ℹ Key Takeaways
- Connor Leong’s real name is Liang Jingkang, born January 3, 1994
- Rose to fame as Feng Meizuo in Meteor Garden 2018 adaptation
- Graduated from Guangzhou University software engineering program
- Currently single, despite persistent Shen Yue dating rumors
- Stands 6’1″ tall and continues acting in Chinese entertainment
What transforms a software engineering student into one of Asia’s most recognizable faces? For Connor Leong, the answer lies in a single casting call that would forever alter his path from university modeling gigs to international stardom.
Connor Leong’s real name is Liang Jingkang (梁靖康), and at 31 years old, this Chinese actor and model has navigated multiple professional identities while building a substantial career in entertainment. Born on January 3, 1994, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, Leong represents a new generation of Chinese performers who have successfully bridged domestic and international audiences through strategic content choices and authentic screen presence.
Early Life and Education: Shenzhen Roots to Guangzhou University
Connor Leong’s nationality is Chinese, with deep roots in Guangdong Province’s vibrant cultural landscape. Growing up in Shenzhen, a city known for its rapid technological advancement and proximity to Hong Kong, Leong initially pursued a conventional academic path that seemed far removed from entertainment.
His academic focus led him to Guangzhou University, where he enrolled at the South China Institute of Software Engineering. During his college years, however, an unexpected opportunity emerged that would redirect his entire career.
A university photoshoot caught the attention of talent scouts, marking the beginning of his transition from student to performer. This discovery wasn’t merely coincidental—Leong had begun modeling and appearing in commercial advertisements while maintaining his studies, demonstrating an early entrepreneurial spirit that would serve him well in the competitive entertainment industry.
Connor Leong’s educational background as a Guangzhou University graduate provided him with analytical skills that later proved valuable in understanding character development and industry dynamics.
Career Beginnings: From University Model to Professional Actor
Connor Leong’s acting debut came in 2016 with the historical comedy series “Huang Fei Hong,” where he portrayed the character Gong Ting. This initial role, while modest in scope, provided crucial on-set experience and industry connections that would prove invaluable.
The same year brought additional opportunities, including a role in the short film “Night Poet” and a customer appearance in the Chinese adaptation of “Midnight Diner.” These early projects, though small, allowed Leong to observe seasoned professionals and refine his craft away from the intense scrutiny that would later accompany his breakthrough success.
His participation in the Youku variety show “Super Idol” (超次元偶像), hosted by He Jiong, became particularly significant. The program not only increased his public visibility but also introduced him to Dylan Wang, who would later become his Meteor Garden co-star and close friend.
Meteor Garden 2018: The Role That Defined Connor Leong
Connor Leong’s rise to fame came through his portrayal of Feng Meizuo in the 2018 adaptation of Meteor Garden, a role that would define his career and establish his reputation across Asia and beyond. This Boys Over Flowers adaptation became the cornerstone of his professional identity.
The casting process began with producer Angie Chai’s “#FindingF4” social media campaign in June 2017. Leong was selected alongside Dylan Wang, Darren Chen, and Caesar Wu to form the new F4, with their official announcement at a Shanghai press conference in November 2017 generating significant media attention.
The Feng Meizuo Character: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Connor Leong’s Feng Meizuo character was the sophisticated charmer of F4 known for his preference for relationships with older women and his role as the group’s cultural bridge. Unlike previous adaptations of the source material, Leong brought a contemporary sensibility to the character that resonated with modern audiences.
The series became a cultural phenomenon, not only in China but across Asia, with Netflix later acquiring global distribution rights, making it available to a worldwide audience starting in October 2018. This international reach transformed Leong from a regional actor into a globally recognized figure, particularly among fans of Asian drama content.
Connor Leong’s work with Harper’s Bazaar China alongside his F4 co-stars in November 2017 helped establish the group’s fashion credentials and cultural influence before the series even aired.
Post-Meteor Garden Career: Strategic Growth and Evolution
Connor Leong’s career after Meteor Garden demonstrates deliberate choices toward artistic growth rather than simply capitalizing on his newfound fame. His subsequent projects reveal an actor committed to expanding his range and challenging audience expectations.
As part of the F4 group, Leong also participated in recording several songs for the Meteor Garden 2018 official soundtrack, including the iconic theme “For You” and “Never Would’ve Thought,” showcasing his vocal abilities and contributing to the show’s multimedia success.
Key Projects and Professional Development
In 2019, Leong reunited with Meteor Garden co-star Shen Yue in “Another Me,” though in a guest role that allowed him to explore different character dynamics. The same year brought “Project 17: Side by Side” (also known as “Never Stand Still”), where he took on the lead male role of Ping An, showcasing his ability to carry a production as the primary protagonist.
His 2020 projects included “My Love, Enlighten Me” and “Run For Young”, both youth-focused dramas that leveraged his appeal to younger demographics while allowed him to experiment with romantic comedy elements. These choices reflected a strategic approach to career development that prioritized sustainable growth over immediate commercial exploitation.
Connor Leong’s “Be Yourself” drama in 2021 paired him with Vivienne Tien, further establishing his credentials as a reliable leading man capable of creating chemistry with diverse co-stars. Most recently, his 2024 drama Xi Jing Da Xiao Jie (also known as Hello, We Are a Joyful Troupe) represents his continued activity in the Chinese entertainment industry, though he has maintained a lower public profile compared to his Meteor Garden peak.
Professional Representation and Industry Standing
Connor Leong works for Feibao Media, an agency that positions him for continued professional development with a focus on nurturing talent for both domestic and international markets, aligning with his demonstrated versatility.
Personal Life: Privacy, Relationships, and Public Scrutiny
Connor Leong is currently single, despite persistent speculation about his romantic life that has followed him throughout his career. Connor Leong’s wife does not exist, as he has never been married, and Connor Leong’s girlfriend status remains unconfirmed by the actor himself.
The Shen Yue Dating Question: Setting the Record Straight
The question “is Connor Leong and Shen Yue dating?” has been definitively answered by both parties: they maintain a close friendship but have never confirmed a romantic relationship. The speculation peaked during their Meteor Garden promotion period, when photos of them appearing comfortable together during travel and promotional events sparked fan theories.
Both actors have consistently presented themselves as supportive friends and professional colleagues, with their subsequent collaborations reflecting mutual respect rather than romantic involvement. Connor Leong’s relationships remain largely private, as he has chosen to focus public attention on his professional work rather than personal affairs.
Physical Stats and Public Persona
Connor Leong’s height is 186cm, which equals 6’1″ in feet, giving him the commanding physical presence that made him suitable for the F4 role. How tall is Connor Leong? At 6 feet 1 inch, he stands as one of the taller members of his generation of Chinese actors.
Those who have worked with him describe a personality that contrasts sharply with his confident on-screen characters—reportedly shy and thoughtful in real life, with a preference for maintaining privacy around his personal affairs.
Career Challenges and Professional Growth
The 2023 Fan Community Crisis
What happened to Connor Leong in 2023? He faced a significant career challenge when rumors circulated that he had told fans “I don’t need fans,” leading to widespread fan club closures and a dramatic exodus from his support community.
His January 6, 2023 response addressed the controversy directly: “I never said I don’t need fans… My original intention was to laugh at myself for being a little transparent (a slang term for being unpopular or not well-known). If it’s because of this misunderstanding that made everyone unhappy, I sincerely apologize to everyone.”
This incident demonstrated both the fragility of celebrity-fan relationships in the digital age and Leong’s ability to acknowledge mistakes while maintaining professional dignity. The controversy ultimately led to a more mature approach to fan engagement and public communication.
Professional Identity and Name Evolution
Connor Leong’s stage name evolution from Connor Leong to Leon Leong, and now primarily Liang Jingkang, reflects both personal growth and strategic positioning within the Chinese entertainment market. This evolution mirrors broader trends in the industry, where performers increasingly embrace their Chinese heritage while maintaining international accessibility.
Financial Standing and Industry Success
While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, Connor Leong’s net worth reflects his steady career growth and financial stability within a competitive industry. His earnings come primarily from acting fees, endorsement deals, and commercial appearances, demonstrating the financial potential for actors who successfully navigate the Chinese entertainment landscape while building international recognition through strategic project selection.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Where is Connor Leong now? As of 2024, he continues active involvement in Chinese entertainment while maintaining a more selective approach to projects and public appearances. Connor Leong now focuses on quality over quantity in his professional choices, demonstrating career maturity and strategic thinking.
His recent work in Xi Jing Da Xiao Jie demonstrates ongoing commitment to his craft, though he has clearly chosen sustainability over constant public exposure. How old is Connor Leong? At 31, he represents an actor in his prime years, with significant experience and continued potential for career growth.
His social media presence remains active primarily on Weibo, where he maintains direct communication with fans while respecting the privacy boundaries that his earlier career experiences taught him to value.
Cultural Impact and Industry Influence
Connor Leong’s contribution to the Chinese entertainment industry extends beyond his individual performances to encompass his role in globalizing Chinese drama content. His work in Meteor Garden 2018 helped demonstrate the international viability of Chinese adaptations of classic source material, paving the way for subsequent productions.
His dedicated fanbase continues to support his career despite the challenges of 2023, reflecting the genuine connection he has maintained with audiences who appreciate both his professional growth and personal authenticity.
The entertainment industry’s rapid evolution has rewarded performers like Leong who adapt to changing audience expectations while maintaining core professional standards. His current focus on selective, quality projects suggests a mature understanding of career sustainability that should serve him well in future endeavors.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
Connor Leong’s story—from Guangzhou University software engineering student to internationally recognized actor—demonstrates how unexpected opportunities, combined with strategic career choices and authentic audience connection, can create lasting professional success in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment markets.
His continued presence in Chinese entertainment, marked by both professional growth and personal resilience, ensures his ongoing relevance in an industry that constantly seeks fresh talent while valuing proven performers. Connor Leong’s birthday on January 3, 1994, marked the beginning of a life that would eventually touch millions of viewers across Asia and beyond through his memorable portrayal of Feng Meizuo and subsequent dramatic work.
As he moves forward in his career, Connor Leong represents a new generation of Chinese actors who understand both the domestic market and international expectations, positioning himself for sustained success in an increasingly globalized entertainment landscape.
