Berant Zhu

Berant Zhu is a Taiwanese actor who has become one of the most talked-about young performers in the Chinese-language film world. Born April 4, 1999, in Taichung, he first caught attention with his role in the horror hit The Sadness (2021), then truly broke through with his award-winning turn in Bad Education (2023). As of 2026, he's a Golden Horse winner with a growing international profile and a slate of projects that keep him firmly on the radar.

What sets Zhu apart is his ability to shift between intense genre work and quiet, character-driven drama. He's equally at home in a gory thriller or a tender coming-of-age story, and that range has made him a favorite among critics and festival audiences. His Instagram following has grown steadily, and fans appreciate his down-to-earth presence between projects.

With Kung Fu set for release in 2026, Zhu is poised to reach an even wider audience. He represents a new wave of Taiwanese actors who are bringing fresh energy to the region's cinema, and his career is one to watch closely. [edit]

Berant Zhu grew up in Taichung, Taiwan, in a family that supported his creative interests from an early age. He attended Shin Min High School, where he first got involved in school plays and discovered a love for performing. After graduating, he enrolled at Shih Chen University to study fashion design, a field that appealed to his artistic side but didn't fully satisfy his desire to act.

While in college, Zhu started auditioning for film and television roles, balancing classes with casting calls. His first break came in 2019 when he was cast in We Are Champions, a sports drama about a high school basketball team. It was a small role, but it gave him a taste of professional filmmaking and confirmed that acting was the path he wanted to pursue.

He continued to take on minor parts and short films, building his resume and learning from more experienced actors on set. Those early years were about absorbing as much as he could, and Zhu has often credited the crews and directors he worked with for teaching him the ropes. By the time he landed the lead in The Sadness in 2021, he had already put in the kind of groundwork that made the opportunity feel earned. [edit]

Berant Zhu's breakthrough came with The Sadness in 2021, a brutal horror film about a virus that turns people into violent maniacs. He played Jim, a young man fighting to survive and find his girlfriend in a city descending into chaos. The film was a hit with genre fans and drew attention for its unflinching violence, and Zhu's performance was singled out as a standout.

He followed that with Bad Education (2023), a crime mystery directed by Kai Ko. Zhu played Chang, a student caught up in a web of corruption and violence at a prestigious school. The role was a dramatic departure from his horror work and showcased a depth that wowed audiences and critics alike. His performance earned him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 59th Golden Horse Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in Chinese-language cinema.

Since then, Zhu has kept busy with a mix of projects, including Mad Doctor (2022), The Magician on the Skywalk (2021), and the anthology Tales of Taipei (2023). He's also set to appear in Kung Fu, a martial arts film scheduled for release in 2026, which pairs him with director Kai Ko once again. Each new role has expanded his range, and he's become known for choosing parts that challenge him. [edit]

Berant Zhu's public image is that of a serious, dedicated actor who lets his work speak for itself. He's not one for flashy red-carpet antics or controversial statements, preferring to stay focused on his craft. Fans appreciate his humility and the way he approaches each role with genuine curiosity.

On social media, he strikes a balance between professional updates and personal moments. His Instagram feed is a mix of behind-the-scenes shots from film sets, casual selfies, and the occasional glimpse of his daily life. He interacts with fans in a warm, unpretentious way, which has helped him build a loyal following.

In the media, Zhu is often described as a rising star with a bright future, and his Golden Horse win has cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young actors in Taiwan. He's become a symbol of the new generation of Taiwanese cinema, and audiences are eager to see where he goes next. [edit]

Berant Zhu currently holds the position of the 31st most famous person in C-Drama, a standing he maintains from the previous cycle according to August 2026 data. This placement within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings reflects his sustained visibility across global media coverage and consumption signals. While his filmography spans intense horror thrillers like The Sadness and award-winning dramas such as Bad Education, his public presence remains grounded in his craft rather than manufactured celebrity. His audience consists largely of cinephiles who follow his career trajectory through festival circuits and critical acclaim. There is no formal name for this fanbase, nor are there documented organized groups, chart campaigns, or specific rituals associated with him at this stage. Fans engage primarily through his professional updates on social media and discussions regarding his performances. Unlike stars with massive cult followings that fill stadiums or shut down streets, Zhu's supporters appreciate his humility and the quiet intensity he brings to every role. His following grows organically as each project showcases his range, moving seamlessly between gory genre work and tender character studies without the need for viral marketing stunts or legendary crowd reactions.[edit]

Berant Zhu studied fashion design in college, a background that still informs his creative process today as he sketches clothing designs for fun. He has noted in interviews that this training helps him visualize characters through costume and visual details. His Instagram handle, @berantzhu_0404, incorporates his birthday, April 4, a detail fans have long appreciated as a personal touch. A self-proclaimed horror enthusiast, Zhu found landing a role in The Sadness particularly thrilling after watching classic Asian horror films to prepare. An animal lover, he frequently shares photos of his pet cat online. Despite his rising profile, he regularly returns to Taichung to visit family and friends, often spotted cheering at his old high school basketball games. While his career features significant milestones like the vinyl soundtrack release for The Sadness in 2025, these remain industry achievements rather than viral folklore. No specific legends or extraordinary crowd incidents have been recorded surrounding his appearances, keeping his legacy rooted in his artistic output rather than mass hysteria.[edit]

Berant Zhu keeps his family life relatively private, but he has shared that he grew up in Taichung with supportive parents who encouraged his creative ambitions. He has a close relationship with his mother, who he has mentioned in interviews as a source of inspiration. He also has a younger sister, though he rarely posts about her on social media.

As of 2026, Zhu lives in Taipei, where he's been focusing on his acting career. He shares his home with a cat named Nana, who frequently appears in his Instagram stories. While he's not married and has no children, he's spoken about wanting a family someday, but for now his career takes priority. [edit]

Berant Zhu has worked closely with director Kai Ko, who helmed Bad Education and will direct him again in Kung Fu. He also starred alongside Fandy Fan in We Are Champions, and the two have remained friends. His collaborators in the horror genre include director Rob Jabbaz, who guided him through the intense shoot for The Sadness. [edit]

As of 2026, Berant Zhu is publicly single and has not confirmed any romantic relationships. He's kept his personal life out of the spotlight, and there are no credible reports of past girlfriends or flings. In interviews, he's said that he's focused on his career and hasn't had time for a serious relationship, though he's open to finding love in the future.

Fans have speculated about possible connections with co-stars, but Zhu has never addressed these rumors directly. He tends to deflect questions about dating with humor, saying that his current partner is his work. For now, he remains one of the more private young actors in Taiwan when it comes to matters of the heart. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Berant Zhu's net worth stands at $1 Million as of 2026. His primary revenue stream continues to be his acting roles in films, with compensation packages increasing significantly since his Golden Horse win. For a young actor operating within the Taiwanese industry, he commands fees at the higher end of the scale, particularly for independent productions. Beyond film salaries, Zhu generates income through brand endorsements and sponsored posts on social media. His Instagram following, while not massive in volume, boasts high engagement, leading to partnerships with fashion and lifestyle brands that mirror his personal aesthetic. He also receives appearance fees for festivals and events, especially following his major award recognition. Zhu maintains a modest lifestyle in Taipei, choosing to invest in his craft rather than luxury goods. In interviews, he has shared his goal of saving to purchase a home for his parents, a sentiment that resonates deeply with his audience. With upcoming projects like Kung Fu and his expanding reputation, his financial outlook follows a steady upward trajectory.[edit]

Berant Zhu's most significant accolade to date is the Best Supporting Actor award at the 59th Golden Horse Awards, which he won in 2023 for his role in Bad Education. This is one of the highest honors in Chinese-language cinema, and winning it at just 24 years old marked him as a major talent to watch. [edit]