Brief Introduction of Xu Kai
Xu Kai (许凯), also known by his endearing nickname “Soso,” is a prominent Chinese actor and model who has captivated audiences across Asia with his diverse acting skills and charismatic presence. Born on March 5, 1995, in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, Xu Kai initially embarked on a modeling career before transitioning to acting in 2016. He rose to mainstream recognition with his compelling portrayal of Fuca Fuheng in the immensely popular historical drama Story of Yanxi Palace in 2018. Since then, Xu Kai has solidified his status as a leading figure in Chinese entertainment, starring in numerous successful television series and films, earning him accolades and a devoted global fanbase. His impact on the industry was further recognized when he was listed in Forbes China’s “Top Elites Under 30” in 2019.
Xu Kai Overview
| Full Name | Xu Kai (许凯) |
| Nickname | Soso, Kevin Xu |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 |
| Birthplace | Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Ethnicity | Han Chinese |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1½ in) / 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Blood Type | O |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Years Active | 2013 (modeling), 2016–present (acting) |
| Agency | Huanyu Film |
| Education | South China Agricultural University (dropped out) |
| Family | Elder brother, parents |
| Marital Status | Single / Unconfirmed (as of 2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | $45 million (actor Xu Kai) (estimates vary) |
| Official Instagram | @sosoalive7 |
| Official Weibo | 许凯soso |
Early Life and Education of Xu Kai
Xu Kai was born on March 5, 1995, in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, a bustling city in the southern part of the country. Growing up, he displayed an active interest in sports, with hobbies that included playing basketball, skating, and bike riding. His family comes from a middle-class background, with his father reportedly an army officer and his mother a housewife. He has an elder brother.
For his early education, Xu Kai attended Buji Dexing Primary School, Buji Middle School, and Buji Shenzhen Senior High School. After graduating from high school, he successfully passed the national exam, enabling him to enroll in South China Agricultural University. He pursued a course in the College of Economics and Management, majoring in Finance. However, his academic journey at the university was short-lived. During his freshman year, he made the significant decision to voluntarily withdraw from his studies due to worsening family financial challenges. To support his family, Xu Kai decided to pursue a career in modeling, a path that unexpectedly paved the way for his future in the entertainment industry. His dedication to his family was evident when he purchased a house for his parents in Shenzhen around the age of 20.
Xu Kai’s Career
Xu Kai’s journey in the entertainment industry began not with acting, but with a successful stint in modeling. In 2013, at a young age, he achieved national recognition by winning first place in the print ads/graphic category at the “China’s International Model Contest” held in Guangzhou. This victory officially marked his debut as a model. He later signed a contract with a modeling agency, becoming a full-time Taobao model. During this period, he worked diligently, sometimes modeling 300 pieces of clothing per day, and his efforts helped resolve his family’s financial crisis, allowing him to buy a house for his parents within a year.
In 2016, Xu Kai transitioned into the acting world after signing with Huanyu Film, a production company owned by the renowned producer Yu Zheng. His initial role was in the series Zhaoge, where he played Yang Jian, though this drama was not immediately released. His official acting debut in a released drama came in 2018 with a supporting role in the historical romance drama Untouchable Lovers.
The year 2018 marked a significant turning point in Xu Kai’s career when he starred as Fuca Fuheng in the palace drama Story of Yanxi Palace. This role catapulted him to mainstream recognition, and the drama itself became immensely popular both in China and internationally, trending globally and making him a sudden star across Asia. Following this breakthrough, Xu Kai made his big-screen debut in the romance film Autumn Fairy Tale in 2019. The same year, he took on his first lead role as Li Chenlan in the xianxia drama The Legends, a performance that earned him positive reviews and a significant rise in popularity. He further impressed audiences with his portrayal of the quick-witted Gu Yanzhen in the youth military drama Arsenal Military Academy, which earned him the Best Actor award at both the Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China and Singapore’s StarHub Night of Stars in 2019.
Xu Kai continued to diversify his portfolio with notable roles in various genres. In 2020, he starred in the historical fantasy drama Dance of the Sky Empire. The year 2021 saw him gain international recognition for his role as Lu Sicheng in the e-sports romance comedy series Falling Into Your Smile, which garnered immense popularity in international markets. He also starred as Bai Jue in the xianxia fantasy romance series Ancient Love Poetry. In 2022, Xu Kai played the lead role of Zhu Zhanji in the historical fiction drama Royal Feast, which accumulated over 400 million viewership. He also appeared in the treasure hunter series Lost in the Kunlun Mountains and played Yang Hua in the modern drama She and Her Perfect Husband.
His recent projects include Best Choice Ever (2024) and As Beautiful As You (2024), where he continues to demonstrate his versatility. Xu Kai’s upcoming dramas for 2025 include Fang Yuan Ba Bai Mi, Fire Investigator, and Moonlit Reunion. His agent has highlighted his dedication to his craft, noting how he immersed himself in military training for roles and meticulously developed character nuances, such as a signature whistle for Gu Yanzhen. This consistent growth and dedication have solidified his position as one of China’s most sought-after actors.
Xu Kai Personal Life & Family
Xu Kai is known for being relatively private about his personal life, especially concerning his romantic relationships. He was born into a middle-class family in Shenzhen, Guangdong, and has an elder brother. His commitment to his family is evident, as he purchased a house for his parents in Shenzhen when he was around 20 years old to ease their financial burdens.
As of 2025, Xu Kai is officially considered unmarried, and there has been no public confirmation of a current girlfriend. Despite his private nature, rumors and speculations about his relationships have frequently surfaced. He has been linked to co-stars and internet celebrities, including Da Jin, Zhang Nan, Bai Lu, Cheng Xiao, and more recently, Xu Lisha and Ding Ning. However, his agency and producer Yu Zheng have often refuted these claims, emphasizing that his public identity is closely tied to his thriving acting career and fashion endorsements. For instance, in August 2025, rumors of a romance with Xu Lisha escalated, but Xu Kai’s studio swiftly denied them and stated they had taken legal action. Producer Yu Zheng also questioned the credibility and motives behind these claims. Similarly, rumors linking him to Cheng Xiao, his co-star in Falling Into Your Smile, have not been officially confirmed by either party or their agencies, with both being officially unmarried in 2025.
Xu Kai has described his ideal girlfriend as someone who is gentle, kind, well-behaved, cheerful, positive, and enjoys sports. Beyond his professional commitments, Xu Kai maintains an active lifestyle. His hobbies include playing basketball, skating, and bike riding. He also enjoys photography, gaming, and traveling to exotic destinations to unwind. In his free time, he has been known to study English. He lives a luxurious yet elegant lifestyle, owning properties like a luxury apartment in Beijing and a classic-style house in Guangzhou, along with several premium vehicles.
Awards and Achievements of Xu Kai
Xu Kai’s talent and dedication to his craft have been recognized through numerous awards and honors throughout his career. His journey began with an early achievement in the modeling world and has since flourished in acting.
Here is a list of his notable awards and recognitions:
| Year | Award / Recognition | Category | Work / Note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | China’s International Model Contest (Guangzhou) | 1st Place (Print Ads/Graphic Category) | Modeling Debut | |
| 2018 | 7th iQiyi All-Star Carnival | Promising Actor Award | ||
| 2018 | 12th Tencent Video Star Awards | DOKI New Force Award | ||
| 2019 | Forbes China | “Top Elites Under 30” | ||
| 2019 | 6th Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China (Wenrong Awards) | Best Actor | Arsenal Military Academy | |
| 2019 | Singapore StarHub Night of Stars | Best Actor (China) | Arsenal Military Academy | |
| 2019 | 8th iQiyi All-Star Carnival | Most Popular Chinese Drama Actor | ||
| 2019 | 16th Esquire Man At His Best Awards | Television Actor of the Year | The Legends, Arsenal Military Academy, Once Upon A Time in Lingjian Mountain | |
| 2019 | 13th Tencent Video All Star Awards | Trendy Figure of the Year | ||
| 2020 | Tencent Video All Star Awards | Leaping Artist of the Year | ||
| 2022 | Weibo Night | Breakthrough Actor of the Year | ||
| 2025 | Asia’s biggest celebrity event | Best Asian Actor | For his captivating performance in a popular drama throughout 2024 | |
| 2025 | Weibo Awards 2025 | “Most Influential Actor of the Year” |
Beyond formal awards, Xu Kai has consistently been recognized for his popularity and influence. He ranked 2nd in “Most Handsome Chinese Idol 2021” and has been listed among the “Top 5: Most Famous, Under 30 Chinese Actor” in terms of popularity. Media indexes also rank him as the “Best Chinese Actor” and “Popular Actor”.
Xu Kai Net Worth and Income
As a highly successful actor and model, Xu Kai has accumulated significant wealth through various income streams. As of 2025, Xu Kai’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. It is important to note that celebrity net worth estimates can vary, with other sources providing a range between $10 to $20 million USD for 2025. Regardless of the exact figure, Xu Kai is recognized as one of the richest Chinese actors, ranking highly among his peers.
His primary income sources include high-paying roles in dramas and films, where he is known to command a substantial fee per episode. Beyond acting, Xu Kai’s earnings are significantly boosted by lucrative brand endorsements and advertisements. He has become the face of various luxury international brands, including Givenchy, Adidas, Versace, Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co., Roger Dubuis, Disney, Ralph Lauren, Bvlgari, and Brunello Cucinelli. In August 2021, Fendi officially announced Xu Kai as its brand ambassador. He also features in magazine covers and maintains a strong presence on social media, further enhancing his marketability and income. Additionally, Xu Kai is reported to have investments in property and other business ventures, showcasing a strategic approach to his wealth management. His lifestyle reflects his success, including luxury homes in Beijing and Guangzhou and a collection of premium cars.
Legacy and Influence
Xu Kai’s impact on the Chinese entertainment industry extends beyond his acting prowess, cementing his legacy as a significant cultural figure. His listing in Forbes China’s “Top Elites Under 30” in 2019 underscored his substantial influence in the entertainment fields. He is consistently ranked among the most handsome and popular Chinese actors, reflecting his strong public image and broad appeal.
His versatility across genres, from historical dramas to romantic comedies and fantasy series, has captivated a wide audience and showcased his ability to breathe life into diverse characters. Xu Kai’s magnetic personality and relatable yet mysterious public persona have cultivated a loyal global fanbase. Fan communities, like “Kaiba,” actively support him through various initiatives, including organizing viewing parties and charity campaigns.
Xu Kai’s professionalism on set, his dedication to character research, and his willingness to undergo extensive training for roles have earned him praise from production teams and critics alike. This commitment to his craft, combined with his humble demeanor, inspires both fans and aspiring actors. His success is seen not only as a personal triumph but also as a symbol of the increasing competitiveness and global reach of Chinese actors on the international stage. Many industry observers predict an even brighter future for Xu Kai, with potential for international projects and collaborations. He is poised to become a world-class Asian actor, leaving a lasting mark on global entertainment.
Interesting Facts about Xu Kai
- Xu Kai’s nickname “Soso” is widely used by his fans and within the industry.
- He initially rejected an offer from producer Yu Zheng in 2013 to enter entertainment but accepted in 2016 after realizing the short career span of a model.
- He speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese, owing to his Guangdong heritage.
- Despite his fame, he values peace and maintains a balanced lifestyle amidst his hectic schedule.
- His favorite actors are Huang Bo and Marlon Brando.
- Xu Kai enjoys burgers, spicy foods, beef, Hunan food, and stir-fried meat, but dislikes fat, fish, and seafood.
- He loves collecting basketball shoes and considers Kobe Bryant his favorite basketball player.
- He is afraid of insects.
- In private, he prefers wearing athleisure clothes.
- He is known for not being particularly good at singing or playing games.
- Xu Kai prefers to act in costume dramas.
- His favorite superhero is the Monkey King.
- He once modeled 300 pieces of clothing per day during his modeling career to support his family.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Xu Kai has faced certain controversies, which he and his agency have addressed. One notable incident involved allegations of domestic violence from his ex-girlfriend, an internet celebrity named Da Jin, in 2018. The accusations emerged shortly after his breakthrough role in Story of Yanxi Palace, leading to public backlash. Xu Kai responded to these claims by admitting to instances of “push and shove” in their turbulent relationship but firmly denied committing domestic violence. He publicly acknowledged being immature, emotional, and irresponsible during that period, but maintained he was not an abuser.
The public perception shifted when a video subsequently surfaced showing Da Jin forcing Xu Kai to kneel and cursing at him, suggesting a different dynamic in their relationship. This revelation led many to believe that the initial accusations against Xu Kai were false, allowing him to continue his career, though the issue has occasionally been re-surfaced by detractors.
More recently, in August 2025, Xu Kai was again at the center of dating rumors with actress Xu Lisha. Xu Lisha publicly claimed to be his girlfriend, even sharing photos that purportedly showed them together. However, Xu Kai’s studio quickly issued a strong denial, branding the allegations as false and confirming that legal action had been initiated. Renowned producer Yu Zheng, who manages Xu Kai, also publicly refuted Xu Lisha’s claims, highlighting inconsistencies in her statements and suggesting her actions were motivated by a desire for hype. Yu Zheng emphasized that actors should achieve fame through their acting skills rather than through gossip. These responses aimed to protect Xu Kai’s public image and uphold the integrity of his career.
Social Media Presence
Xu Kai maintains a significant and influential presence across various social media platforms, particularly in China. His official Weibo account, 许凯soso, is his primary platform for connecting with fans, where he had over 20.4 million followers as of February 2023. His substantial online presence and impact were recognized in 2025 when he was honored as the “Most Influential Actor of the Year” at the Weibo Awards.
Internationally, Xu Kai is also active on Instagram, with his official account being @sosoalive7. As of early 2025, his Instagram following stands at 2 million followers, reflecting his growing global appeal. While less prominent on platforms like Twitter and YouTube, his influence is consistently highlighted across various fan communities and entertainment news outlets. He uses these platforms to share updates on his career, engage with fans, and occasionally provide glimpses into his personal life, though he generally maintains privacy regarding intimate details.
Final Words about Xu Kai
Xu Kai continues to be one of the most dynamic and celebrated actors in the Chinese entertainment industry. As of 2025, his career is marked by a consistent trajectory of successful projects and growing influence, both domestically and on the international stage. From his breakout role in Story of Yanxi Palace to his acclaimed performances in diverse genres, he has repeatedly proven his versatility and dedication to his craft. His recent accolades, including the “Most Influential Actor of the Year” at the Weibo Awards 2025 and the “Best Asian Actor” award, underscore his enduring popularity and professional recognition.
Despite navigating public scrutiny and past controversies with resilience, Xu Kai has maintained a humble and focused approach to his work, prioritizing his acting skills and professional growth. His commitment to his family, coupled with his balanced lifestyle and various interests, further enhances his public image as a grounded and admirable figure. Looking ahead, Xu Kai is poised for even greater achievements, with several anticipated projects lined up for 2025 and beyond, including Moonlit Reunion and Fire Investigator. His ongoing collaborations with luxury brands and expanding social media presence suggest a bright future, potentially extending his reach further into the global entertainment landscape and solidifying his legacy as a leading star of his generation. Fans eagerly await his future works, anticipating new challenges and breakthroughs from this remarkable talent.