Liu Yuning, born January 8, 1990, is a Chinese singer and actor who rose from internet streaming obscurity to become one of China’s most versatile entertainment stars, serving as the lead singer of the band Modern Brothers and earning a place on Forbes China’s 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2019. Before his breakthrough, Liu Yuning began his career in relative anonymity, working various jobs while nurturing a passion for music. His big break came in 2018 when he started posting cover songs on platforms like YY’s Live Streaming and Douyin, where his distinctive voice and charismatic online presence quickly garnered a massive following, turning him into an overnight sensation in the Chinese digital music scene. This grassroots rise to fame was unprecedented, as he leveraged social media to build a dedicated fanbase without the backing of a major label, a path that resonated deeply with young audiences across the country.
Building on his streaming success, Liu Yuning transitioned into a professional recording career, releasing his debut album which earned the "Media Recommended Album" award at the 2020 Chinese Top Ten Music Awards. He followed this with his second extended play, Listen•Ning (2020–21), which won the "Most Popular EP" award at the 2021 Chinese Top Ten Music Awards, solidifying his reputation as a formidable musical talent. His work with Modern Brothers further showcased his range, blending pop and rock influences, and his songs frequently topped Chinese music charts, making him a staple on major award shows and music festivals.
In addition to his musical achievements, Liu Yuning expanded into acting, gaining significant recognition for his roles in a series of popular Chinese television dramas. He starred in the historical drama A Journey to Love in 2023, followed by the period romance Story of Pearl Girl in 2024, and later appeared in The Prisoner of Beauty and A Dream within a Dream in 2025. These performances demonstrated his ability to command the screen, earning him praise from critics and fans alike for his emotional depth and on-screen presence. Today, Liu Yuning continues to balance his dual careers in music and acting, consistently releasing new music and taking on challenging roles, maintaining his status as a dynamic force in Chinese entertainment whose journey from live-streaming covers to mainstream stardom exemplifies the power of digital media in shaping modern celebrity.