shared only a close friendship.^[32][33] No other past relationships have been publicly confirmed by Bolin, who has consistently prioritized shielding his romantic life from media attention.^[34]

Military service

In Taiwan, the Military Service System Act requires all male citizens to complete compulsory military service, with those born in 1983 obligated to serve one year upon reaching age 19, though deferments for education or other reasons were common at the time.^[35][36] Chen Bolin, born on August 27, 1983, in Taipei, sought to evade this duty by obtaining falsified medical reports claiming severe hypertension, reportedly paying NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,100) to a middleman for assistance in manipulating blood pressure tests at Tri-Service General Hospital.^[37][38] On October 21, 2025, Chen was arrested in New Taipei City alongside fellow celebrities Hsiu Chieh-kai, Chang Shu-wei, and Liao Yun-chieh as part of a broader investigation into a draft evasion ring uncovered earlier that year following actor Darren Wang's indictment.^[39][40] During questioning, Chen admitted to the evasion, describing it as an "absurd choice" made in his youth, and was released later that day on NT$500,000 [bail](/page/Bail) (approximately [US](/page/United_States)$500,000[bail](/page/Bail)(approximately[US](/page/UnitedS​tates)15,500) pending further proceedings.^[37] In a public statement after his release, he expressed remorse, stating, "I am grateful to prosecutors and police for giving me the chance to face what I called a 'absurd choice' I made in my youth."^[37] The case, transferred to prosecutors for charges of document forgery and military service evasion under the Military Service Act, carries potential penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and fines. On November 14, 2025, Chen was formally charged by the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office along with 11 others in a second wave of indictments in the probe, facing up to 32 months in jail; five others were also indicted for aiding the evasion. Prosecutors criticized the celebrity defendants, stating they "deliberately evaded military service, severely deviating from societal expectations of public figures and their civic responsibilities," noting their influence over the younger generation.^[41][42][43] In response to the scandal involving multiple high-profile figures, Taiwan's Supreme Prosecutors Office has proposed amending the law to increase maximum penalties to seven years, a measure under legislative review as of November 2025.^[44] The controversy has led to significant career disruptions for Chen, including halted projects and public backlash.^[45]

Filmography

Films

Chen Bolin's film career spans from his debut in 2002 to recent releases in 2024, featuring a mix of lead and supporting roles in Taiwanese, Chinese, and international co-productions. The following is a chronological list of his feature film appearances, including character names and role types where applicable.^[46]

• 2002: Blue Gate Crossing – as Chang Shih Hao (lead role). The film premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section.^[14]
• 2004: 20 30 40 – as Rock musician (supporting role).^[46]
• 2004: Last Love First Love – supporting role.^[46]
• 2004: The Twins Effect II – as Blockhead (lead role).
• 2004: Love of May – as A Lei (lead role).
• 2005: The Eye 3: Infinity – as Tak/Ted (lead role).
• 2005: A Chinese Tall Story – as "Monkey King" / Sun Wukong (supporting role).^[46]
• 2005: About Love – as Yao (lead role).^[46]
• 2005: Bug Me Not – as Hyland (lead role).
• 2006: McDull, the Alumni – as White-collar boyfriend (guest role).^[46]
• 2006: Silk – as Shou Jen (supporting role).^[46]
• 2006: Sugar and Spice – as Mike (supporting role).^[46]
• 2006: Tripping – as Ah Ming (lead role).
• 2006: Waiting in the Dark – as Akihiro Oishi (lead role).
• 2008: Kung Fu Dunk – as Ting Wei (supporting role).
• 2008: PK.COM.CN – as Ji Yinchuan (lead role).^[46]
• 2009: Snowfall in Taipei – as Xiao Mo (supporting role).^[47]
• 2009: Give Love – lead role.^[46]
• 2009: L-O-V-E – as Waiter in Story 4 (lead role in segment).
• 2009: My Airhostess Roommate – as Lu Fei (lead role).
• 2010: Kung Fu Hip-Hop 2 – as Le Tian (lead role).
• 2011: Buddha Mountain – as Ding Bo (lead role). The film screened at the New York Asian Film Festival and won awards at the Singapore International Film Festival.^[48]
• 2011: Lovesick – as Lu Zhe Han (lead role).
• 2012: Chinese Zodiac – as Wu Qing (supporting role).
• 2012: Dive In – as Xiao You (lead role).^[46]
• 2012: Silent Code – as Yan Zhengyu (lead role).
• 2013: Campus Confidential – as Wu Quan Shun (lead role).
• 2013: Dive In: 2013 – as Xiao You (lead role).^[46]
• 2013: Machi Action – as Tie Nan (lead role).^[46]
• 2014: The Continent – as Jiang He (lead role).
• 2014: Dive In Love: 2014 – as Wei Xiao You (lead role).^[46]
• 2014: Lock Me Up, Tie Him Down – supporting role.
• 2015: 20 Once Again – as Tan Zi Ming (lead role).
• 2015: Surprise – as Tang Monk (lead role).^[46]
• 2015: Go Lala Go 2 – as Chen Feng/Stanley (lead role).
• 2015: Distance – as Chen Wenxiang / Chen Deming / Chen Zhibin (lead role).
• 2016: Bad Guys Always Die – as Quianzi (lead role).
• 2016: Life Risking Romance – as Jason Chen (lead role).
• 2017: The Dreaming Man – as Zheng Tian Chou (lead role).
• 2021: Good Night Beijing – as Alan (lead role).
• 2021: Treat or Trick – as Hsu Fu Hsiang (lead role).
• 2023: After School – as Chen Hsiang (adult) (supporting role).
• 2023: Day Off – as Young farmer (supporting role).^[46]
• 2024: Breaking and Re-entering – as Chang Po Chun (lead role).
• 2024: Dead Talents Society – as Makoto (lead role).

Television series

Chen Bolin began his television career with guest appearances in the early 2000s before transitioning to leading roles in Taiwanese and Chinese dramas, particularly in romance and fantasy genres. His breakthrough came with the 2011 series In Time with You, where he portrayed the male lead Li Ta Jen, earning him the Best Leading Actor award at the 47th Golden Bell Awards.^[6][49]

Variety shows

Chen Bolin's early exposure to the entertainment industry came during his high school years when he appeared as a guest on the Taiwanese variety show Red Versus White (紅白勝利), selected for his resemblance to actor Takeshi Kaneshiro.^[51] Following the success of his 2011 drama In Time with You, Chen made several guest appearances on Chinese variety programs to promote his projects. In 2013, he joined Happy Camp (快樂大本營), engaging in comedic segments and games alongside co-stars like Jaycee Chan.^[52] He returned to the show in 2015 and 2018, including an episode with his The King of Blaze castmates Jing Tian and Lai Yumeng, where they participated in interactive challenges.^[53] In 2015, Chen guested on Go Fighting! (極限挑戰) in episode 8, portraying a "kidnapper" role in a themed challenge segment that highlighted his acting versatility.^[54] The following year, he took on a regular role in the reality dating show We Are in Love Season 2 (我們相愛吧第二季), paired with South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo for romantic and comedic outings across episodes.^[55] In 2017, he served as a regular member on Divas Hit the Road Season 3 (花兒與少年第三季), traveling through Africa and other locations with a group of young celebrities, taking on tour guide duties in later episodes.^[56] Chen continued with guest spots on Taiwanese programs, appearing on 36 Questions (我們36問) in seasons 2 (2021, episode 19) and 3 (2022, episode 5), answering personal questions in a talk show format. Transitioning to hosting, he led the 2022 reality series Extreme Forest (極島森林), a slow-paced exploration of Taiwan's natural landscapes with his dog, emphasizing environmental coexistence across 12 episodes.^[57] In 2024, he made guest appearances (episodes 7-10) on Divas Hit the Road: Good Friends (花兒與少年朋友圈). Most recently, Chen co-hosts the 2025 travel adventure show What a Trip (出去一下), partnering with musician Huang Hsuan to lead celebrity guests like Guli Nazha and Hsu Kuang-han on treasure hunts in New Zealand, blending comedy, culture, and exploration.^[58]

Discography

Albums

Chen Bolin has not released any full-length studio albums to date. His musical contributions are primarily singles and songs for soundtracks tied to his acting roles.

Singles

Chen Bolin has released a number of singles, mostly as original soundtrack (OST) contributions for films, television dramas, and musicals, with occasional standalone tracks. These often align with his acting projects and have occasionally charted in Taiwan. His breakout musical moment came in 2011 with the single "Wǒ Bù Huì Xǐhuān Nǐ" (我不會喜歡你), an OST for the drama In Time with You (Wǒ Kěnéng Bù Huì Ài Nǐ), which topped the KKBOX digital singles chart.^[59][60] Bolin's musical output has been sporadic, focused on supporting his acting career, with the 2024 release marking a return after over a decade.

Awards and nominations

Acting awards

Chen Bolin has received several accolades for his acting, particularly in Taiwanese and Chinese productions, with recognition spanning television and film. In 2011, he earned a nomination for Best Actor at the 13th Deauville Asian Film Festival for his role in the drama Buddha Mountain.^[62] The following year, Bolin won the Best Leading Actor award at the 47th Golden Bell Awards for his performance as Li Da-ren in the romantic comedy series In Time with You.^[1] At the 13th Chinese Film Media Awards in 2013, he received the Audience Prize for Most Popular Performance for portraying Xiao Mo in the romance film Snowfall in Taipei.^[47] In 2015, Bolin was awarded the Asia Star Grand Award at the 10th Seoul International Drama Awards, recognizing his contributions to Asian television.^[63]