"Koreans Flock to Chinese Restaurant for Dancer Resembling Song Hye-kyo"

Gaining Popularity as "China's Song Hye-kyo"

A woman working as a dancer at a restaurant in China is drawing attention online for her resemblance to actress Song Hye-kyo. As tourists flock to see her, the restaurant has become a new local attraction.

A dancer working at a restaurant in China is gaining attention for her resemblance to actress Song Hye-kyo. SCMP

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on September 10 (local time), Yong Zhong is a dancer performing at a restaurant in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China. She has recently gained attention with the nickname "the Chinese Song Hye-kyo."

The restaurant where Yong Zhong works recreates the era when the region was under the rule of Tusi (local officials appointed by the central government) during the Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties.

She is originally from Deqin County, Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It takes about four hours by car to reach Shangri-La, where the restaurant is located. Having grown up on a farm, Yong Zhong joined the restaurant after graduating three years ago, initially working as a staff member before being selected as a dancer. Her performances are credited with significantly raising the restaurant's profile.

A dancer working at a restaurant in China is gaining attention for her resemblance to actress Song Hye-kyo. SCMP

In particular, Yong Zhong is attracting attention for her resemblance to Song Hye-kyo, drawing tourists not only from across China but also from South Korea.

Outside of her performances, Yong Zhong actively interacts with visitors, responding to fans' photo requests. She said, "I don't have the courage to travel to another city to see someone I like, so when I see people coming a long way just to see me, I am truly moved." SCMP reported that local cultural and tourism authorities are also treating Yong Zhong like a "tourism ambassador."

Currently, Yong Zhong has 290,000 followers on social media. A tourist from Shanxi Province said, "I came to Shangri-La with my wife to see Yong Zhong," while another visitor commented, "It's rare to see such a natural beauty these days."

Meanwhile, some have criticized her for relying on Song Hye-kyo's popularity or for lacking singing ability. In response, Yong Zhong jokingly referred to herself as a "foolish beauty."