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Sweet Combat
Sweet Combat
Sweet Combat
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Sweet Combat
Genre
Based onGirls of the Wild's
by Hun and Zhena (Kim Hye-jin)
Written byRu Ping
Directed byKe Hanchen
StarringLu Han
Guan Xiaotong
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes37
Production
Running time45 mins
Production companiesHuace Media
Mango TV
Original release
NetworkHunan TV
ReleaseJuly 23 (2018-07-23) –
August 13, 2018 (2018-08-13)

Sweet Combat (Chinese: 甜蜜暴击) is a 2018 Chinese television series starring Lu Han and Guan Xiaotong. The series is based on the Korean manhwa Girls of the Wild's.[1] The series aired on Hunan TV starting July 23, 2018.[2]

Synopsis

[edit]

Ming Tian lives with his younger brother and sister because his mother left and his father died. Despite having no foundation in sports, he enrols at Zheng Ze University, a sports school known for giving out generous scholarships, after deciding to work several part-time jobs to fund his studies. There, he meets Fang Yu, the heir to a huge conglomerate who is being groomed to become the next successor. However, she has no interest in her family's business and is passionate about sports instead. Despite her grandfather's protests, she enrols at Zheng Ze University and becomes the school's mixed martial arts champion. Fang Yu is tasked with training Ming Tian, and the two fall in love during the training process. With the help of Fang Yu and their friends, Ming Tian grows to become a skilled sportsman.

Cast

[edit]
Actor Character Introduction
Lu Han Ming Tian (明天) The first male student of ZhengZe University. Originally he lived in Macau with his younger brother and sister until he was accepted by ZhengZe on a scholarship. A hard worker and honest person he hides his struggles from others behind a smile. Tian was trained at childhood by his Father who was a professional Boxer under the same tutelage as Cheng Yanan's Father. After his Father died in an accident and his mother abandoned him he raised his siblings by himself banning them from learning Martial Arts due how it affected his family. He met Fang Yu in Macau before transferring where they had a rocky first meeting. After encountering her again at ZhengZe they continue to argue due to their different backgrounds and misunderstandings. They eventually get along the more they get to know each other better and see different sides of themselves through their interactions. Tian becomes close friends with Cheng Yanan and Sun Hao; the second male student at ZhengZe, he's also friends with Song Xiaomi who wishes to be in a relationship with him. When the school's tournament prelims begin he begins to train for it after he encounters his high school bully Ma Yichen who humiliates him in front of his siblings and sends spoiled food to his home that his brother ate. He defeats Yichen and becomes more confident in himself and abilities. Eventually he falls for Fang Yu and tells Xiaomi after some advice he wishes to stay friends with her. Tian suffers attacks from Yu's suitor Wang Shiwei (chosen by Yu's Grandfather) who hates Tian for being poor and embarrassing him for his callous and pompous nature. Tian would have to fight Wu Ji; a Krav Maga fighter who beats Fang Yu viciously under Shiwei's orders. Tian uses the Death Strike technique his Father and Yanan's Father learned to win but Wu Ji in poor sportsmanship attacks Tian from behind knocking him off the stage and puts him in a coma for a few months. He's taken care of by Fang Yu and support from the school till he awakes. Yu's Grandfather would continue to try and separate them even going as low as to use Tian's Father and Yu's Uncle Ji Gang's history. The plan would succeed during the one-year gap till it was exposed that Ji Gang's wife used his death to commit insurance fraud framing Tian's Father for murder during their match thus exonerating Tian's Father and allowing him to move on with his life. He becomes the new Boxing Captain after Cheng Yanan and thanks to Yu's brother he meets up with Fang Yu who renews his relationship with her.
Guan Xiaotong Fang Yu (方宇) The main female protagonist. At a young age she was forced to wear boys clothes by her parents when she was being groomed to take over her Grandfather's company. After her brother was born she was allowed to wear girl's clothes but was called a freak by her peers due to them being unaware of her situation. After her parents death she was raised by Ji Gang who she called Uncle Ji till he died during his match with Ming Tian's Father. She trained heavily growing up in Mixed Martial Arts and become ZhengZe's Champion earning the nickname Queen. She met Ming Tian in Macau after she kicked an old woman's food cart; though it was to save a little girl who was about to be run over. At the university she doesn't get along with Tian at first due to him telling her off about her cold nature and refusal to fight back at others. She forces him as her opponent in the tournament prelims but suffers backlash from Cheng Yanan and Ming Tian for forcing her opinion and ways on Tian. She begins to fall for him when he starts making her feel emotions she never knew she had and how he cares for her in his own way. Thanks to Yanan she starts to try and earn Tian's feelings despite rivalry from Song Xiaomi. After many misunderstandings and doubts they begin to date much to the chagrin of her Grandfather and chosen suitor Wang Shiwei. After she humiliates Shiwei he hires Wu Ji to fight her (who already wanted to test his skills against her). She held her own during the beginning of the fight but loses due to her inexperience against the Krav Maga style. After Wu Ji blindsides Ming Tian she takes care of Tian during his coma where she emotionally breakdowns begging him to wake up. After his recovery they resume dating till her Grandfather interferes using Ji Gang's death as the catalyst. Using his late wife they spread lies about Tian's Father causing Yu to hate Tian's Father more and hold Tian responsible. She leaves to study abroad to help with her Grandfather's company, but after the year gap she returns to visit her friends and family where she learns the truth about Ji Gang's death and how her Grandfather was involved in the scam to break her up with Ming Tian. She leaves after giving him a stern lecture about messing with her personal life and guilt about how she treated Ming Tian's Father and is reunited with Tian who reignites their relationship.
Pei Zitian[3] Sun Hao (孙浩) The second male student at ZhengZe. A Brawler whose fighting style earned him the nickname King of Streetfighting, he works with his Mother at their food stall and has a dog named Best Fighter. He loves animals and is reliable to those he's friends with as shown with Song Xiaomi when he tries helping her with Ming Tian and housing Tian's siblings when they lose their home. He wins his first match in the tournament prelims but loses to Luo GuanYan due to his streetfighting style being predictable. He originally had a crush on Fang Yu but after spending time with Xiaomi and comforting her when Tian wishes to stay friends he starts falling for Xiaomi but has a hard time telling her. After advice with his mom he finally opens up to Xiaomi and starts dating her. Towards the end of the series he and Cheng Yanan arrange for their parents to meet and after the year gap they marry each other making Sun Hao and Yanan brother and sister and their parents giving birth to their baby half brother.
Ivy Shao Song Xiaomi (宋小米) President of ZhengZe University's Taekwondo group. She's a happy go lucky person who loves to cook and wear fashionable clothes and makeup with cat ear berets. She has a Frenemy relationship with Cheng Yanan often calling her Glutton Yan or poking fun at her tomboy looks. She has a crush on Ming Tian who becomes the first boy she makes an effort to earn his affection honestly. She becomes close to his siblings and is the one who spends the most time with them including visiting Tian's home to cook. She helps train Tian for the tournament prelims and along with Fang Yu and Cheng Yanan defends him from Ma Yichen's gang who wanted revenge for losing at the prelims. She hangs out with Sun Hao to scheme with him to get Ming Tian and Fang Yu for Sun Hao but after Tian wishes to stay friends she dates Sun Hao after realizing how much closer they are to each other. Xiaomi is the one who helps start the investigation into Ji Gang's death after she overheard his wife talk about insurance fraud to a friend which leads to Tian's Father being cleared of the charges of Ji Gang's deaths.
Zhao Yue Luo GuanYan (骆冠言) President of Zhiying University's Boxing group. A strict senior during practice but is a gentle and warm person in general and hates the idea of boxing being used for bullying. He develops a crush on Cheng Yanan much to the confusion of his team. He learns of Ma Yichen's bullying against Ming Tian and is disgusted with his actions to the point he forfeits his match against Tian in the prelims to allow Tian to get his retribution against Yichen. He began training under Yanan's Father prior to the prelims and still does afterwards. His affections for Yanan prove to be real despite setbacks from his former teammate He Xiaofeng who had a crush on him. He's the first to encounter Wu Ji who challenged him to a match to test his skills. Although his boxing proved superior he would lose due to Wu Ji's ruthlessness. He helped to locate Ming Tian when Wu Ji kidnaps him and leads Zhiying in helping with the charity for support of Tian's recovery. After the year gap he transfers to ZhengZe and openly dates Cheng Yanan. .
Li Mengmeng[4] Cheng Yanan (程亚楠) President of ZhengZe University's Boxing group. She's a tomboy with short hair, loves to Skateboard and eat delicious food. She usually gets confused for being a boy even by Ming Tian at first when he transferred to ZhengZe on his first day. She is best friends with Fang Yu and gives her advice about feelings and dealing with Ming Tian, she also has a frenemy relationship with Song Xiaomi while they get along they still argue and fight with each other when it involves Ming Tian. She does her best to stop Xiaomi from getting close to Ming Tian to allow Fang Yu to continue her time with him but fails at times when Xiaomi entices her with food. She is caught of guard by Luo GuanYan having feelings for her and tries to dismiss them but starts to fall for him the more he continues to prove his feelings are real. She's one of Ming Tian's trainers along with Song Xiaomi during his preparation for the tournament prelims and helps with his bullies when they threaten him. She wishes to learn the Death Strike technique from her Father but he refuses revealing it led to her mother's death as it was never meant to be taught to women. Along with Sun Hao they help arrange their parents to court one another leading to them marrying and giving birth to her baby brother after the year gap. She becomes the younger sister to Sun Hao.
Bu Kang[5] Ma Yichen Member of Zhiying University's Boxing group. Ming Tian's high-school classmate. He tries to hide his inferiority complex by bullying the weak. After he sees Ming Tian with his siblings he humiliates him in front of them even sends spoiled food to his home after Ming Tian stands up to him but backfires when Tian's brother eats it getting food poisoning and earning both Ming Tian's wrath and Luo GuanYan's disgust for his actions. Ming Tian beats him in the tournament prelims but doesn't accept he lost fair believing Tian is still weaker than him going as far as to bring his gang to Tian's house with bats for revenge but is driven off by Fang Yu, Cheng Yanan, and Song Xiaomi. He later changes his ways when he becomes tired of being called weak by his peers and bullying ways asking Luo GuanYan help to train him as a proper boxer and sportsman repairing their friendship. He helps Fang Yu and the others locate Ming Tian when he is kidnapped due to his acquaintance with Wang Shiwei and with the charity for Tian's recovery. He becomes the third captain of the boxing team of his school after the year gap and has become a better person who doesn't bully anyone anymore leading by GuanYan's example.
He Meixuan[6] He Xiaofeng Vice-president of Zhiying University's Boxing group. A sensitive and weak girl despite her tough exterior. She has a rivalry with Fang Yu and likes Luo GuanYan. She constantly tries to challenge Fang Yu but usually ends up failing. She doesn't understand GuanYan's strict beliefs of sportsmanship and anti-bullying methods but begins to see his ways after he endures his punishment for purposely forfeiting during the prelims. She has a dislike for Cheng Yanan due to her feelings for GuanYan and tries to belittle her but concedes afterwards when it becomes clear his feelings are real. She becomes the second boxing captain after GuanYan and later hands the title over to Yichen.
Wang Jia [7] Wang Shiwei A rich second-generation heir. Fang Yu's marriage partner. He met her during childhood but called her a freak when she wore a dress for the first time after Fang Yu was forced to wear boys clothes by her late parents. He also uses bullying and dirty tactics against Ming Tian and was the one who informed Fang Yu's grandfather about their relationship. He is arrested along with Wu Ji after Ming Tian's kidnapping and Wu Ji putting Ming Tian in the hospital.
TNT Ding Chengxin Fang Zhou Fang Yu's younger brother. CEO of Fang Incorporation. Highly intelligent and loves videos games. He is very supportive and protective of his sister always trying to help her and let her have fun with her friends while running the company. He hates their Grandfather's sternness to Fang Yu and how he tries to force her to obey his rules. He buys gifts and food for his peers to earn their respect and doesn't like physical activities though he has shown he can hold his own against Ming Tian in sparring. He helps Ming Tian gaining his home back after his Grandfather took it away along with Ming Tian's jobs even uncovering the insurance fraud by Ji Gang's wife when his Grandfather paid her off to make Ming Tian's father look bad to help separate him. After the truth is exposed he tells his grandfather to leave Fang Yu's love life alone before he loses her completely which he takes to heart.
Zhang Wan'er Ming Zhu Ming Tian's sister who loves her brother. She and Ming Lang want to learn martial arts but are not allowed due to Ming Tian forbidding it. He lets them train and even had Fang Yu help on her free time. She and her brother both like Fang Yu and Song Xiaomi and wish for Ming Tian to choose one of them.
Xu Wailuo Ming Lang Ming Tian's Younger brother. He like his sister love their brother and wish to learn martial arts but is not allowed by Ming Tian till he eventually lets them. He cares about Ming Tian and hates it when he doesn't fight back for their sake against his childhood bully. He and his sister always scheme to get Ming Tian to date Fang Yu or Song Xiaomi but are happy to see he chooses Fang Yu
Tien Niu Hao Ma Sun Hao's mother. Called Mama Hao by everyone for her loving and caring nature she runs a food stall and is a single parent. She is supportive of Sun Hao and isn't afraid to set him straight when he becomes depressed or embarrasses himself. She cares for Ming Tian and his siblings and loves having them around. She gives advice to Ming Tian and Song Xiaomi when they need help with their feelings. She houses Tian and siblings when they become homeless and drives off the shady buyers who try to clear her out of her business when Fang Yu's Grandfather tries to hurt those close to Ming Tian. She becomes the affections of Cheng Yanan's father after he sees the birth marks on her foot and thanks to their kids she marries him and gives birth to her second son becoming Cheng Yanan's stepmother.
Guan Zhaoceng (commonly called Xiao Zhang, or Principal) Principal of ZhengZe. He constantly tries to keep Ming Tian to stay at the academy always making accommodations for him and eventually Sun Hao. He wishes for Ming Tian to participate in the schools tournament activities and when handing out punishments for breaking school rules it's usually a ploy to get Ming Tian to get involved in school matches. He leaves the academy at the end due to a promise he made to teach abroad when Ming Tian recovers from coma.
Wei Zhongkai (commonly called Zhu Ren, or Director) Department head of ZhengZe. He cares greatly for his students and their education. He was the one who came up with the idea to let male students into the academy to help the girls learn to become more feminine when they graduate. He constantly tries to keep his top students to be role models and keep them safe. He loves coffee and tea and Tai Chi. He is on friendly terms with the Principal of Zhiying and has a friendly competitiveness with him.
Zhang Shuangli Fang Shuo Fang Yu's strict grandfather. He wishes the best for both his company and his grandchildren but disapproves of Ming Tian. He loves his grandchildren but isn't afraid to use underhanded methods to keep them from straying from his company. He starts buying the property of Ming Tian's jobs, home, and even attempts to get Hao Ma's food stall but fails. He uses Ji Gang's wife to fabricate a lie about Ji's death to make Ming Tian's Father look bad but is found out after the truth is exposed by Fang Zhou and Song Xiaomi and has a heart to heart with Fang Yu about her life and his inability to let her be free. He his left feeling guilty when he realizes he has done great harm to her and Ming Tian after Fang Zhou tells him he needs to let go or lose Fang Yu forever.
Yi Shaode Cheng Dafu Cheng Yanan's father. He runs a boxing gym and is a bit of a goofball. He loves his daughter and is proud of her skill and accomplishments. He takes GuanYan as an apprentice and approves of his feelings for Yanan. He was an apprentice alongside Ming Tian's Father revealing it to Ming Tian after seeing him fight at the prelims and Tian coming to his gym. He and Tian's Father both learned the Death Strike technique which he refuses to teach his daughter after his wife used it which lead to her death due to the strain it causes women. He teaches Ming Tian the Death Strike during Tian's fight with Wu Ji but feels guilty after Tian goes into a coma offering to house his siblings during the recovery. He pursues Sun Hao's mother after seeing a North Star birth mark on her foot but develops real feelings for her after getting to know her better. He marries her in the end both giving birth to their newborn son and becoming Sun Hao's Stepfather.
Yang Xiaotong Zhang Chunhua A senior in ZhengZe University who was the first Champion during her tenure and acts as the school's rule enforcer and guidance counselor. She gives advice to the others and is in charge of the bodyguards during competitions and the transfer post. She helped with the advice for Fang Yu when she was dealing with her feelings Ming Tian and Ming Tian when he was figuring out his relationship with Song Xiaomi. When Tian goes into a coma she led the charity events with the students for Tian's hospital bills and support even giving up her favorite hobby eating meat as her pledge for his recovery.

Production

[edit]

The series engaged former Chinese taekwondo competitor Chen Zhong to be its consultant.[1]

The series was filmed at Shenchuan and Macau from June to September 2017.[8]

Soundtrack

[edit]
No.TitleLyricsMusicSingersLength
1."A Fearless Tomorrow (无畏的明天)" (Opening theme song)Zhangjian JunweiOliver, Zhangjian JunweiBii 
2."Stars and Moon (星月)"Victor LauVictor LauIvy Shao 
3."How to Love (怎样去爱)"Skot Suyama, Maggie FuSkot SuyamaIvy Shao 

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sweet Combat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sweet Combat (Chinese: 甜蜜暴击; pinyin: Tiánmì Bàojī) is a 2018 Chinese youth romantic action drama television series that blends mixed martial arts competition with themes of love, ambition, and personal growth. The series stars Lu Han as the talented but impoverished fighter Ming Tian and Guan Xiaotong as Fang Yu, the determined heiress to a powerful conglomerate who rebels against her family's corporate expectations to pursue her passion for boxing. Comprising 38 episodes, it originally aired on Hunan TV from July 23 to August 13, 2018, captivating audiences with its high-energy fight scenes and heartfelt romance. The plot follows Ming Tian, who secures a to the elite Zhengze Sports —an institution renowned for training top female MMA athletes—only to discover he is its first and only male enrollee, leading to intense rivalries and unexpected alliances. Fang Yu, trained from a young age to inherit her family's business empire, instead channels her energy into combat sports, hiring Ming Tian as her coach despite initial tensions and societal pressures. As they navigate grueling training regimens, inter-school tournaments, and personal insecurities, their professional partnership evolves into a deep romantic connection, intertwined with subplots involving friendships, betrayals, and the pursuit of dreams in a male-dominated field. Directed by Ke Hanchen and produced by Huace Film & TV, the highlights themes of and resilience, earning praise for its dynamic and the leads' chemistry while achieving significant viewership in and international streaming platforms.

Background and premise

Adaptation from source material

Sweet Combat is adapted from the Korean webtoon Girls of the Wild's, written by Hun and illustrated by Zhena (pen name Kim Hye-jin). The manhwa was serialized on Naver Webtoon from August 14, 2011, to October 29, 2016, spanning 260 chapters. An English-language version is available through LINE Webtoon. In adapting the source material, the series shifts the setting from an elite all-girls high school specializing in —where a single male student enrolls amid hierarchical fighting dynamics—to Zhengze Sports University, a co-educational institution emphasizing and broader athletic pursuits. This change broadens the focus from the manhwa's intense school-based rivalries and "wild" combat hierarchies to themes of personal growth, teamwork, and romantic development within a university environment. Key alterations include toning down the original's delinquent elements and aggressive confrontations to prioritize romance and lighter interpersonal conflicts, aligning with Chinese television's youth drama conventions. The introduces a unique plotline involving a family conglomerate, where the female lead, Fang Yu, is positioned as a corporate heir, adding layers of socioeconomic tension absent in the . Character arcs are condensed and extended across 37 episodes, allowing for deeper exploration of relationships compared to the source's expansive 260-chapter narrative, while diverging significantly from the original storyline after the midway point to fit cultural and production constraints.

Plot summary

Sweet Combat centers on Ming Tian, a talented yet impoverished young boxer who secures a scholarship to the elite Zhengze Sports University, an institution renowned for its focus on combat sports. There, he encounters Fang Yu, the accomplished eldest daughter of the Fang Conglomerate, who has defied her family's expectations of corporate succession by pursuing her passion for and becoming a boxing champion at age 18. As the university's first male student, Ming Tian navigates a predominantly female environment while honing his skills from to formal training. The narrative follows Ming Tian and Fang Yu as they form an unlikely training partnership that evolves into romance, tested by intense rivalries among peers, familial pressures on Fang Yu to abandon her combat pursuits, and perilous challenges in underground fighting rings. and matches serve as key drivers of the plot, highlighting moments of personal triumph and vulnerability, while Fang Yu grapples with her internal conflict between her destined corporate role and her love for combat sports. The series weaves themes of ambition, resilience, and the breaking of social barriers, as the protagonists support each other through hardships, including Ming Tian's efforts to provide for his siblings amid his own educational setbacks. Spanning 37 episodes, the story's arc begins in the early episodes (1-10) with Ming Tian's integration into university life, initial rivalries, and foundational relationships. The mid-season (episodes 11-25) builds romantic tension, explores personal backstories, and escalates conflicts leading into competitive events like the Zhengze League. The finale (episodes 26-37) resolves central tensions through a major tournament, culminating in growth and reconciliation for the characters.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Lu Han portrays Ming Tian, the series' protagonist and a determined boxer hailing from a humble background, who supports his family through multiple jobs and returns to school after a three-year hiatus to pursue a sports despite lacking formal . His character embodies and resilience, showcasing a technical style honed through street fights and rigorous self-, which drives the narrative's sports elements via intense montages and . Ming Tian's arc highlights themes of grit and personal growth, positioning him as the ever-dependable figure who balances familial responsibilities with his athletic aspirations. Guan Xiaotong plays Fang Yu, the female lead and eldest daughter of the powerful Fang Conglomerate, raised under strict expectations to succeed her family but defying them to chase her passion for combat sports at Zhengze University. As a skilled with a versatile fighting approach that blends precision and adaptability, Fang Yu appears cold and distant on the surface but reveals a sensitive, quirky, and gentle interior, fueling the story's romantic tension through her internal conflict between duty and dreams. Her role emphasizes and self-discovery, intertwining the series' romantic and threads without resolving family pressures. Ivy Shao plays Song Xiaomi, the president of Zhengze University's group and Fang Yu's best friend, whose bubbly and fashionable personality injects into team dynamics and lightens the intensity of training sequences. Casting for the leads was announced in 2017, marking a significant collaboration that blended their rising stardom in dramas. Post-series, the actors' real-life relationship, publicly confirmed in October 2017 during promotion and lasting until their reported breakup in late 2024, became a notable cultural phenomenon in Chinese entertainment, often referenced in discussions of on-screen chemistry translating to off-screen romance.

Supporting cast

Li Mengmeng portrays Cheng Yanan, president of Zhengze University's boxing group, a tomboyish figure who fosters friendship subplots through her close bond with Fang Yu while introducing rivalry elements as a key team leader. Pei Zitian depicts Sun Hao, Ming Tian's rival-turned-friend and a fellow student at Zhengze University, characterized by his brawling prowess and a loyal yet complex personality that evolves through camaraderie and competition. Known for his helpful nature and affinity for animals, Sun Hao's arc explores themes of friendship and ambition, contributing to the ensemble dynamics with his street-fighting background and supportive role in key training sequences. His privileged yet relatable traits add depth to the group's interactions, bridging rivalries in the sports narrative. Zhao Yue acts as Luo Guanyan, the strict yet caring president of rival Zhiying University's group, heightening competitive subplots and underscoring themes of balanced with . Ding Chengxin embodies Fang Zhou, Fang Yu's younger brother and supportive family member, who aids in familial subplots by advocating for her pursuits amid conglomerate pressures. Zhang Shuangli plays Fang Shuo, Fang Yu's grandfather and head of the conglomerate, whose authoritative presence builds the world of generational expectations and opposition to endeavors. Additional supporting roles include He Meixuan as He Xiaofeng, a sensitive member of Zhiying's team who adds emotional depth to rivalry dynamics; ensemble university staff such as (Guan Shao Ceng) and department head (Wei Zhong Kai), who facilitate the campus environment; and family figures like Sun Hao's mother (), enhancing everyday life and motivational subplots. These characters collectively expand the university's community, emphasizing themes of friendship, loyalty, and interpersonal rivalries without driving the central narrative.

Production

Development and pre-production

The development of Sweet Combat stemmed from the acquisition of adaptation rights for the Korean Girls of the Wild's by Hun and Zhena, which provided the foundational concept of a youth-oriented story blending romance, , and in a sports academy setting. The project was greenlit for production by Hunan TV, with joint involvement from Huace Film & TV's Jinxi Entertainment subsidiary and , marking an early effort to localize foreign content for Chinese television audiences. The creative team was led by director Ke Han Chen, a Taiwanese filmmaker experienced in idol dramas, who focused on infusing dynamic pacing into the adaptation. Screenwriting duties fell to Cao Ru Ping and Lin Ya Chun, who handled localization of the script to emphasize themes of personal growth and relationships resonant with Chinese viewers. Producer Ye Zhao Jun coordinated overall pre-production, including consultations for authentic sports elements, while Olympic taekwondo champion Chen Zhong served as a technical advisor to guide choreography and training authenticity. Pre-production progressed through early 2017, with script finalization completed ahead of , allowing time for casting announcements and logistical setup for action-heavy sequences. Filming began on June 13, 2017, in various locations including sports facilities to capture the series' emphasis on realism, wrapping by September 8 of the same year. Budget details remain undisclosed, but allocations prioritized high-production-value fight scenes to distinguish the series from typical youth romances. Key challenges during this phase involved harmonizing romantic subplots with credible sports action, as the series aimed to pioneer domestic fighting-themed dramas without alienating its young demographic. Ye Zhao Jun highlighted the need for professional rigor, stating that unlike standard youth productions, the integration of demanded convincing execution to avoid superficial portrayals, prompting cultural tweaks like heightened emphasis on family dynamics and motivational arcs tailored to Chinese sensibilities.

Filming and technical aspects

Principal photography for Sweet Combat commenced in June 2017 and wrapped in September 2017, lasting nearly three months across multiple locations. Filming primarily took place in , , where university sets were constructed for interior and campus scenes, and in for key fight sequences that leveraged the region's dynamic urban environment. Additional shoots occurred in and to capture varied backdrops. Practical boxing rings were set up on location to simulate authentic match environments, contributing to the realism of the combat choreography. The technical execution highlighted the series' action elements, with experts overseeing the choreography of sequences to ensure fluid and intense fight dynamics. focused on dynamic angles and fast-paced tracking shots to heighten the energy of matches, while enhanced for punches and crowd reactions, blending practical audio recordings with effects for immersion. planning had selected these locations to align with the script's and competitive fight settings. Production faced challenges from intense summer heat during outdoor shoots in and , which tested the cast and crew's despite their commitment to physical preparation. Actor safety was prioritized in the simulated contact sports scenes, with leads and undergoing months of training, including tire drills, work, and coordination exercises, to perform convincingly without injury. Weather delays occasionally disrupted schedules, but the 90-day shoot was completed on time.

Music and soundtrack

Theme songs

The opening theme for Sweet Combat is "A Fearless Tomorrow" (無畏的明天), performed by Taiwanese singer Bii (Guo Bi Chao). Released on July 23, 2018, the song emphasizes themes of perseverance and determination, aligning with the series' portrayal of as a for overcoming personal challenges. The ending theme, "Stars and Moon" (星月), is sung by lead actress (邵雨薇). This track, also released in July 2018, ties into the romantic elements of the story, with lyrics that explore love enduring through adversity and emotional trials, providing a reflective close to each episode. Insert songs play a key role in heightening tension during pivotal boxing matches and romantic developments, including "How to Love" (怎樣去愛) by , which underscores moments of vulnerability and connection between characters. The soundtrack features a total of three promotional singles integrated with specific episodes to amplify emotional beats in the narrative. These themes, produced by Huace Music, blend upbeat pop structures with rock-infused energy to capture the intensity of the sports-romance genre.

Original soundtrack listings

The original soundtrack for Sweet Combat consists of several original vocal tracks released as digital singles in 2018, primarily through platforms like and other streaming services associated with . These songs were composed and produced specifically for the series, with music handled by Huace Music and collaborators. No single compiled album was issued, but the tracks gained popularity on Chinese digital charts during the drama's airing from July to August 2018. The key tracks include the opening theme, ending theme, and an insert song, all performed by established artists. Instrumental scores for the series, including those for fight scenes, were created by the but not released separately as part of a vocal OST.
Track No.Title (English/Pinyin)ArtistRole in SeriesRelease DateNotes/Credits
1Fearless Tomorrow (Wú Wèi de Míng Tiān)Bii (畢書盡)Opening themeJuly 23, 2018Composed by Zhang Jian Junwei; lyrics by Zhang Jian Junwei; produced by Huace Music. Released coinciding with the .
2Stars and Moon (Xīng Yuè) (邵雨薇)Ending themeJuly 28, 2018Composed by Liu Weide; lyrics by Yang Yang; arranged by Liu Weide. Official MV features series clips with leads and .
3How to Love (Zěn Yàng Qù Ài) (邵雨薇)Insert songAugust 5, 2018Composed by Tao Shan Skot; lyrics by Fu Youxuan and Tao Shan Skot; produced by Huace Music. Performed in romantic episodes.
These tracks overlap with the series' theme songs and were promoted via official music videos on platforms like and . The soundtrack emphasizes upbeat, motivational pop styles to complement the drama's boxing and romance themes, with no reported bilingual versions or live cast recordings released as part of the official OST.

Release and distribution

Broadcast and airing

Sweet Combat premiered on Hunan TV on July 23, 2018, occupying the network's summer programming slot focused on youth-oriented dramas, and concluded its run on August 13, 2018, with airings at 20:00 China Standard Time (CST) on through and Sunday. The series comprises 38 episodes, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. It aired two episodes each selected evening over 19 airings. Co-produced with , the drama received an online on the streaming platform alongside its television broadcast, enabling simultaneous accessibility for digital viewers. The schedule maintained a consistent pace with no interruptions or mid-run breaks over its three-week duration, yielding a total runtime of about 28.5 hours.

International availability

Following its premiere on Hunan TV in 2018, Sweet Combat expanded to international audiences through digital streaming platforms, beginning with Rakuten Viki and YouTube in the same year. On Viki, the series is available with community-provided English subtitles, enabling accessibility for global viewers interested in Chinese dramas. Similarly, the official Huace Global YouTube channel released episodes with English subtitles starting in July 2018, facilitating free viewing worldwide. By 2019, the drama secured additional streaming deals, including availability on in various regions, where it remains accessible with subtitles. Adaptations for non-Chinese audiences primarily involve subtitling rather than , with Viki's volunteer-driven English translations being a key feature that has supported its popularity among English-speaking fans. As of 2025, Sweet Combat continues to be offered for free on with advertisements and on with ads in supported markets, ensuring ongoing availability without subscription barriers in many countries. There have been no major international remakes, though official subtitled versions on platforms like sustain fan engagement through periodic uploads and community discussions.

Reception and legacy

Viewership ratings

Sweet Combat achieved moderate domestic viewership during its original broadcast on TV, with nationwide ratings averaging approximately 1.2% according to CSMK data. The series premiered on July 23, 2018, drawing a CSMNationwide rating of 1.95% and a 7.75% share, marking a strong start for the summer slot. However, ratings declined steadily, reaching lows of 0.397% in later episodes, which contributed to the series setting a five-year low for TV's golden hour programming. The finale on August 13, 2018, peaked at 1.8% amid heightened interest in the resolution of key plotlines. Episode-specific metrics highlighted variability, with the first episode recording 1.0% on CSMK, reflecting initial curiosity driven by the lead actors' real-life relationship. Mid-season episodes, particularly those emphasizing romance arcs between protagonists Ming Tian and Fang Yu, saw a boost to around 1.5%, though this fell short of sustained highs. Overall, the series underperformed compared to similar sports dramas like The King's Avatar, which maintained stronger averages above 1.5% during its 2017 run on platforms. Online streaming significantly amplified reach, with reporting over 10 billion cumulative views by the series' conclusion, far exceeding traditional TV metrics. Total multi-platform streams surpassed 60 billion by late August 2018, underscoring the drama's digital dominance despite terrestrial challenges. The TV app experienced a 30% spike in downloads during the airing period, correlating with peak promotional campaigns. Internationally, Sweet Combat gained traction on platforms like Viki, with a 9.2/10 user rating from over 31,000 reviews. Unified global metrics remain unavailable due to fragmented distribution.

Critical and audience response

Sweet Combat received mixed critical reception upon its 2018 release, with praise centered on the on-screen chemistry between leads and , as well as the energetic action sequences depicting matches. Reviewers highlighted the leads' natural rapport, which added authenticity to the romantic elements, though some noted Lu Han's portrayal of a fighter as visually unconvincing due to his physique. However, the series faced for relying on predictable tropes common to youth-oriented romances, such as class differences and interference, and for occasionally dragging out conflicts across its 38 episodes. Aggregated scores reflect this divide: rates it 6.5/10 based on 431 user votes, while gives it a lower 2.8/10 from 83,737 ratings, where negative feedback often focused on clichéd storytelling and uneven pacing. Audience response was more positive among younger viewers, who appreciated the drama's themes of personal empowerment, resilience in , and lighthearted romance, making it a feel-good watch for teens navigating ambition and relationships. The real-life relationship between and , publicly confirmed in October 2017 prior to the series' airing, fueled fan enthusiasm and campaigns on platforms like , where promotional updates and couple-focused hashtags generated widespread engagement during broadcast. This off-screen dynamic amplified the on-screen appeal, leading to trends celebrating their pairing and boosting the cast's visibility among youth demographics. In terms of awards, Guan Xiaotong earned recognition for her performance as Fang Yu, winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Drama (Green Team) at the 6th The Actors of China Award Ceremony in 2019. The series itself did not secure major drama-specific accolades but contributed to the stars' rising profiles in the industry. The drama's legacy endures through its influence on the Chinese sports-romance genre, blending martial arts with youthful empowerment narratives that inspired similar productions. By 2025, it retains a dedicated international fanbase via streaming revivals on platforms like Viki, where it scores 9.2/10 from over 31,000 users, and through fan-edited content highlighting key romantic and action moments. Post-airing discussions occasionally revisited the leads' confirmed relationship without major controversies, instead emphasizing its positive role in normalizing celebrity couples in Chinese entertainment.

References

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