Victoria Song
Song Qian (宋茜; born February 2, 1987), known professionally as Victoria Song, is a Chinese singer, dancer, actress, and model.[1][2] She rose to international prominence as the leader, main dancer, lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and visual of the South Korean girl group f(x), which debuted on September 5, 2009, under SM Entertainment with the single "La Cha Ta".[3][4][5] Following reduced group activities after 2016, Song focused on her solo career in China, establishing herself as a leading actress through roles in popular dramas such as When Love Walked In (2012), for which she won Best New Actress at the 4th China TV Drama Awards, Beautiful Secret (2015), Ice Fantasy (2016), and Find Yourself (2020).[6][7][8] Her career has been marked by versatility across entertainment fields, including modeling for fashion brands and hosting variety shows, while maintaining a strong presence in the Chinese market amid shifting dynamics in K-pop's international appeal.[9][3]Early life
Childhood and family
Song Qian, professionally known as Victoria Song, was born on February 2, 1987, in Qingdao, Shandong province, China.[9][10] She spent her early childhood in this coastal city, where she developed an interest in dance from a young age.[11] Public details about her family, including parents' names, occupations, or any siblings, are limited, as Song has not extensively shared such personal information in interviews or profiles.[10] Her relocation from Qingdao to Beijing for dance studies at a young age indicates early familial prioritization of artistic pursuits, though specific family influences or home environment remain undocumented in verifiable sources.[9]Education and pre-debut training
Song attended the Beijing Dance Academy, where she specialized in traditional Chinese ethnic dances, including routines inspired by minority groups such as the Yi people.[12][13] This training emphasized technical precision and cultural expression, building her foundational skills in dance through extended practice.[12] In September 2007, at age 20, Song won first place in a dance competition in Beijing, attracting scouts from SM Entertainment who recruited her shortly thereafter.[9][11] She relocated to Seoul to enter SM's trainee program, focusing on enhancing her dance versatility, vocal abilities, and stage presence through daily rigorous sessions typical of the agency's idol preparation system.[11]Career
f(x) debut and group activities (2009–2015)
 f(x) debuted as a multinational girl group under SM Entertainment on September 5, 2009, with the digital single "La Cha Ta," a dance-pop track emphasizing high-energy choreography.[10] Victoria Song, the eldest member at age 20, assumed the role of leader and lead dancer, leveraging her training in Chinese dance to contribute to the group's dynamic performances and visual concepts positioned as experimental and futuristic.[9] The single charted for 15 weeks on Korean music programs, establishing f(x) in the competitive K-pop landscape despite modest initial sales.[14] In May 2010, f(x) released their first EP, Nu ABO, featuring the title track that reached number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and sustained 16 weeks of airplay success.[14] Song's prominence as lead dancer was evident in promotions, including participation in the SM Town Live '10 World Tour, which expanded the group's reach across Asia and included stops in the United States.[15] Subsequent releases like the 2011 studio album Pinocchio, the 2012 EP Electric Shock, and the 2013 album Pink Tape built on this foundation, with Pink Tape incorporating international collaborations and earning critical note for its genre-blending production; combined physical sales for these eras exceeded 599,000 units in Korea and Japan by mid-decade.[15] Song contributed to choreography development and sub-vocals, supporting the group's shift toward edgier, synth-heavy sounds amid broader Asian promotions targeting markets like China. The period also saw group challenges, including member Sulli's indefinite hiatus announced in March 2014 amid health concerns and public scandals, leading to scaled-back promotions for releases like Red Light (2014) and 4 Walls (2015) with a four-member lineup.[16][17] Sulli's departure from the group in August 2015 highlighted tensions in SM Entertainment's management approach, with critiques from observers noting inconsistent scheduling and prioritization of solo endeavors over cohesive unit activities, though the agency cited member welfare in its statements.[18] f(x) persisted through these disruptions, maintaining fan engagement via concerts and digital content, but the era underscored structural strains within the group's operations under SM.[19]Transition to acting and rising fame (2012–2017)
In January 2012, Song secured her acting debut lead role as Shen Yayin in the Chinese-Taiwanese co-production drama When Love Walked In, which aired from August to September 2012 and achieved the top spot in viewership ratings for its time slot.[20] This breakthrough established her presence in the Chinese drama industry, earning her recognition for transitioning from idol singer to actress.[3] Building on this, Song expanded her portfolio with roles in subsequent years, including the 2015 drama Beautiful Secret where she portrayed Jiang Meili, a character navigating the entertainment world; the series recorded a 3.98% viewership rating, ranking highest for the first half of 2016 according to CSM data.[21] In 2016, she took on the female lead Li Luo in the epic fantasy Ice Fantasy, a high-budget production opposite Feng Shaofeng that aired 62 episodes on Hunan TV from July to November, generating substantial online buzz despite TV ratings averaging around 0.75%.[22] These roles highlighted her versatility in romance, mystery, and fantasy genres, contributing to her rising cross-border fame in China.[2] During this period, Song's commitments with f(x) began to taper, with the group releasing its final studio album 4 Walls in 2015 amid reduced promotions, allowing her greater focus on individual acting pursuits and skill diversification in performance arts. By 2017, her lead in A Life Time Love further solidified her status, as evidenced by nominations like the Huading Award for Beautiful Secret.[23] Her acting endeavors amassed critical nods and audience engagement, marking a successful pivot from group music activities to solo stardom in Chinese entertainment.[24]Solo music, independent acting, and recent projects (2018–present)
Song initiated her solo music career in the Chinese market with the digital single "Roof On Fire," released on March 13, 2018.[25] This marked her transition toward independent releases following her group activities. In May 2020, she issued her debut full-length album Victoria, with "Up To Me" as the lead track.[26] After departing SM Entertainment in September 2019, Song pursued independent acting roles predominantly in China.[2] She took on leading parts in projects such as the 2024 urban romance drama Reblooming Blue, emphasizing her established presence in domestic television.[27] In 2025, Song starred as Chu Yu in the historical romance series Fight for Love, opposite Ding Yuxi as Wei Yun, adapted from a rebirth novel and set to premiere on October 30 via Tencent and WeTV.[28] [29] The production features supporting cast including Fu Xinbo, Joe Chen, and Cao Jun.[30] Song's prominence in China's entertainment and fashion sectors grew, evidenced by her cover feature in Harper's Bazaar China's July 2025 issue and attendance at the China Annual Trends Summit in couture attire.[31] [32] She also appeared at the Bazaar Gala 2025, underscoring her influence in high-profile industry events.[33]Controversies
Support for China's territorial claims (2016)
On July 12, 2016—the same day the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China's "historic rights" claims in the South China Sea, as demarcated by the nine-dash line, lacked legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—Victoria Song shared a nationalistic poster on Sina Weibo and Instagram.[34] The post, reposted from People's Daily, featured a map of China incorporating the nine-dash line—which encompasses roughly 90% of the South China Sea and overlaps with exclusive economic zones claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan—and included the caption "This is China, not one bit less," alongside her endorsement that "China cannot shrink by the slightest bit."[34][35] The nine-dash line, originating from maps published by the Republic of China in 1947 and adopted by the PRC after 1949 (with one dash removed in 1953), asserts sovereignty over islands, waters, and resources disputed by multiple Southeast Asian nations; the tribunal's unanimous decision rejected these as exceeding UNCLOS entitlements, emphasizing instead coastal states' rights to 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zones.[35][36] Song's endorsement aligned with Beijing's rejection of the ruling as politically motivated and its insistence on bilateral negotiations over multilateral arbitration, but it clashed with South Korea's official support for the decision and emphasis on regional stability.[35] In South Korea, the post provoked backlash from fans and netizens, who accused her of prioritizing Chinese nationalism over her K-pop affiliations and engaging in politics amid SM Entertainment's apolitical stance for idols; comments highlighted concerns over territorial implications for allies like the Philippines and potential boycotts.[37][34] Vietnamese users were particularly vocal, citing ongoing disputes over the Paracel and Spratly Islands, while some Korean reactions framed it as disloyalty to her f(x) role.[34] Conversely, Chinese social media users lauded her as "courageous" and a "pride of China," viewing the gesture as defiance against Western-influenced rulings.[34] The controversy underscored fault lines for ethnic Chinese K-pop artists navigating cross-border fandoms during geopolitical flare-ups, with Song's action straining her image in Korean entertainment circles—where neutrality is prized—yet bolstering her patriotic credentials in China, facilitating her pivot toward mainland acting and endorsements post-f(x) inactivity.[38][34]Response to Sulli’s death and fan backlash (2019)
Following the suicide of former f(x) member Sulli (Choi Jin-ri) on October 14, 2019, Victoria Song faced online criticism for not immediately posting a public tribute on social media, with some netizens on Weibo labeling her a "cold-blooded monster" and accusing her of neglecting her responsibilities as the group's leader by failing to publicly guide or support Sulli during her struggles.[39][40] This backlash intensified demands for an emotional display of grief, reflecting fan expectations that idols publicly validate collective mourning to affirm loyalty and empathy within K-pop fandoms.[39] On October 17, 2019, Song shared a brief Instagram post featuring an f(x) group photo, writing in Korean: "Sulli~ The weather is nice today. Goodbye~ I won't forget you. I love you," marking her first public acknowledgment while emphasizing personal sentiment over performative response.[41][42] Prior to this, she had quietly traveled from China to South Korea to attend Sulli's private funeral, an action reported by witnesses including airline staff who noted her visible distress during the flight, countering claims of indifference.[43][44] In addressing the hate comments, Song rebutted accusations on Weibo, questioning: "When has social media become a stage to put on a show?" and defending the right to mourn privately without public validation, arguing that online posts do not measure true morality or emotional depth.[45][46] Her stance highlighted tensions between fan-driven idol culture, which often enforces scripted public personas, and individual privacy, amid broader industry critiques of cyberbullying's role in Sulli's mental health decline, as evidenced by her prior outspokenness against malicious online harassment.[47][48] This incident underscored how performative grief expectations can exacerbate toxic dynamics, with Song's response prioritizing authentic processing over social media compliance.[45][46]Endorsement decisions amid geopolitical tensions (2021)
In March 2021, Victoria Song terminated her endorsement contract with H&M, a Swedish fast-fashion retailer, following a surge in Chinese public backlash against the brand's prior statement on Xinjiang cotton. H&M had announced in March 2020 that it would avoid sourcing cotton from Xinjiang due to reports of potential forced labor involving Uyghur minorities, a position echoed by brands like Nike and Adidas amid allegations from Western governments and human rights groups of systematic abuses in the region.[49][50] The statement resurfaced virally on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo in March 2021, prompting widespread calls for boycotts amplified by official accounts such as the Communist Youth League, framing the brands' actions as interference in China's internal affairs.[51] Song's decision aligned explicitly with this consumer-driven response, as she issued a statement on March 24, 2021, declaring her opposition to "any behavior that harms the reputation of China" and rejecting the use of "commercial means as a cover for political manipulation."[49] This mirrored actions by other Chinese celebrities, including actor Huang Xuan, who also severed ties with H&M, contributing to a broader wave where dozens of endorsers distanced themselves from implicated Western brands.[50] While some Western observers criticized such moves as yielding to nationalist pressure, potentially coerced by state-influenced public sentiment, proponents argued they reflected a principled rejection of unverified foreign narratives on Xinjiang, where Chinese data indicate poverty alleviation programs lifted over 3 million residents from extreme poverty between 2014 and 2020 through voluntary labor transfers and mechanized farming that reduced manual cotton picking from 70% to under 20% by 2020.[52][53] The boycotts highlighted tensions between market access in China and alignment with international human rights scrutiny, with H&M's China sales dropping 23% in the first quarter of 2021 as e-commerce listings were delisted and stores faced protests.[54] Advantages included bolstering domestic cotton industries, which produce 90% of China's output and support millions of jobs, and signaling consumer sovereignty against perceived politicized supply chain disruptions; drawbacks encompassed short-term economic losses for multinational firms and risks of escalating trade frictions, though H&M later pledged renewed investment in China without retracting its sourcing policy.[50] For Song, the stance reinforced her appeal in China's vast domestic market, where patriotic endorsements can enhance brand loyalty, without apparent disruption to her broader career trajectory, as she maintained collaborations with non-controversial international and local brands thereafter.[55]Personal life
Family background and privacy
Song Qian, professionally known as Victoria Song, was born on February 2, 1987, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.[56] From an early age, she showed interest in dance, prompting her family to support her relocation to Beijing at age 10 to enroll at the Beijing Dance Academy.[57] There, she underwent rigorous training in multiple disciplines, including Chinese traditional dance, ballet, Latin, and jazz, which her parents endorsed despite the move separating her from home.[13] This parental backing extended to her 2006 audition for SM Entertainment, after which they permitted her to pursue opportunities abroad in South Korea.[58] Song has consistently prioritized her family's privacy, shielding details about her parents and any siblings from public scrutiny to allow them a normal life away from media attention. She rarely references relatives in interviews or social media, emphasizing a boundary between her professional persona and personal life to prevent unwanted exposure or intrusion. This stance aligns with her broader approach to fame, where she focuses disclosures on career achievements rather than familial matters, ensuring her origins in Qingdao remain the primary verified aspect of her background.Relationship rumors and public scrutiny
In November 2023, rumors emerged alleging that Song Qian had secretly married Chinese actor Ou Hao, originating from claims made by a prominent Chinese paparazzi during a live broadcast. Her agency, Yuekai Entertainment, issued a denial on November 26, 2023, labeling the speculation a "malicious hoax" with no factual basis and announcing intentions to pursue legal action against those disseminating it. Ou Hao's agency corroborated the refutation, emphasizing that no marriage had occurred and redirecting attention to the actors' professional endeavors.[59][60][61] Prior instances of unverified romantic speculation include a February 2023 report linking Song to actor Wang Kai, which both parties swiftly denied, preventing escalation into confirmed reports. In April 2016, her personal studio addressed and rejected rumors of her dating a manager, deeming them "baseless and malicious" while warning of account suspensions for harmful online activity. Such tabloid-driven narratives, lacking substantiation and routinely dismissed by Song's representatives, underscore persistent media intrusion into her private affairs without yielding verifiable outcomes.[62][63] Within East Asian entertainment sectors like K-pop and C-pop, public figures such as Song encounter amplified demands for transparency in personal relationships, often fueled by fan investments of time and resources that foster expectations of oversight. This dynamic pits idol privacy rights against perceived fan entitlements, with extreme cases involving harassment that prompts legal recourse, as evidenced by Song's agencies' responses; critics argue such scrutiny undermines personal autonomy, while proponents view it as inherent to the industry's parasocial fan-idol bond.[64]Philanthropy
Charitable activities and endorsements
Song has been involved in philanthropy primarily through her role as an ambassador for UNICEF Korea, where she has advocated for children's rights and welfare initiatives.[12] In late 2014, she organized a flea market to sell personal belongings, directing all proceeds to UNICEF by December 31 to support global child welfare programs.[65] She extended this effort by crafting handmade dolls and auctioning them off for UNICEF funds, demonstrating sustained personal commitment to the organization's youth-focused projects.[9] In April 2015, Song collaborated with co-stars from the drama Beautiful Secret to initiate the "Beautiful Childhood" campaign, aimed at alleviating poverty among children through targeted fundraising and awareness efforts.[65] These activities align with broader post-2010s patterns among K-pop idols supporting disaster relief and youth development, though specific donation amounts from Song's initiatives remain undisclosed in public records. Regarding endorsements, Song has partnered with luxury and consumer brands, often leveraging her influence in fashion and beauty sectors. She became Jimmy Choo's brand ambassador in 2018, a role expanded to global status in July 2024 for the "I Want Choo" fragrance campaign, emphasizing empowerment themes in marketing.[66] She also serves as a house ambassador for Louis Vuitton in China and has collaborated with Moncler on winter campaigns, Cartier for jewelry promotions, and Evisu for apparel lines.[67] In March 2021, amid geopolitical tensions over Xinjiang cotton policies, she ended her endorsement deal with H&M in response to domestic calls for boycotts.[68] Earlier, in 2017, she promoted Syoss hair care products at events in Shanghai.[69] These partnerships have not been explicitly linked to charitable outcomes beyond standard brand philanthropy tie-ins.Discography
Studio albums
Victoria released her debut studio album, Victoria, on May 19, 2020, marking her first full-length solo project after years of delays originating from a planned 2017 launch under SM Entertainment. The self-titled record comprises ten tracks, primarily in Mandarin with some English-language elements, incorporating pop, R&B, and electronic influences; it repurposes her 2018 single "Roof on Fire" and features the lead track "Up to Me," alongside a collaboration with Song Bingyang on "I Miss You.")[70]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Good Stuff" | 3:16 |
| 2. | "Up to Me" | 3:18 |
| 3. | "Miss (怀念)" | 4:19 |
| 4. | "I Miss You" (feat. Song Bingyang) | 4:01 |
| 5. | "Perfect Liar" | 3:30 |
| 6. | "Blame on You" | 3:24 |
| 7. | "官能支配 (Capacity to Dominate)" | 3:47 |
| 8. | "Broken Wings" | 3:35 |
| 9. | "Roof on Fire" | 3:24 |
| 10. | "No Love" | 3:05 |
Singles and collaborations
Victoria Song featured on the track "Loving You" by Chinese singer Zhoumi, released on October 31, 2014, as part of his mini-album Rewind.[73] The song, performed in Mandarin, showcased her vocal contributions alongside Zhoumi's lead.[74] Her first solo digital single, "Roof On Fire" (屋顶着火), was released on March 13, 2018, marking her Chinese solo debut.[75] The upbeat track served as a pre-release ahead of her full-length album and was accompanied by a music video.[76] On May 19, 2020, Song released "Up To Me" as the lead single from her debut studio album Victoria, with a music video highlighting dance elements.[77] The song adopted a retro-inspired sound, blending mid-tempo vocals with 1980s-1990s arrangement influences.[78] In January 2022, she collaborated with actor-singer Xu Weizhou on "Wave" (浪潮), released on January 11 as the lead track for a China Winter Sports theme album tied to the Beijing Winter Olympics.[79] The duet emphasized energetic themes of perseverance, with an accompanying music video.[80]Soundtrack contributions
Victoria Song has contributed original soundtrack (OST) songs to several Chinese television dramas in which she starred as a lead actress, often serving as theme or insert tracks that complement the narrative themes of romance and fantasy. These contributions typically feature her vocals in ballad-style compositions, aligning with the emotional arcs of her characters. In the 2015 music romance drama Beautiful Secret, Song portrayed Fang Yi Wood, a violinist, and provided the ending theme "Star Tears" (星星泪), a melancholic ballad reflecting the story's themes of hidden emotions and pursuit of dreams. She also sang the insert track "Dear Child" (亲爱的小孩) for the same production, emphasizing familial bonds within the plot.[81] For the 2016 fantasy drama Ice Fantasy, where Song played the dual roles of Li Luo and Li Jing, she recorded "Li Luo" (梨落), an OST track evoking loss and ethereal longing that ties into her character's sacrificial journey and the series' mythical elements.[82] Song extended her OST work to the 2016 film My New Sassy Girl, contributing "I Believe You" as a promotional track supporting the romantic comedy's themes of trust and reunion. In more recent projects, such as the 2022 medical drama Beloved Life, she performed "Happy Crying" (幸福的哭泣), capturing the emotional highs of perseverance amid adversity portrayed in her role.[83] These soundtrack pieces, while not always charting internationally, have garnered attention in Chinese music platforms for their synergy with Song's acting performances, enhancing viewer immersion without dominating her broader discography.Filmography
Films
Victoria Song entered the film industry in 2016 with roles in romantic comedies, transitioning from her primary career in music and television dramas. Her early cinematic appearances included the lead female role in My New Sassy Girl, a South Korean-Chinese co-production sequel to the 2001 hit, where she portrayed the titular "sassy girl" opposite Cha Tae-hyun; the film earned approximately $5.7 million worldwide against a $5.2 million budget but received mixed reviews for lacking the original's charm, with an IMDb rating of 4.4/10.[84] That same year, she starred in the Chinese remake My Best Friend's Wedding, playing the female lead in a story of romantic rivalry, though specific box office figures for her contribution remain undocumented in major trackers. In 2017, Song appeared in Wished, a fantasy drama directed by Dayyan Eng, as Ren Xiaoyu, a character central to the protagonist's wishes; the film grossed about 70 million RMB (roughly $10 million USD) in China, exceeding initial expectations despite modest critical reception averaging 5.5/10 on IMDb for its whimsical but formulaic plot.[85] She also featured in City of Rock, portraying Guoguo, a supporting role in a music-themed drama about preserving a rock festival site, which achieved moderate commercial performance in the domestic market but limited international data. Later that year, Wished highlighted a pattern in her filmography of genre blends appealing to Chinese audiences, though critics often noted her performances as earnest yet constrained by script limitations. Song's 2018 fantasy action film Legend of the Ancient Sword, where she played Wen Renyu alongside Wang Leehom, adapted from a popular video game and directed by Renny Harlin, underperformed commercially with only $1.25 million at the Chinese box office despite a nationwide screening mandate, drawing online mockery for poor visual effects and narrative incoherence; its IMDb score of 5.1/10 reflected widespread derision.[86][87] This contrasted with stronger successes like 2022's Post Truth, a comedy-drama in which she portrayed Han Lu; the film topped China's weekend box office with a $17 million opening and totaled over $95 million domestically, praised for its satirical take on social issues despite average ratings around 7/10 on IMDb, underscoring Song's draw in commercially viable ensemble casts.[88][89][90] Other credits, such as The Pioneer (2021) as Chen Xiujuan in a war drama and Mojin: Return to the South China Sea (2022) as Ning in an adventure sequel, contributed to her expanding portfolio but yielded varied box office results tied to franchise appeal rather than standout individual acclaim.| Year | Title | Role | Box Office (USD approx.) | Critical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | My New Sassy Girl | Sassy Girl | $5.7 million worldwide | Mixed; sequel fatigue noted (IMDb 4.4/10)[84] |
| 2017 | Wished | Ren Xiaoyu | $10 million (China) | Modest praise for fantasy elements (IMDb 5.5/10)[85] |
| 2018 | Legend of the Ancient Sword | Wen Renyu | $1.25 million (China) | Derided for execution flaws (IMDb 5.1/10)[86] |
| 2022 | Post Truth | Han Lu | $95 million+ (China) | Commercial hit with satirical edge (IMDb 7/10)[89][88] |
Television dramas
Victoria Song entered television acting with the lead role of Shen Ya Yin in the 2012 Chinese romantic drama When Love Walked In, a 32-episode series in which her character pursues professional ambitions amid personal relationships, marking her debut in narrative-driven storytelling.[2] She followed with supporting appearances before securing prominent leads, often in romantic and fantasy genres where her dance-honed physicality supported action-oriented sequences. In the 2016 fantasy epic Ice Fantasy, Song portrayed Li Luo (also known as Ka Ka), the princess of the Ice Tribe, across 62 episodes; her character's forbidden romance with the Fire Prince Ka Lan propels the inter-tribal war and themes of sacrifice, contributing to the series' central emotional and political conflicts.[2] The following year, she led A Life Time Love, a 54-episode historical romance spanning reincarnations, as Mu Qing Mo, whose enduring bond with the male protagonist across eras anchors the plot's exploration of destiny and redemption.[2] Song's 2020 romantic comedy Find Yourself featured her as He Fan Xing, a 35-year-old advertising executive in a 41-episode storyline focused on mentorship turning into an age-gap romance with intern Yuan Song, emphasizing career pressures and personal growth; the series achieved high ratings, though some reviews noted her performance as competent yet lacking depth in conveying mature emotional nuance.[2][91] In historical and rebirth narratives like the upcoming 2025 drama Fight for Love (40 episodes), she plays Chu Yu, a woman reborn after fleeing an arranged marriage, who strategically weds into the Wei family to alter its tragic fate and ally with general Wei Yun against imperial threats, driving the plot through her calculated alliances and family preservation efforts.[30][2] Her television roles, predominantly as leads in 30-60 episode Chinese series, have prioritized commercial appeal in romance and fantasy, with mixed critical reception: praised for on-screen chemistry and visual presence in lighter fare like Find Yourself, but critiqued by viewers for occasionally one-dimensional portrayals in more demanding dramatic arcs, such as fantasy elements in Ice Fantasy.[92][91] Recent works include Reblooming Blue (2024, 36 episodes) as Chen Xiao Man, central to urban renewal and redemption themes, and Our Interpreter (2024, 36 episodes) as Lin Xi, navigating international intrigue and romance.[2]Variety shows and hosting
Song first gained prominence on South Korean variety television during f(x)'s promotional activities. In 2009, she joined as a regular member of the girl group segment G7 on KBS's Invincible Youth season 1, contributing through farm work challenges and performances that highlighted her adaptability and dance background.[2] From late 2010 to 2011, she appeared on MBC's We Got Married (episodes 1-24 of season 3), simulating a celebrity marriage with 2PM's Nichkhun, which emphasized her charm and led to a notable on-screen couple dynamic known as "Khuntoria."[2][93] These roles, alongside f(x)-specific programs like f(x) Koala (2010) and Hello f(x) (2010), showcased her entertainment versatility in Korea, where group idols typically featured as guests rather than leads.[2] Transitioning to solo activities in China, Song expanded into hosting and mentoring, leveraging her multilingual skills and idol experience for more prominent positions. In 2014, she served as main host for The Ultimate Group, guiding idol formation challenges.[2] The following year, she acted as main host on Sisters over Flowers season 1, traveling with female celebrities to demonstrate leadership in adventure segments.[2] Subsequent MC roles included Beat the Champions season 2 (2017), Super Nova Games season 2 (2019), and Heart Signal season 2 (2019), where she facilitated dating simulations and games, earning praise for her poised delivery.[2] Her involvement grew in competitive formats, often as a mentor emphasizing dance and performance critiques. Notable examples include Hot Blood Dance Crew (2018), The Next Top Bang (2018, main host for girls' team), and Produce Camp 2020 (mentor), programs that underscored her expertise from f(x) training.[2][25] Recent appearances feature regular membership on Divas Hit the Road season 6 (2024) and recurring guest spots on Hello, Saturday (2022–2025), reflecting sustained demand in China's variety landscape over Korea's, where her post-f(x) presence diminished.[2] This shift highlights her evolution from group promotional guest to independent host, capitalizing on China's larger market for celebrity-led entertainment.[2]Awards and nominations
Major music and acting awards
Victoria Song has garnered recognition primarily for her acting in Chinese television dramas, with fewer individual accolades in music compared to her group work with f(x). In 2012, she won the Best New Actress award at the 4th China TV Drama Awards for her leading role in the urban romance series When Love Walked In, which achieved top viewership ratings in China and Taiwan.[5][94] She received nominations at the Huading Awards, a prominent Chinese television honor, including Best New Actress for Beautiful Secret (2015) at the 18th ceremony and Best Actress in a Contemporary Drama for the same series at the 19th.[23] In 2020, Song earned a nomination at the Golden Eagle Awards, China's national television awards organized by the China Television Artists Association, reflecting peer and industry acknowledgment of her dramatic roles.[23] In music, her individual honors are limited; she was named Best Chinese Female Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards, an international ceremony based partly on global sales and airplay data.[95] No major solo music awards from platforms like Mnet Asian Music Awards have been documented for her, with recognition largely tied to f(x)'s group achievements.Forbes China Celebrity 100 listings
Victoria Song has appeared on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, which ranks Chinese entertainers based on a formula incorporating pretax earnings from endorsements, performances, and media deals alongside visibility metrics from print, television, radio, and online coverage.[96][97]| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 14 |