Chinese actor Bai Jingting, beloved for his swoon-worthy role as Sang Yan in The First Frost, has taken a sharp turn in his latest drama, Justifiable Defense.

In Justifiable Defense, Bai plays Li Mu Feng, a character entangled in a complex case involving self-defense, domestic abuse and a haunting incident from 14 years ago.

The story follows senior prosecutor Duan Hong Shan from the city prosecutor’s office handling a case involving a “woman who killed her husband due to domestic violence.” Young prosecutor Fang Ling Yuan from the provincial prosecutor’s office is assigned to assist in the investigation.

During the process of handling the case, they discovered a connection between it and the “excessive self-defense on campus” incident experienced by Li Mu Feng, Mei Zheng and Jiang Ting, which Duan Hong Shan handled 14 years ago. Grounded in facts and guided by the law, the two prosecutors, considering “natural justice, human sentiment and national law,” ultimately provide a definitive resolution to the case.

Bai’s character is central to the mystery, tied to a controversial school case that blurs the lines between justice and morality.

Fans are calling this Bai’s “villain era,” praising his restrained intensity and courtroom gravitas. From delivering sharp legal arguments to scenes of chilling violence, Bai showcases a darker, more layered side of his acting range.

The show’s visual motifs — like the recurring image of Bai holding an umbrella — echo his previous roles, adding emotional depth for longtime viewers.

Bai Jingting (白敬亭), born on 15 October 1993, in Beijing, is a Chinese actor.

In 2014, he debuted by playing the role of Qiao Yan in the youth school drama Back in Time. In 2021 and 2022, he won attention for his performances in You Are My Hero, The First Frost and Reset.